Community Information Forum helps boost volunteer numbers

By Derek Gean, Commnity Editor, Fort Leonard WoodAugust 15, 2013

Community Information Forum helps boost volunteer numbers
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Despite rainy weather, several community members had the opportunity to learn more about community resources and volunteer opportunities during the Community Information Forum sponsored by Army Community Service Aug. 8.

Rhonda Hutsell, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator said many organizations recruited around 92 new volunteers due to the forum.

"Many vendors stated they think they have recruited some new volunteers for their programs. Many of the 92 individuals were new to post (and) this showed them many programs they did not know about," Hutsell said.

She said 50 vendors took part in the event.

"(People had) great networking opportunities, and vendors did get a chance to show case their programs, some programs have new volunteers, one individual had a job interview."

Kerry Rayford from the Sports Program of St. Robert and Waynesville said the event gave him the opportunity to recruit more students for their sports program and to seek out coaches.

"We want to see more participants coming into our program, and we want to recruit good quality coaches," Rayford said. He said the forum was effective in helping meet those objectives.

Linda Winchester, who works for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, used the event as an opportunity to learn more about the community.

"We are just seeing what is available here and what we might be interested in," Winchester said.

Members of the the 5th Engineer Brigade, 50th and 55th Mobility Augmentation Company supported the expo with breakfast and lunch items.

Hutsell said she was thankful for all the connections made at the event.

"Thank you for attending the Fort Leonard Wood Annual Community Information Resource Expo. It is with sincere hope that (everyone) connected with other professionals and developed new partnerships that will enable program(s) and career(s) to flourish," Hutsell said.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Hutsell at 596.0212.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood on Flickr

Fort Leonard Wood Guidon Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood