Library to host 2nd Kindness Summit

By JON ANDERSON

The Hoover Public Library is planning its second Kindness Summit to give people a chance to learn about volunteer opportunities in the community and is calling on nonprofits to sign up for the event.

This year’s Kindness Summit is set for Friday, Feb. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. on the theater level of the library. People will have a chance to visit each nonprofit’s table and learn more about what the organization does and ways in which they can help as volunteers.

The idea is to help people who want to volunteer their time to find the best place for them to plug in and make a difference, while at the same time helping nonprofits recruit the help they need to serve their constituencies.

Last year, about 75 members of the public attended the event in person, and another 27 people attended a live virtual presentation online, said Shannon Haddock, a program specialist at the library.

As of Jan. 14, 28 nonprofits had committed to be part of the 2023 Kindness Summit, including The Literacy Council of Central Alabama, The Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Special Equestrians, Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, Better Basics, Workshops Empowerment, The Exceptional Foundation, Hoover Beautification Board, Bluff Park Art Association, GirlSpring, JustServe, Hoover Historical Society, CASA of Jefferson County, Hoover Arts Alliance, Alabama Media Professionals, Friends of the Hoover Library, United Ability, Bell Center, Grace Klein Community, Hoover-AHEAD, Firehouse Ministries, Cahaba Riverkeeper, Crisis Center of Birmingham, Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership and American Red Cross.

“I think this is going to be a huge success,” Haddock said. “Now we just have to get people to come. Let's hope we make some great matches for the nonprofits!”