MADISON – Volunteering in Madison has become easier with an alliance between JustServe and the City of Madison.

“If you’re looking for a way to serve in our community, you are just a mouse click away. The City of Madison is partnering with JustServe.org in an effort to reach volunteers interested in serving our community,” JustServe publicist Wendy Reynolds said.

JustServe promotes volunteerism and connects people in faith, nonprofit, community and government organizations with volunteers. “Finding a project is easy,” Reynolds said. “Just sign up. Within minutes, you’ll ready to help care for others and build your community with no fees or obligations.”

At Madison Street Festival, local volunteers marched behind the JustServe float in the parade. “Festival organizers Sharon Holcombe and Kristen Brown needed volunteers to direct traffic, man the children’s area, help artists set up, assist musicians at entertainment stages and clean up. Sharon posted her service requests on JustServe.org and watched as needed time slots filled up with willing volunteers,” Reynolds said.

“We were very excited with the partnership of JustServe.org and Madison Street Festival. Each year, we require so many volunteers to pull off a fun and safe festival of this size,” Sharon Holcombe said. “JustServe.org filled over 35 slots for MSF this year. Many were the early morning slots of helping with traffic control and lining up parade participants, which are the hardest to fill each year.”

Holcombe found the JustServe volunteers as “the most joyous people. Many volunteers expressed that serving adds so much happiness to their lives. Volunteers ranged from families with children to retired seniors. The MSF Committee plans to continue this partnership and strengthen our bonds with JustServe.org.”

Gayle Milam, Madison City Event and Volunteer Coordinator, said the city “is truly looking forward to partnering with JustServe. Our city government feels that an engaged community is a stronger community. Statistics validate that the higher the volunteer rate in a community, the stronger the cohesiveness between neighbors.”

To access JustServe, visit justserve.org or download the app. In the “Search” box, type “35758” for Madison’s zip code. “You’ll find over 40 opportunities, including Madison City Special Needs Trunk or Treat and picnic on Oct. 28th or planting sapling trees at a local park on Nov. 4,” Reynolds said.