Several agencies in need of volunteers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? In these tough economic times some agencies are in need of your service.

One day after the state released unemployment figures for March some Hoosiers have a positive outlook on the economy and the workforce.

"We're thinking outside of the box a little bit," volunteer Barb Miller said.

About a dozen not-for-profit agencies showed up to the first volunteer fair in Edinburgh. Their goal was to find volunteers to help keep the agencies going.

"A lot of the non-profits need volunteer help and they are going about it a lot of different ways," Miller said.

You may recognize the names of some of the groups; Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity are among those looking for help in this bleak economy.

"If you've lost your job, it's a good way to network. It's a good way to meet people, you never know where that next contact is going to come from," Miller said.

Who could forget these pictures of the June floods that hit Johnson County.

Candace Beatty works for Johnson County Community Organizations Active in Disasters. They are an agency that helps people repair their damaged homes.

"We need a lot of volunteers for the construction part of the aspect and also with the rebuilding of the houses," Beatty said.

"People that are getting laid off are looking for things to do. If they can't find work, they want to do something to keep busy," said Susie Hooten with St. Thomas Medical Clinic.

And staying busy is what Barb Miller does. She volunteers because there's nothing better than to give service.

"You're not going to find anybody at home that's looking to hire you, so get out in the community and make some contacts and that's a good way to move forward," Miller said.

Organizers have schedued a second volunteer fair Saturday April 25th at the Greenwood Public Library from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.