Join the Fun: Volunteer Recruitment Fair & Owatonna Eagles Kickoff!

Are you looking for a way to give back, meet new people, and truly make a difference right here in our backyard? The time has come to roll up our sleeves and celebrate the spirit of Steele County! We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Volunteer Recruitment Fair, which doubles as our official Owatonna Eagles Kickoff event.

Mark your calendars for Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Whether you have five hours a week or five hours a year to give, there is a place for you in our community’s mission to uplift every resident. This isn’t just another meeting, it’s a celebration of community, a chance to find your passion, and a way to support the local organizations that keep Steele County strong.

A Huge Shoutout to Our 2026 Community Campaign Leader

Every year, we look for a local partner who embodies the values of service and community resilience. For 2026, we couldn't be more excited to announce that the Owatonna Eagles are stepping up as our Community Campaign Leader!

The Owatonna Eagles have long been a cornerstone of local philanthropy and social connection. By leading this year’s campaign, they are helping us set the tone for a year of growth, support, and collective impact. Their dedication to "People Helping People" aligns perfectly with everything we do at United Way of Steele County. Having them at the helm means we are heading into this season with energy, experience, and a whole lot of heart.

The Details: When and Where

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to join us. Here is the "need-to-know" info for the big day:

• What: Volunteer Recruitment Fair & Owatonna Eagles Kickoff
• When: April 27, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Where: Owatonna Eagles Club (141 E Rose St, Owatonna, MN 55060)
• Cost: ABSOLUTELY FREE!

This timeframe is designed to be convenient for everyone, whether you’re coming straight from work, picking the kids up from school, or just looking for an afternoon outing. Drop in for twenty minutes or stay for the full three hours!

Sweet Treats and Meaningful Conversations

What’s a community gathering without a little something sweet? To keep your energy up while you browse the various volunteer opportunities, we will be providing FREE cookies and lemonade for all attendees. There’s something special about chatting with a local non-profit director over a fresh cookie that makes the world feel a little bit smaller and a whole lot friendlier.

As you enjoy your refreshments, you’ll have the chance to walk through a "fair-style" setup featuring dozens of local organizations. These groups represent the diverse needs of our county, from youth mentorship and senior care to food security and childcare support.

The Punch Card Challenge: Your Chance to Win $250 for Charity

We know that sometimes it takes a little extra nudge to explore every corner of a room. That’s why we’re introducing the Volunteer Fair Punch Card!

When you arrive, you’ll receive a punch card. As you visit different booths and learn about the incredible work being done in Steele County, the representatives will "punch" your card. Once you’ve filled your card by visiting a set number of organizations, you can turn it in to be entered into an exciting drawing.

The Prize: One lucky winner will get to direct $250 to the Steele County Charity of their choice!

Imagine the impact you could have! By simply spending an hour of your afternoon learning about local needs, you could end up providing a massive financial boost to a cause you care about. Whether your heart is with preschool transportation, the teen center, or mental health first aid, this prize allows you to be a philanthropist in your own right.

Why Volunteering Matters in Steele County

We often talk about "building a better community," but what does that actually look like? It looks like a neighbor helping a neighbor. It looks like a retired professional helping a young person navigate their first career path. It looks like volunteers ensuring that our health initiatives reach the people who need them most.

Volunteering isn't just about the work being done; it's about the connections being made. When we volunteer, we break down barriers and build a sense of accountability to one another. It reduces social isolation, increases our overall sense of happiness, and ensures that Steele County remains a place where everyone can thrive.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Not sure where you fit in? That is exactly what this fair is for! We will have representatives from a wide range of sectors, including:

• Youth Opportunity: Helping young people realize their full potential.
• Healthy Community: Improving health and wellbeing for all.
• Financial Security: Creating a stronger financial future for every generation.
• Community Resiliency: Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow.

Whether you are a "behind-the-scenes" person who loves organizing data or an "up-front" person who loves talking to crowds, there is a role that matches your skills. If you can’t wait until the 27th to see what’s available, you can always check out our Volunteers United page for early updates.

Supporting the Full Lifecycle of Our Community

At United Way of Steele County, we believe in a holistic approach to community well-being. Our initiatives span from early childhood to professional development and senior care. When you volunteer, you aren't just helping one person; you're helping a whole system.  By engaging with Volunteers United, you're ensuring that leadership in Steele County reflects the diversity and richness of all our residents.  Everything is connected, and your time is the glue that holds it all together.

What to Expect on April 27th

If you’ve never been to a recruitment fair before, don’t be nervous! The atmosphere will be incredibly welcoming and casual. Here’s a quick roadmap for your visit:

1. Walk In: Enter the Owatonna Eagles Club and head to the welcome table.
2. Grab Your Card: Pick up your punch card and a map of the booths.
3. Snack: Grab a cup of lemonade and a cookie (or two!).
4. Explore: Wander through the tables. Stop at organizations that catch your eye. Ask questions like, "What does a typical volunteer shift look like?" or "What kind of training do you provide?"
5. Punch: Get your card punched at each stop.
6. Enter to Win: Once your card is full, drop it in the bin for the $250 drawing.
7. Connect: If you find a group you love, sign up for their email list or schedule a follow-up visit.

Join the Movement

We are at a pivotal moment in 2026. Our community is growing, and with growth comes new challenges and beautiful new opportunities. We need your energy, your ideas, and your hands to ensure that no one in Steele County is left behind.

The Owatonna Eagles Kickoff is more than just a recruitment event, it’s a declaration that we are better together. It’s an invitation to take ownership of our community’s future. We want to see our parks full, our children supported, and our families secure. That starts with a single step into the Eagles Club on April 27th.

If you have questions before the event, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at United Way of Steele County. We are here to help you find the path that feels right for you.

Can't Make It?

We’ll miss you! But don't worry: you can still get involved. You can explore careers in the non-profit sector, learn about our accountability standards, or donate directly to the campaign to support these vital programs.

But if you can make it, we promise an afternoon of inspiration, great conversation, and maybe even a little bit of luck with that $250 drawing!

See you on April 27, 4pm - 7pm at the Owatonna Eagles! Let’s make 2026 the year Steele County shines brighter than ever.