A call for volunteers by local organizations
FAIRVIEW LIBRARY Looking to capitalize on the popular New Year’s resolution of many to lend a hand to those in need, several city agencies will host a community service fair today to lure prospective volunteers.
A joint effort by the Santa Monica Public Library, the city of Santa Monica Volunteer Program and WISE Senior Services, the inaugural Community Volunteer Fair will showcase several dozen non-profit agencies who will present a multitude of opportunities to the interested public.
It’s an event meant to benefit both the agencies, which are continually seeking volunteers, and those looking to help out but may not know the best route when it comes to getting involved in community service.
“People are retiring and they have a lot of energy and they want to give back to the community, but it’s not always easy for them to meet with the right volunteer opportunities,” said Catherine Ronan, manager of the Fairview Branch of the Santa Monica Public Library, where the event will be held this morning. “We wanted to match people with the need.”
The roster includes well known agencies within the community including the Santa Monica Conservancy, the Santa Monica Police and Fire departments, Sojourn Family Services, UCLA Medical Center Meal on Wheels, the Center for Healthy Aging and the library itself.
“I have many organizations calling me who would like to be represented, but we don’t have the space for them,” Ronan said. “I didn’t expect this response, I’m thrilled.”
Projected as an annual event based on the response received from interested agencies, city officials expect to see 200 people pouring in through the doors of the branch library.
“We’ll be looking to attract a lot of people, and get people excited about volunteering,” said Ann Hammond, program director for WISE Senior Services. “This whole idea of volunteerism is so important. There are so many organizations doing important work.”
Among the programs for which WISE is seeking help today are Fraud Fighters — a program that informs seniors on how to combat telemarketing fraud — a senior tax advice service and elementary school tutoring.
Agencies in need of help are hopeful the fair can help replenish their volunteer inventory. Meals on Wheels, servicing Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Topanga, has had a hard time finding a helping hand since gasoline prices skyrocketed over the past few years.
Volunteers for Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot meals to senior citizens, cover their own gas mileage.
“We’re definitely looking for more volunteers,” said Joanna Vasquez, director of volunteers at Meals on Wheels. “It’s always hard to get volunteers.”
The non-profit is specifically looking for local corporations to “Adopt a Route,” a program in which employees or appointed volunteers can deliver meals each week on a given route.
Though Vasquez has never participated in a city sponsored fair on this scale, she has solicited help at the local public schools, which she has always found to be a good source for finding volunteers.
Groups outside city limits will also be reaching into Santa Monica for community service-minded individuals. The Venice Family Clinic [VFC], on Venice Boulevard near the Lincoln intersection, will be seeking volunteers to help both in the clinic and at upcoming events, including the Venice Art Walk in May, a fundraising venture for the clinic.
The clinic will be seeking volunteer medical personnel, clinical and administrative assistants, and bilingual volunteers who can service the large population of Spanish speaking clients.
“There’s always a need for people to help us pull medical records or file medical records,” said Jennifer Jiries, development and administrative volunteer coordinator for VFC. “There isn’t a shortage in terms of meeting the daily needs of our patients, but we’re trying to keep everything going [behind the scenes].”
Even the city could use a helping hand. The sponsoring parties also plan to seek help in their respective departments. The Santa Monica Public Library needs volunteers to lead book discussion groups, tutor children in reading and assist with publicity and newsletters.
The city, on the other hand, could use more assistance in the animal shelter, the Farmers’ Market and the after-school homework program.
“We’ve got civic-minded people here and people want to help and give,” said Julie Schatz, volunteer program supervisor for the city of Santa Monica.
The Community Volunteer Fair will take place today from 10 a.m. to noon at the Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 27, 2007. Read the original PDF.