The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Several organizations gathered at Ottumwa High School Thursday for a volunteer fair.

This is the first time an event like this has been held at OHS, gathering all the volunteer opportunities in one place to show students the multitude of options they have when it comes to volunteering their time.

Some students already know the value of volunteering, like junior Jennifer Klodt, who has volunteered at her church, Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, the Heartland Humane Society and more.

"Honestly, I just love to smile and it makes me smile," Klodt said. "I love seeing smiles on other people's faces and it just makes everyone happy and makes our community a better place."

For senior Annie Plaen, volunteering her time not only betters our community, but helps prepare for her future.

"People at college look at it and they see you've helped in the community and then it looks really good," Plaen, who is also part of Ottumwa High School's Interact Club, said. 'It just makes you feel good to volunteer."

Some students doubled as presenters, standing at tables to represent the organizations they volunteer for.

"I'd definitely encourage people to get involved and volunteer because especially if you're willing to do silver cord, it's a good way to get scholarships and work on your high school and just get involved," said freshman Chelsie Gates, who volunteers with Iowa Kids University. "I love being around the kids, it's a lot of fun."

Some of the organizations represented Thursday include the Ottumwa Salvation Army, the United Way of Wapello County, the Heartland Humane Society, the Ottumwa Rotary and Iowa Kids University.