Area human services agencies organize second annual event to engage volunteers and increase awareness of the many organizations and services available to those in need

 GREENFIELD, MA – A group of Franklin County human services organizations today announced the Community Opportunities Festival, to be held Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Greenfield Community College.

The event is being promoted with the theme of "Give. Get. Connect." to raise awareness of the organizations and services available to Franklin County residents – whether they require assistance, know someone else who does, or would like to volunteer their time and support at a community organization.

The Community Opportunities Festival will feature a wide variety of activities, organizations, information, and entertainment to engage attendees of all ages – from college students to families with children to senior citizens.  "This event captures the very spirit of our community – good people looking to do good things for good people in concert with good organizations," said Bob Pura, president of Greenfield Community College."GCC is pleased to collaborate with others in this endeavor."

The event will be held, rain or shine, under a large tent on the East Building lawn at Greenfield Community College's main campus. Among the opportunities:

A variety of on-site health checks, including the Lion's Eye Mobile providing eye checks as well as glaucoma and blood pressure checks.

• Live local musical entertainment provided by the Thaddeus Hands Band
• Hula-hoop performances and instruction provided by A Whole Lotta Hoopla.
• A fortune teller and other games and performances
• Light refreshments provided by Greenfield Community College.
• Raffles and a wide variety of giveaways.

The main attraction of the event will be an expected two dozen or more participating human services agencies and community organizations, such as the ACT Volunteer Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County, Greenfield Community College, Greenfield Volunteers in Public Schools, The Recover Project, RSVP of Franklin and Hampshire Counties, and the United Way of Franklin County. To learn more about the event and participating organizations, please visit https://www.givegetconnect.org.

Mary McClintock, '82