April 6-12 is National Volunteer Week, and I can attest that a heaping helping of those who give their time for good causes live right here in Lincoln County.

Based on the events this week alone in The Daily Leader’s calendar, it’s obvious there’s a lot going on in the Brookhaven area, and nearly every one of those activities requires the labor of scores of volunteers.

Saturday’s calendar listing is a prime example. Starting the day is the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League’s annual BarkFest on the Mississippi School of the Arts campus.

The festival is officially from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but registration for the “Color My Paws Race for Rescues” starts at 6:30 a.m. in the Gregg’s Office Supply parking lot across from the library.

BarkFest originated some years back with MSA students who wanted to help BARL and raise awareness of the group’s work in the community. The spacious MSA lawn by Lampton Auditorium is a perfect setting for the yearly springtime family and dog-friendly event. Live music wafts through the air and the campus takes on a delightful carnival atmosphere.

Putting on the annual festival takes an army of volunteers and still more are needed. If you’re interested in helping, contact BARL’s Volunteer Coordinator Jayne Wells at 1lovestorescue@gmail.com or BarkFest Event Chairman Samantha Sivils at samanthasivils@gmail.com or 601-695-1987.

BARL also welcomes volunteers year-round. To find out more, contact BARL at 601-757-4367 or info@barl.net.

For more information on BarkFest, check out the story on today’s front page.

Another big Saturday event is sponsored by the local Friends of the Library to raise funds for the Lincoln County Public Library. Neil White, author of the acclaimed memoir, “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts,” will speak at 6 p.m. at the Ole Towne Church.

A limited number of tickets for this special event are still available at $20 each. A reception and book-signing following White’s speech are included, and White’s books will be available for purchase. To reserve a ticket, contact Nancy Hanks-Myers, Friends co-president, at (601) 833-3144 or modestyann@aol.com.

Tickets also may be available at the door, but Myers recommends calling to reserve them in advance.

White’s speech is the kickoff event for the Friends’ local National Library Week activities. The author program and other events planned for the coming week are designed to raise funds for and increase awareness of the local library.

Friends President Pam Womack and other members of the organization would gladly welcome more volunteers to help with events throughout the year. To find out more, contact Myers at the phone number or email address provided above.

If you can’t donate your time, the Friends also would welcome a donation of gently used books for their fundraiser book sales at the library.

BARL and the Friends of the Library are just two organizations among many, many groups in Lincoln County that need the services of volunteers.

I heartily recommend getting involved in your community through volunteer service. If you need help deciding which organization to share your free time with, look around, ask questions, read The Daily Leader calendar of events and you’ll find many other groups that would also welcome your help.

Our community will be the richer for it.

Rachel Eide is editor/general manager of The Daily Leader. Contact her at rachel.eide@dailyleader.com.