Volunteers in Freeborn County were recognized and thanked at the Volunteer Fair Thursday at Northbridge Mall.

“We’re doing rewards for local volunteers,” Pat Stumme said.

Stumme is the director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Freeborn County. She helped give out door prizes that were donated by area businesses.

“This has been a project of CLOVE,” Stumme said.

CLOVE is the Council of Local Organizations for Volunteer Effectiveness and sponsored the event, which was from 1 to 4 p.m. It’s also celebrating National Volunteer Week and anyone in the community was welcome at the fair.

As well as recognizing current volunteers some of the booths were looking to recruit new volunteers.

“It’s a blast to see St. John’s volunteers come to the fair and then volunteer for other places,” Carla Reichel said.

Reichel is the volunteer coordinator for St. John’s Lutheran Home. She was accompanied by a few of her loyal volunteers and said they often work a lot of hours.

“Volunteers are the busiest people I know,” Reichel said.

Entertainment was provided by the Good Time Band and door prizes were given out. Reichel said the fair is an opportunity to recruit volunteers but also to give thanks to current volunteers.

“The No. 1 reason we’re here is for volunteer recognition,” Reichel said.

Some other booths looking for volunteers were Habitat for Humanity, Freeborn County Historical Society and Arc of Freeborn County. Jo Lowe is the director of Arc and had a table at the fair.

“We use a lot of volunteers and we could always use more,” Lowe said. “Volunteers worked 1,300 hours for us in 2009.”

Bob and Genie Hanson volunteer for the Naeve Hospital Auxiliary and had a booth at the fair. They’re always looking for volunteers to help.

“Anyone looking for an unusual job,” Bob said.

Bob also said people can donate magazines to the front desk at the hospital or volunteer to make blankets with supplies that are provided.

Stumme said she was happy to see the number of booths and volunteers who came to the fair.

“Volunteering is alive and striving here in Freeborn County, which is illustrated by the fact that volunteers are strong and well and they live long,” Stumme said.

Stumme was glad that volunteers came out to see other booths and talk with each other about what they do.

“I’m delighted with the turnout and number of agencies and folks who have come out to talk with us,” Stumme said.

Another booth at the fair was run by Jan Birkhofer of the Freeborn County Red Cross. She said the Red Cross always needs volunteers so she thought it was a good opportunity.

“I’m glad they have the opportunity,” Birkhofer said. “If I recruit even one volunteer it’s worth the time spent.”