City puts out call for more volunteers

Attention friendly residents: The City of Chester needs you.

Having recently taken over the day-to-day operations of the Chester Welcome Center, the city is now looking to expand its roster of volunteers.

To that end, the city is revamping its Making a Difference Volunteer Program and putting out the call for residents to get involved.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of a community and we appreciate the vital role they play in helping us deliver high-quality community services," says Recreation Director Patti Carter. "It takes a ton of people to make these things happen, and we want to get more people involved."

Carter is especially looking for volunteers to staff the welcome center and act as tour guides during the riverboat season from June to October.

Welcome center volunteers hand out brochures and information, give directions, offer suggestions and take photos for tourists. Shifts are during weekday and on weekends, range from 2 to 4 hours a day, and can be once a month, once a week, twice a week, or whatever your schedule can accommodate.

Currently, the center has six volunteers, but Carter would love to add another dozen to the roster. On days when there are no volunteers available, only the center's restrooms are accessible to travelers.

Carter stresses that training is provided for all volunteers, especially those staffing the welcome center and serving as tour guides when the riverboats come to town. "There are scripts," she assures potential volunteers who worry they won't know what to say.

Riverboat tour guides even get a $40 stipend since those shifts tend to be four hours.

"We recognize the huge contribution our volunteers make," Carter said.

The revamped program is also going to put a special emphasis on recognizing Chester's volunteers.

So far, Carter is planning some sort of recognition event - "maybe pie and coffee" - during April for National Volunteer Month, an official thank you at a city council meeting, an event in August during the height of the season, and a bigger awards dinner in December.

The Making a Difference Volunteer Program has opportunities that fit a variety of ages, interests and skill levels - it's not just about staffing the welcome center. Some activities are regular and ongoing, while others are one-time events.

Volunteer are needed for the Spring Fling and Easter egg hunt; Fall Festival; Christmas on the River (Reindeer Games, Parade, Fun Run, Community Tree Lighting, Santa's Village); Recreation Ball (baseball, softball, T-ball, toddler T-ball and wee ball); soccer (spring and fall); farmers market; solar eclipse; and other events as they arise.

Volunteers staff the welcome center; Cohen Memorial Home; and serve as Riverboat volunteers and tour guides.

The city also sometimes needs general office assistance (folding flyers, stuffing envelopes, making signs, distributing marketing material) and the occasional musician.

"If you have a special skill that could benefit the community, our activities and events, please let us know," Carter said.

"When people are involved, they have ownership. And the more people who have ownership, the more people want to see things succeed."

Still on the fence? Carter wants to remind residents that volunteering isn't just good for the community, it's good for you too.

"Volunteering can help you meet and make new friends, learn new skills, and even feel happier and healthier," Carter said. "There are so many benefits to volunteering, and it truly feels good to give back to our community."

For more information, look at the active programs and available opportunities at www.chesterill.com or call the recreation office at (618) 826-1430.