“Are you interested in films?” Bob Martin of the Garden State Theater Organ Society asked a woman as she stopped at his table at this year’s Volunteer Expo at the Loew’s Jersey Theater in Jersey City on April 26.
The eight-hour-long event was designed to bring together potential volunteers for not-for-profit organizations, which always need help to lack of funding.
Martin may have been more at home in the lobby of the historic theater than many of the other 45 organization representatives sprawled out at tables in the lobby. He was making a pitch for people to help maintain theater organs, since one of the organs maintained by the group sits in front of the stage of Loew’s, a popular attraction before classic movie screenings at the theater.
“We’re always looking for people to help us.” – Bob Martin
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The group maintains theater organs in a number of theaters throughout the state, and volunteers play a critical role. No experience is needed. The organization will provide them with the instruction they need.
A place to meet
This was the third annual Hudson County Volunteer Expo held at Loew’s in Journal Square.
While many people want to volunteer, they often don’t know how to connect with organizations or even what all the options are, and the expo was designed to allow each organization to explain what they do and what they need to see if potential volunteers are interested.
Representatives from more than 45 organizations around Hudson County – covering everything from dog walking to anti-gas line protestors – gathered in the historic theater’s lobby, handing out literature about their organization.
The event attracted more than 400 potential volunteers, who expressed interest in a full variety of subjects.
Representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Hudson County, the Liberty Humane Society Animal Shelter, the Attic Ensemble Theater, and Friends of Liberty State Park met people who strolled in to the free event.
Colin Egan, the full-time volunteer director of Friends of the Loew’s, explained, “I’ve worked in the non-profit field most of my life, so I know how vital volunteers are to so many local organizations. But as someone who volunteers, I also know it can be difficult to connect with the volunteering opportunities that are the best fit for you. So we created the Volunteer Expo to be a kind of a ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone who’s even a little curious about volunteering.”
Film festival to pipe line protest
Also at home at the Loew’s event was Joe Harkins of Jersey City, who represented the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, which is seeking volunteers for a film festival scheduled for Oct. 13 to 16. Tasks would include meeting filmmakers and their actors, and promoting upcoming film events around the city.
“All a person needs is to be interested in film,” Harkins said, and perhaps some skills in dealing with the public.
Some organizations, such as the No Gas Pipeline group, were seeking volunteers to help lobby against what they see as a threat to the area: A proposed natural gas pipeline. The group is seeking people to pass out literature and spread the word amongst the general public.
Dale Hardman, a spokesperson for the group, said volunteers play a number of roles in this effort, and pointed to the work of visual artist Anna Almquist, who made some of their graphic displays for the organization.
Sam Pesin of Jersey City has a familiar name, partly because it is the same name as his father, who is so associated with Liberty State Park in Jersey City that it is difficult to think of one without the other.
Pesin came to the Loew’s event seeking volunteers for a gardening project that is underway at the state park.
“We’ll take as many as we can get,” he said. “They don’t need experience, although we would need a parent’s permission for anyone under the age of 16.”
Katie Sheehan, of Journal Square CSA, had come to the event looking for people who might be interested in doing a little organic farming. Volunteers would travel out to Sussex County and get a little taste of the earth – although in this case, volunteers have to pay a fee to join the farming.
Tara Mideaker of Bayonne came to look over the various opportunities for her to volunteer. She was particularity interested in offerings at Christ Hospital, since she will shortly receive her certificate as a medical billing.
“I took a course in medical billing, and I’m looking for an opportunity,” she said, “to get more experience in the medical field.”
Alex McCartin, spokesperson for Christ Hospital in Jersey City, said they had a variety of opportunities throughout the hospital, not critical services, but services that help support the medical efforts. The hospital has more than 50 volunteers currently and has room for more. No experience is needed.
Father Kevin Morris, director of patient care services, said the hospital always needs volunteers for non-skill service.
Ginger Kipps, of the Attic Ensemble, always needs hands to help with productions – from selling tickets to behind the scenes stage hands. With four shows scheduled already, the company may use as many as 20 sets.
The Hoboken Homeless Shelter is always looking for people to help, said Richard Hogue. In tough economic times, there is always something for someone to do at the shelter, even if it is a donation of clothing or food.
Christine Goodman of Art House Productions in Jersey City said she is looking for volunteers to help with production and the construction of sets.
Michelle ValDespee, of Jersey City, said she already volunteers in Liberty State Park, but was looking to see what else she might get involved with.
Retired after 42 years of law enforcement service with the New York Police Department, she said she likes to be involved.
“I came to see what there is,” she said. “While I don’t like to spread myself too much, I like learning new things.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.