Several nonprofit organizations showcased their group's work and volunteer needs Saturday at the Dawson County Library.

The expo was held following the Dawson County Homeowners Civic Association's annual membership meeting and was free to the public.

Gina Pendley, director of community awareness for Georgia Mountains Hospice, had a table with informational pamphlets and promotional materials.

"I think the volunteer expo was a great idea," she said. "I don't think a lot of people in this area, especially those who have moved and retired here, know about volunteer opportunities, even if they want to become involved."

Amy Cox helped represent the Dawson Community Food Bank located on Hugh Stowers Road and she agrees that the exposure the expo offered was great for the organization.

"No one really knows about us. We are here to let people know that there is more than one food bank in Dawson County and that it is nice to be a part of the community," Cox said.

"We want to let people know we are here."

Pendley said the hospice needs volunteers and she hopes the expo gets local residents interested in helping.

"I have a total of 50 volunteers from the 10 counties we serve and only a few from Dawson County. So I would love to have a few more from this area to take care of patients from this area," Pendley said.

"I ask that volunteers either go into the homes to sit with patients or to help with the many events we hold throughout the year," she said.

The Upper Etowah River Alliance is also looking for volunteers. Alliance representative Lori Forester explained to patrons what the organization is about.

"We do canoe trips through Dawson Forest a couple times a year. We also do educational programs in the schools, things like teaching students about animals in our watershed," Forester said.