Volunteers Find Homes-Away-From-Home at the Volunteer Center

July 22, 2017 - As more than 5,000 volunteers make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh into the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration each year, it makes sense that a central location coordinates and recruits the volunteer ranks.

The Volunteer Center is just that. Located on Schaick Road, near Red One Market Central and the volunteer kitchen, the Volunteer Center is important when it comes to gathering and organizing the volunteers who are a part of AirVenture.

“Not only is it a great location to recruit volunteers, but it also serves as a resource for those who already want to volunteer,” David Leiting, EAA chapter outreach specialist, said. “Folks can stop by and find the perfect volunteer opportunity that fits their skill set. In addition, it is a great location to get any questions answered that pertain to volunteering during AirVenture.”

Areas in need of volunteers can post any and all openings to a conveniently-located whiteboard in front of the Volunteer Center, so prospective volunteers know where they can find a home-away-from-home during the convention.

Like many of the invaluable resources at Oshkosh, the Volunteer Center is, in fact, run by volunteers. Judy Knight, EAA 1160817 and chairman of the Volunteer Center, said she works with each area of the grounds have enough staff on a daily basis.

“Anytime the EAA staff or other chairman of the various areas on the field need volunteers, we try to fill their needs,” Judy said. “I don’t always have exactly the same jobs, but I do know certain areas, such as Operation Thirst, always need volunteers.”

Often, people find out they need additional help with very little time to spare. Judy and the other volunteers at the Volunteer Center are there to make sure everything keeps running smoothly.

“Sometimes it’s last-minute things,” Judy said. “‘My people didn’t show up for today, can you help us out?’ We just try to fill in the gaps.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, or simply learning more about how to volunteer at AirVenture, can head over to the Volunteer Center to gather the information they need to get involved.

“Were open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and if you want to meet new people and help out, come on down to the Volunteer Center,” Judy said.