The township is preparing to host Volunteer Fair 2002, an annual event here.

It will be held from noon to 4 p.m., April 21 at the township library in the municipal complex off Mount Laurel- Mooerstown Road.

The purpose of the event is to create a forum where local nonprofit groups can gather to display information about their unique organizations. Individuals from Mount Laurel and surrounding communities are invited to become involved in their community by volunteering, said Councilwoman Virginia Devery.

The event is open to the public, regardless of residency, and is sponsored by Sterling Bank.

``As a hometown bank, we have always tried to be a leader in our community and this event strengthens our commitment to that goal and vision. We are proud to support an event whose sole purpose is to further the mission of nonprofit, community-based organizations searching for volunteers to help their causes,'' Robert H. King, president, Sterling Bank.

Only 22 organizations are guaranteed a spot. Others will be placed on a waiting list, officials said.

The township library, the site of the Volunteer Fair, tripled its size in 1991 and is now beginning to assess its services to better match the needs of township residents.

The library offers a host of services and programs, including online capability at 20 computers and hundreds of audio books for all ages, library officials said.

The library also has two meeting rooms for community use.

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