Thanks to its community investments in many local nonprofit organizations, The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) has strong ties to those who need volunteer help - and that list is growing.  This month, TCF is launching The Volunteer Hub, a complimentary service to Darien residents interested in finding just the right local volunteer opportunity.  Individuals contact TCF’s Volunteer Hub Hosts, and those “volunteers for volunteering” will personally guide participants to the organizations which best match their skill set and areas of interest. Due to the most agencies’ strict age requirements for volunteers, the service is geared to individuals preferably ages 14 and up.

Potential volunteers will call The Volunteer Hub at The Community Fund of Darien at 203-202-2098 or complete a confidential Volunteer Interest form online at www.communityfunddarien.org/volunteer-interest-form. One of TCF’s Volunteer Hub Hosts, Jessica Brokaw Cahill or Celeste Marsh, will respond within 24 hours for a personal one-on-one conversation to better understand the individual's interests, which may take place in person or via telephone. From there, the Host will make an introduction to the volunteer manager at the organization which suits the applicant best. Volunteer Hub Hosts will follow up within one week and again in one month to make sure that volunteer and agency relationships work for all parties.

“We’ve heard from Darien residents that they wanted to be more involved in our community and didn't know how to get started,” explained Janet King, Executive Director of The Community Fund of Darien. “Since TCF has such extensive knowledge of local nonprofits, we want to use this expertise to create a personalized matchmaking service for Darien residents to find their dream volunteer position and support these organizations with their skills.”

Quotes from Nonprofit Partners
“The Darien Community Association (DCA) relies on volunteers to fulfill our nearly 100-year-old mission. We are excited to participate in The Community Fund of Darien’s new Volunteer Hub. We think it’s a win-win for both nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers, and people in the community who are looking for a way to give back.”  Amy M. Bell, Executive Director of the Darien Community Association
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​“Volunteer Hub is the missing link! Norwalk Community Health Center is a high impact local nonprofit with a new, under-the-radar, volunteer program. Our volunteers are key to wellness initiatives that complement our core services. Without a dedicated volunteer coordinator, there isn’t always time to make those connections. We’re excited to have Volunteer Hub in our corner, bringing the right people together with the right causes.”  -- Betty Cordellos, Director of  Development and Communications for Norwalk Community Health Center.

Gentlemen, channel your inner lumberjack and join The Community Fund of Darien for a men’s charity night of axe throwing on Thursday, November 4th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Mather Homestead, located at 19 Stephen Mather Road, Darien!  First timers welcome -- a trained axe master will walk you through the throwing technique, and lanes are safely gated off.  
 
The evening includes Two Roads Brewery beer provided by Sipstirs, a Litchfield Distillery Bourbon tasting, nibbles from The Butcher Shop, and a few other surprises. Limited tickets ($60) are available at www.communityfunddarien.org; all proceeds benefit 30 local nonprofits addressing community needs such as hunger, homelessness, mental health, domestic violence, and gaps in education.