Farmingdale State hosting volunteer fair

Farmingdale State College is hosting a regional volunteer fair on Oct. 20 that is aimed at encouraging more Long Islanders to get involved in nonprofit activities such as youth mentoring, disaster relief and free food distribution.

The fair, which expects exhibits by more than 65 nonprofit agencies, is co-sponsored by the Hempstead-based Long Island Volunteer Center. The center recently won a grant of about $110,000 as one of nine regional agencies selected by Albany for the first time to help provide more volunteer opportunities statewide.

A low rate of participation in volunteer activities is a widespread concern.

The Corporation for National & Community Service, based in Washington, D.C., calculates that only 20 percent of New York State residents did volunteer work between 2008 and 2010, the lowest participation rate in the nation. The U.S. average was 26.5 percent; Utah scored highest, with 44.5 percent.

This marks the fifth year for the annual Long Island Volunteer Fair. It is scheduled to start with a 10 a.m. rally at the campus’ Little Theater, in Roosevelt Hall. The fair will follow from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., also in Roosevelt Hall.

For more information, call Judi Cestaro at 631-420-2733, or visit longislandvolunteercenter.org.