Thanks to our Volunteers!

For many of our volunteers, time spent at Sauder Village means much more than just giving train rides or selling souvenirs in the Gift Shop. Volunteering at Sauder Village often provides an opportunity to meet people from around the world, spend time with special co-workers, and help keep Erie Sauder’s dream alive.

This week we are celebrating “Volunteer Appreciation Week” – an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the many volunteers who share their time and talents at Sauder Village. In 2009 our volunteers gave 14, 512 hours of their time and our young Junior Historians volunteered 2,500 hours – amazing! Our top volunteers for 2009 were Mark Breininger with 340.75 hours in the Cooper Shop and Vivian Taylor with 336.75 volunteer hours in the Gift Shop. A special thanks to these top volunteers and to the many other special people who help make Sauder Village a recognized destination in northwest Ohio.

While the jobs may vary, the volunteer profile remains the same . . .friendly, outgoing individuals, who enjoy working with people! There are opportunities to provide administrative support, help with collections or educational programming, work in the historic gardens or help in the Gift Shop. Volunteers also work as historic interpreters, help with historic trades, and help in the Quilt Shop.

“People interested in volunteering this season should call or stop by the Sauder Village Welcome Center for an application,” said Sharon Fellers, volunteer coordinator. “We’ll do our best to work with you and your interests to find the best volunteer opportunity for you!

It takes the support of many people to continue the legacy Erie Sauder started so many years ago. “Volunteers play an integral role at our non-profit organization and we are thankful that so many people throughout the tri-state area share their time and talents with us every year,” shared Kent Nafziger, Director of Development.

We offer our volunteers flexible scheduling, complimentary meals when they volunteer, opportunities to attend special programs and workshops, and discounts on admission and purchases. Other volunteer benefits include the opportunity to meet many interesting people from around the world, make new friends, explore interests and discover new ones, and help enrich the community. Give us a call for more information on how you can get involved as a volunteer!

Thanks again to all of our volunteers! We truly appreciate all that you give to Sauder Village.