More than a dozen organizations manned booths at the inaugural "Volunteer, Wareham" fair, hosted at the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene on Saturday.

For two hours, anyone interested in helping the community was able to talk to representatives from the organizations and sign-up for whatever kind of work they were willing to do.

From food pantries and soup kitchens to animal shelters and youth programs, there were many options to choose.

"Philosophically, all of these organizations are doing something to make the quality of life in Wareham better, so the more people that get involved in that, the better," said Pastor David Shaw of the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene and organizer of the event.

The need for volunteers is never satisfied as people come and go, and the work to better the community is a steady cycle.

For those at the Good Shepherd's Table, Wareham's first soup kitchen, at least four volunteers are needed to serve to-go meals from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays.

The commitments can be anywhere from a couple hours a week to a few days a week, depending on how much time a person can give to any individual cause.

Within a month, Shaw was able to organize the event by contacting multiple organizations around town. For two weeks, he was able to advertise it.

He hopes to host the event again, either annually or bi-annually. Next time around, with more publicity.

Some organizations present include CHAMPS animal shelter, the Council on Aging, Turning Point, the Onset Bay Association, Learn Your Options, The Clothing Room, Hope of Home, Nights of Hospitality, Family Engagement Champions, the Gleason Family YMCA, and the Salvation Army.