Last Saturday, a group of us joined forces to hold a first for our area - a Volunteer Fair. Ten different organizations set up information stations at the Conway Community Building. We had a really light turn out from the public, yet this was one of the best networking events I've ever been involved in.

Each of us took just a few moments to introduce ourselves to the others and tell a little bit about our organization. As president of our Practical Parenting Partnership (PPP) at Conway Elementary I was able to talk about how we assist the teachers, students and families during the school year.

Janet from the Conway Senior Center talked about the meal program at the center and her volunteer opportunities. The light bulb went off - Janet was looking for someone to deliver meals to home bound seniors each Wednesday at lunch time. I told her I knew just the person, or in this case the couple, and I'd send them over to see her. My parents stopped by Tuesday and started this week delivering hot meals.

Megan from the Lebanon Humane Society brought puppies for us to play with. She was able to give us an update on fund raising for a new shelter. She was also able to educate us on how the public can assist the Humane Society. I had no idea before talking with Megan that my eleven year old daughter could in fact volunteer at the shelter on her own. After filing out the paperwork, and staying with her the first day, if she proves responsible, she can actually be left on her own.

The American Red Cross introduced their new youth program, the COPE House talked about their services for women, and the Pink Ladies at St. John's Hospital reminded us some one can get involved with their group with only four hours a month.

One organization that is a new comer to the volunteer realm - the Laclede County Health Department. The health department is just beginning to use volunteers; they are just beginning to train local citizens. Their primary need is for volunteers during a major weather catastrophe, or out break / epidemic.

Kathy Smith from the HD brought along an emergency kit. Her example was in a rubber maid container but she mentioned her personal kit was in a back pack! Easy to grab and go quickly. ( I love this idea!)

Kathy gave a few other pointers for creating your own emergency kit:

    1. Buy a few items each trip to the grocery store. No need to break the bank putting this together. You'll hardly notice
        a cost if you add items over a few weeks.

    2. Change your emergency kit items twice a year, ideally when you change your clock back or ahead.

    3. Make a list of any medications you and your family take. Keep the list in a waterproof bag in your kit.

    4. Create a kit for your pets too.

    5. Create a kit to keep in your car as well as in your house. One for your work place is also a good idea.


What to put in your kit? Kathy recommends these items:

    1. Bottles of water. Ideally a gallon of water for each person in your group.
    2. Canned or dried food:
        peanut butter
        dried fruit
        canned juices
        ready-to-eat meats, fruits, vegetables
        tuna
        "comfort" food such as chocolate and candy
    3. Basic supplies
        flashlight
        batteries
        heavy duty tape
        matches in a waterproof container
        paper and pencil
        plastic garbage bags with ties
        toothpaste
        prepaid, long-distance calling card
        a whistle to signal for help
    4. Special items
        dental supplies
        entertainment items, such as a deck of cards, board games, etc
        feminine hygiene supplies
    5. First Aid Kit
        safety pins
        washcloths
        scissors
        sunscreen
        soap
        tweezers
        peroxide

Because of meeting Kathy at our volunteer fair, I have started creating kits for my own family.

To read more about creating an emergency kit, visit READY AMERICA

If you'd like more information on how to create your own volunteer fair, feel free to contact me.

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Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty, at 417-468-5900 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, or Buffalo, Missouri.