Representatives with the Marion County Public Health Department were recently awarded a grant through a federal program to institute a strategy to organize volunteers.

The grant for $35,000 is for a three-year program introduced by Larissa Van Donselaar from the health department. The goal is to help non-profit organizations expand volunteering opportunities for its members and employees. Public Health will act as a center to connect people to non-profits who are in need of volunteer workers. The department hopes the impact will increase the quality of life and diversity throughout Marion County. Marion County Public Health was one of seven organizations to be awarded the grant and the first health organization.