Now’s your chance: Become a volunteer for the AVA!

The AVA’s kiosk at the Santiam Rest Area on Interstate 5.

Thousands of visitors come to Albany every year, and many travelers stop by the Albany Visitors Association’s kiosk at the Santiam Rest Area just north of Albany on Interstate 5. Making sure they have a good experience is the top priority.

That’s where our volunteers shine, with a smile, a cup of coffee and lots of interesting information about Albany and Linn County.

The AVA has several volunteers but could use a whole lot more to help staff the kiosk, man tables at the many events held in and around Albany every year, and other tasks valuable to the AVA. It’s a good way to meet new friends and share a love for the Albany community.

Many volunteers talk about the interaction with visitors as the best part of the job, helping people find their way when lost, chatting with someone who just needs a rest from driving, or posing for photos in the quaint kiosk, which is modeled after an ornate Victorian home like the ones found in Albany’s historic districts.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or looking for more information can call the AVA at 541-928-0911, stop by the office at 110 3rdt Ave. SE, in downtown Albany, or drop an email to info@albanyvisitors.com. Also, check out the website at albanyvisitors.com.

AVA’s Victorian House at the rest area might be the first – and only – glimpse of Albany many people get and volunteers make the most of the moment. As part of the duties at the kiosk, AVA Ambassadors greet travelers, serve complimentary hot coffee and snacks, hand out maps and brochures, help maintain the kiosk, and talk about the many wonderful things to discover in Albany and Linn County.

Volunteers would work one shift per week, either in the morning or afternoon, May through September.

In addition to the kiosk, volunteer opportunities include greeting visitors at the NW Art & Air Festival, Mid-Winter Square Dance Festival, Willamette Valley Quilt Festival, Christmas Storybook Land, the Albany Summer Interior Home Tour and the Christmas Parlour tour. Volunteers also help out around the AVA office, with tasks such as filling visitor gift bags, taking phone calls, assisting with event weekends as needed to cover the office, and other duties.

Now that Covid-19 restrictions have eased, more events will be available to attend, providing more opportunities for volunteers to meet people and make new friends.

Visit the AVA and find out how you can help!

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