JustServe serves organizations that need
volunteers, those willing to help

Looking for volunteers or an opportunity to help others? 

Just visit www.justserve.org a growing source offering to match volunteers with specific projects and advertising those who need help.

Dennis Cammack of Magic Bean Media, a resident of Ojai, told members of Santa Paula Citizen Corps Council (SPCCC) about JustServe at the emergency preparedness group’s recent meeting. 

As part of the continuing effort to ensure that Santa Paula is ready for any disaster, SPCCC (founded in 2006) includes public safety, community activists, the Chamber of Commerce, school districts, city officials and the Red Cross, among others who meet regularly as stakeholders in the community’s wellbeing. SPCCC stages the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair, gifts children with glow in the dark bracelets for Halloween trick-or-treating and spearheaded the door-hanger effort that allows “drive by” checks of the wellness of citizens during emergencies.

SPCCC Chair Steve Lazenby introduced guest speaker Cammack who said JustServe was founded about three years ago as a resource to build volunteerism.

Cammack said JustServe matches faith, nonprofit, community and governmental organizations that need volunteers with those willing to help. 

An added bonus is it links potential volunteers to service opportunities in their own community or region so they can make a difference wherever they are and however they want to serve.

Cammack said a JustServe effort that was close to home was the cleanup of Steckel Park in April 2012.

According to a Santa Paula Times article written by Duane Ashby noted, “Armed with shovels, paint scrapers, sanders, carpentry and masonry tools, tractors, generators, a cement mixer, and buckets of paint and varnish, these volunteers,” more than 200, “from the very young, to those of a more ‘mature’ age, each spent the morning participating in a coordinated state-wide effort to help uplift communities.”

Commack said JustServe also provides the opportunity to “relieve suffering, care for the poor and needy,” as well as “enhance the quality of life in the community.” 

JustServe “Provides cities, schools, churches and nonprofits a platform to list volunteer needs and seeks volunteers... it’s a clearing house,” to match good people with good works.

Ventura County organizations are taking advantage of JustServe with listings in several cities; volunteers just need to sign up and wait for the email notifications when new projects and programs are posted in their area.

JustServe.org is provided as a free service by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but Cammack noted it is not for proselytizing or publicity but “simply a service” to help link community volunteer needs with volunteers.