Help turn creativity into greater access to books for children!
We are seeking enthusiastic Volunteer Leads to help guide volunteers participating in the BookSmiles Book Bin Painting Project during RCSJ Serves. Volunteers will transform collection bins into colorful, eye-catching BookSmiles bins that will eventually be placed throughout the community to collect new and gently used children's books.
As a Volunteer Lead, you will help create a welcoming, organized, and fun experience for participants while keeping the painting station running smoothly. VCSJ will provide the project materials, instructions, volunteer lists, forms, and training, you bring your creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm for service!
Volunteer Lead Responsibilities
Volunteer Leads will:
Help prepare the painting station, including protecting work surfaces and organizing supplies.
Welcome volunteers and briefly explain RCSJ Serves, BookSmiles, and the purpose of the collection bins.
Check in pre-registered volunteers using the provided registration list.
Assist volunteers with the required sign-in and waiver process.
Review the bin design and painting instructions with volunteers.
Help assign volunteers to appropriate areas of the bins to prevent overcrowding.
Encourage volunteers to follow the approved design while adding their creativity.
Monitor paint, brushes, and other supplies and replenish the work area as needed.
Assist with cleanup and resetting the station at the end of the shift.
Who We're Looking For
No previous volunteer leadership or artistic experience is required. This role is ideal for someone who is:
Friendly and comfortable welcoming others
Organized and dependable
Creative and enthusiastic
Comfortable giving simple instructions to individuals or small groups
Able to keep a busy project area organized
Willing to help with setup and cleanup
Enthusiastic about literacy, community service, and volunteering
Physical Requirements
Volunteer Leads should be comfortable standing for portions of the shift, bending or reaching while assisting with the bins, handling painting supplies, and performing light setup and cleanup. Because this project involves paint, volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that they don't mind getting paint on.
Training & Support
You will not be doing this alone! The Volunteer Center of South Jersey team will provide Volunteer Leads with project instructions, the BookSmiles design guidelines, volunteer registration sign-in sheets, waivers, supplies, and an orientation before the project begins. VCSJ staff will also be onsite throughout RCSJ Serves and available if you need assistance.
Why This Project Matters
BookSmiles believes every child deserves access to books. Its signature collection bins are placed in schools, businesses, libraries, and community organizations, where they encourage people to donate children's books for redistribution to young readers, educators, and families. The impact of this project continues long after RCSJ Serves ends.
Every colorful bin created can collect hundreds of books, and every donated book represents another opportunity for a child to read, imagine, learn, and grow. As a Volunteer Lead, you'll help other volunteers turn their creativity into a lasting community resource.
