On Thursday, March 7, the North Point Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) held its third annual Volunteer Fair. During the event, parents and teachers from around the county were able to explore the various community service opportunities that awaited them.

For the event, the cafeteria was transformed into a gallery walk with an assortment of decorated tables, display boards, and even live animals. A wide range of organizations, each with a different cause, were represented in the fair. Some of the organizations included the Charles County Literacy Council, which was looking for tutors and help delivering flyers, and the Humane Society of Charles County, which was looking for people to help walk dogs and organize supply drives. In addition to the satisfying feeling of lending a hand, many of the organizations were willing to give students community service hours towards their graduation requirements.

Of the various reasons given by students to why they attended the fair, a common answer seemed to be the urge to give back to the community. “I went to the fair because I wanted to enrich my experiences, but help people in need at the same time,” commented Salma Ansari (’15).

“[The Volunteer Fair] benefits students by giving them places to serve, and brings some of the needs of the county to the forefront,” stated Bob Lohr, the current president of the PTSO. “Although the turnout was lower this year, the people who did come spent a lot of time at each station, so I’m okay with that.”

As this year’s Volunteer fair comes to a close, the PTSO has their hopes set high for next year’s to have an even bigger turnout. As many of the organizations reminded visitors, the fair may be over, but opportunities for service are endless.