C.H. Booth Library’s Newtown Nonprofit Council has launched a volunteer hub called Get Connected, Newtown!

Sarah Patafio, reference assistant and volunteer hub project manager at the library, said the group was inspired to develop such a resource because “Newtown has a ton of nonprofits, and a community with big hearts eager to serve. It made sense to use a platform to connect organizations with volunteers.”

Thanks to a grant from the Jeniam Foundation, the council was able to bring the project to fruition through Galaxy Digital Get Connected.

According to Patafio, “Organizations can post volunteer opportunities and events. Each organization also has their own Galaxy Digital site page, where they can share photos, contact information, and their mission statement to help introduce themselves to new volunteers.”

Meanwhile, volunteers are able to conveniently track their hours and check in to shifts through the website.

“There is also a feature to ‘fan’ an organization to receive automatic notifications when new events and volunteer needs come up,” Patafio added. “When you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that might fit your interest, you can also filter the postings with criteria such as accessibility, family friendly, virtual, and by community interest.”

A handful of organizations in town have already joined Get Connected, Newtown! and are promoting their upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Patafio noted Newtown Congregational Church is in need of volunteers for its Take-Out Mississippi BBQ & Shrimp Boil on October 23, EverWonder Children’s Museum has several volunteer shifts open to assist with the museum, Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) is in need of drivers, and Newtown Historical Society needs adult and junior docents.

“It’s the perfect time for Newtown’s nonprofits to try something different, something new,” Patafio said.

‘Virtual Volunteer Fair’

C.H. Booth Library Director Douglas Lord shared that the library is happy of be of service to the community with Get Connected, Newtown! and that it benefits all who take part in it.

“Over and over, I have been struck by how engaged, giving, and generous Newtowners are in volunteering their time and talent back into the community that we all love,” Lord said. “One of the reasons the library is so great is because it makes connections between people — and I know this simple tool will help a lot of people discover the many incredible organizations in town and get to know a bit more about what they do. It’s a win-win-win.”

Olivia Scully, information technology librarian at the library, noted that not only does the site focus on the needs of the community, but it also makes the process of connecting more efficient.

“Get Connected is a solution that puts content creation directly in the hands of its participants. It takes out a lot of guesswork to empower Newtown’s many volunteers and organizations to connect with one another. That streamlining means no time is lost getting down to business with what really matters in this context: community service,” she said.

One of the local groups that is already featured on Get Connected, Newtown! is Newtown Lions Club, which has had a positive experience being involved with it.

According to Newtown Lions Club member Katherine Simpson, “The Newtown Lions are proud to have helped identify this new platform and are excited to be among the first adopters. We think the Get Connected technology is terrific. It’s easy to use and well supported by both library staff and Galaxy Digital.”

She is thrilled that the site can be like a “24/7 virtual volunteer fair” and bring more visibility to different nonprofits and service-minded organizations in Newtown.

“Potential volunteers, members, and event participants will have a one-stop resource to connect with Newtown’s service organizations and opportunities, and the organizations themselves can coordinate and collaborate together, nurturing Newtown’s identity as a collaborative community that works better together,” Simpson explained.

She did mention that having mass participation is important for it to become a go-to resource in the community.

“The Lions urge all our fellow service organizations to get on board,” Simpson said. “It’s easy and will save time while giving your opportunities great visibility to our Newtown audience.”

All are encouraged to check out the site and start getting connected today.

The public can visit Get Connected, Newtown! and create an account by visiting newtownnc.galaxydigital.com.

To contact Sarah Patafio with questions or to set up a training, e-mail spatafio@chboothlibrary.org.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.