Volunteer Columbus will host Volunteer Appreciation Day for young people from Lowndes, Noxubee and Monroe counties at the John C. Stennis Lock & Dam in Columbus on Saturday.
The free celebration will feature music, food and entertainment. It is for any volunteer between the ages 5 and 25 from the three counties, said Volunteer Columbus director Renee Sanders.
It begins at 11 a.m. at the Lock and Dam and lasts until 3 p.m.
“Whatever they’ve done, it’s just our way to say, ‘Hey what you’re doing makes a difference and we appreciate you,'” Sanders said. “And this is just our way to say thank you.”
Sanders added that volunteers that did not work with her are welcome. They could have volunteered through their school, church or any other organization in the area.
The party will have a DJ and jump castles provided by volunteers from the Columbus Air Force Base, along with other entertainments. Members of the Lion’s Club will grill hot dogs and hamburgers, and children and teens can get sno-cones and other treats. “Mother Goose” and cartoon characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty will also be there.
More than 20 volunteer organizations will also be represented at the event so people can learn more about the different ways they can volunteer in their communities. There are more than 400 nonprofits in Lowndes County alone, Sanders said.
Sanders currently has 81 volunteers to help with the event. To volunteer for this event or another, call United Way at 662-328-0943.
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