HandsOn Network Action Center HandsOn Twin Cities is holding is fifth annual Volunteer EXPO on February 20. The EXPO is the organization's largest signature event of the year. Held each February in partnership with Mall of America, this HandsOn Twin Cities event showcases more than 133 of the organization's nonprofit partners and gives them an opportunity to recruit volunteers while also educating the public about their mission and impact in the community.

Minneapolis St. Paul is ranked first in the nation for volunteerism. The HandsOn Twin Cities Volunteer EXPO is all about connecting people with volunteer projects that interest them and fulfill needs in the community. Along with visiting the nonprofit exhibitors at the EXPO, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, the Be the Change awards, bid on silent auction items and participate in "speed volunteering" activities on-site.

HandsOn Twin Cities has partnered with sponsors to highlight the focus areas of Economy & Basic Needs, Environment, Health and Youth & Education. For example, the corporate Youth & Education sponsor will be involved in leading a "speed volunteering" activity by setting up computer stations and assisting event attendees in answering trivia questions on FreeRice.com in an effort to help end hunger. In addition, "youth friendly" nonprofit partners will be flagged so that the public can identify organizations with youth and family volunteer opportunities.

HandsOn Twin Cities Volunteer EXPO participation is a benefit to the organization's nonprofit affiliates, and the feedback that HandsOn Twin Cities have received from them is positive and encouraging. The Twin Cities community has embraced this event, and attendance increases each year. For more information on the Volunteer EXPO and to view a short video about the event, visit www.handsontwincities.org.