Give Time. Get Involved. Be Inspired.

"Helping each other helps Hoboken." It's that simple, say Hoboken Volunteers founder and executive director Tim Occhipinti.

"It's about getting people into the mindset of giving back, while connecting them with a like-minded crowd," he says. "The most important thing is getting the information out there, so that people know where they're needed."

Launched in December 2009, HV is already well established in the Mile Square. The HV Facebook page has more than 600 fans, all of whom receive the monthly HV newsletter detailing available projects. Most of the members fall into the 24 to 32-year-old demographic, though the group is open to all.

"I think we all have really put something special in place that will continue to help the community for years to come," says Ed Wentzheimer, the HV finance director.

In addition to connecting volunteers with groups, organizations, and foundations that need their assistance, HV is bridging the gap between "new Hoboken" and "old Hoboken", a division many in the Mile Square know well. Most of the organizations seeking assistance are run by the old guard, while the volunteers are among the newer Hoboken arrivals.

"Whether you have been volunteering in Hoboken for years, are new to the area, or just want to volunteer when you have free time, we are here to help," the organization promises. "You will find that volunteering offers rewards beyond measure."

The organization is Occhipinti's brainchild. He says he was spending too much time watching television and  felt inspired to find ways to give back to the community.

He searched the web for volunteer opportunities in town, and was frustrated by the lack of a collective directory.

"I figured why not create a one-stop shop?" he says. He immediately enlisted the help of Ryan Orabone, and together they set to work creating a website where would-be volunteers can connect with organizations, foundations and groups seeking assistance.

"It was honestly supposed to be a static, content-driven website," Occhipinti says. "A place where volunteers could find information, and it would be up to them to contact the organizations."

Less than a year later, he says, "it's become so much more."

Along with board members Orabone, Wentzheimer, Taryn Crosby and Mike Novak, Occhipinti has created an organization that not only connects volunteers with existing opportunities, but also organizes new projects and events.

In its first five months, HV raised money for Haiti, the Jubilee Center and the Hoboken Homeless Shelter; planted a public garden; organized trips to Habitat for Humanity projects in neighboring towns and partnered with 16 local organizations. The site has recruited volunteers for 1 Day Hoboken and the Arts and Music Festival, among other activities.

HV does not currently track volunteer hours, but hopes to create a way of doing so in the future.

"The biggest challenge to date has been answering speculation about what we actually do. Anytime there is a new organization vying for your attention there are going to be questions and scrutiny," says Orabone. 

Regardless, the board knows the HV model is successful. 

"We essentially catalog what is going on in the community and allow people to take their own initiative to volunteer. And it works!" Orabone boasts. "Its a soft-sell with no attached commitment and thats what people want. No one wants to be forced into volunteering." 

Even without a tracking method, local businesses are recognizing what the organization is doing for the community, and are in turn showing their support for HV.

"They've been amazing," Occhipinti says, "they're giving material, time, labor, everything, all at minimal or no cost." The Office provided free printing; QX Designs, free web design; JRP Design, graphic design materials; several other organizations have sponsored the monthly newsletters. Solid Threads helped print the red HV t-shirts at a discount.

In February, HV hosted its first fundraiser: the Chili Cookoff for a Cause, at The Shannon. Fifteen teams battled for the top prize, and more than $800 was donated to a the American Red Cross's relief efforts in Haiti. HV is already planning cook-off for 2011, says Occhipinti.

For Earth Day, an HV group planted a public vegetable and flower garden in a park on Jefferson Street. The city administration and the 14th Street Garden Center donated supplies and labor  for the project.

"When members of our community work together on worthwhile projects like this Earth Day garden, everyone benefits," said event organizer Alaina Restivo.

Community organizations are encouraged to post their events and volunteer requests on the HV web calendar. Occhipinti recently added two new board positions, naming Alaina Restivo and Erin Muller to the board as community liaisons. They will help track down events that are not posted on the calendar, and organize new endeavors. 

"I'd love to continue expanding," Occhipinti says.

As their motto says, "Give time. Get Involved. Be Inspired." That's all that the Hoboken Volunteers ask. The concept is simple and the rewards endless.