'Get Up Collingswood!' Volunteer Party March 27

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ - Collingswood is looking for new members of the community to give back to the borough’s myriad organizations and festivals. Collingswood will host its volunteer outreach and community party, “Get Up, Collingswood!” on Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Ballroom 315 White Horse Pike.

The free, kid-friendly event gives interested guests a chance to learn about what organizations they can volunteer for directly from borough organizations. “Get Up, Collingswood!” is also a community meet and greet, a chance for folks to meet their neighbors and enjoy a Collingswood-spirited night out while signing up to give back.

Since the inaugural event in 2014 hundreds have attended to learn more about opportunities to be involved, meet the people that volunteer their time to run Collingswood’s dozens of events and clubs and spend time with neighbors and friends, officials said.

“Without volunteers the things we love most about Collingswood don’t happen,” Collingswood Commissioner Joan Leonard said. “Volunteers are vital to Collingswood’s success. Consider coming to Get Up to learn how to give just a little time to keep our programs and events vibrant for years to come.”

Leonard will also be at the festival recruiting new members for initiatives like the Green Festival and Sustainable Collingswood.

For fun, guests can challenge neighbors in games, enjoy kids entertainment, have snacks from Collingswood eateries and drink craft beer and enter to win giveaways, including Collingswood Cash, tickets to Scottish Rite shows and Collingswood merchandise.

Events like May Fair, the Book Festival, Holiday Parade, Green Festival and the Farmers’ Market require volunteers to plan and execute some of Collingswood’s most loved events and sustain important organizations. The goal is to pair enthusiastic citizens interested in giving their time with groups that need volunteers.

“Now 600 bikes strong, the Bikeshare needs volunteers more than ever. People can learn repair skills, provide excellent customer service, and hang with a diverse crew who loves bikes just as much as you do. All ages and skill levels welcome, no strings attached,” Collingswood Bike Share representative Chrissy Spallone said about opportunities to be involved with the Bike Share.

“Some groups need only an hour or two from folks all year. Some need new committee members to help plan and make decisions. There are a lot of opportunities,” Collingswood Director of Community Development Cass Duffey said. “We hope to connect residents with the groups that make Collingswood a truly amazing place to live – and have a little fun, too.”