Community Service Week April 8th – 13th

by Rachel Dahl -- The Fallon community will join with JustServe.org to celebrate Community Service Week from April 8^th-13^th. Community groups, several different churches, and the City of Fallon will all work together throughout the week to offer service and bring attention to the role volunteer service plays in a healthy community. JustServe.org provides an online resource where community organizations can list volunteer opportunities and those wishing to give of their time can find places to help. Originally started by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints over three years ago, JustServe.org now expands far beyond church walls. The idea is to connect people who want to volunteer with projects that “help those in need and enhance the quality in life in the community.” During Community Service Week this year, Friends of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is sponsoring a Lego themed 5K fun run, the City of Fallon will be holding their 18th annual Keep Fallon Green event, and the Churchill County Library will have a book wrapping project. All available projects along with dates and times can be seen on the JustServe website at www.JustServe.org. Tara Koenig is the JustServe community relations specialist and is responsible for coordinating and overseeing Community Service Week and the JustServe organization in Fallon. "JustServe connects people who want to volunteer with different projects, hoping to unite the community through service all year long," she said. All community members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the week-long celebration by chosing a project and volunteering. Projects are available for individuals, families, and groups. Any non-profit organization can post their service projects on the website, and potential volunteers can sign up for projects, not just during Community Service Week, but at any time throughout the year, said Koenig. Just Serve does require that projects do not directly involve volunteers in fundraising or have a political or religious advocacy component. JustServe does not discriminate against race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Local ongoing projects listed on the website include the Fallon Youth Club for volunteer opportunities for role models to help with homework after school, Churchill County Social Services is asking for help hosting their 10 week “Parenting Project” class beginning April 23, and Nev Dep of Wildlife needs volunteer to help count sage grouse and bighorn sheep. Other opportunities can be found at the www.JustServe.org" and many of the Community Service Week activities are listed on The Fallon Post’s community calendar at: www.thefallonpost.org/events/   Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon. Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page.