Volunteers needed at rail depot

The City of Aiken needs several residents to hop aboard and help get the Aiken Railroad Depot rolling by volunteering.

The Friends of the Aiken Railroad Depot and the City of Aiken are looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks. People are needed to answer the phones, assist visitors, book tours and reservations, conduct tours, do some clerical work and more.

Tourism Supervisor Barbara Gassman with the City of Aiken will be the only staff person working in the depot. Gassman said that the city would like to have at least two volunteers working at the depot at all times. The depot's hours are currently set for Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Group tours may also be scheduled on Monday or Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with advance notice.

Gassman hopes that the hours of the depot will later be extended.

Two training classes will be offered, each lasting two hours, Gassman said. A tour of the depot will also be offered to prospective volunteers so they can see firsthand how to direct others through the museum or answer any questions from visitors. Training classes begin Aug. 23.

Gassman said anyone who likes working with people will enjoying volunteering for the depot. She said that she hopes a lot of people come out to volunteer for the depot in which she believes will be a valuable asset to the community.

"The depot is not only a museum, but a visitor's center," Gassman said. "I think it's going to provide an intricate role in the economics of our community by helping visitors to know and understand our community and perhaps spend a little more time here - spending money in our community."

The Aiken Railroad Depot will officially open Sept. 18.

To get more information on volunteering, email Gassman at bgassman@cityofaikensc.gov or call 293-7846.

Contact Amy Banton at abanton@aikenstandard.com.