The Manufacturer and Business Association (MBA) helped connect businesses with Erie area nonprofits during a volunteer fair Thursday.

Many of the nonprofits were seeking support from local businesses including volunteers

MBA representatives said when businesses help charities, everyone benefits.

"We know for many of our business members, it's a great way to give back, not only to the community but to their employees [and] to do team building," said Lori Joint, MBA vice president. "They're looking for opportunities, and we know there are so many volunteer opportunities out there."

Organizers hope to make the volunteer fair an annual event.