BY KYLIE VOLAVONGSA
FOREST HILLS — In March 2020, Forest Hills’ Church-in-the-Gardens hosted its first volunteer fair to connect community members with local nonprofits.
That is, until two weeks later, when the COVID-19 pandemic either slowed or halted the work of new helpers. Five years later, though, the Church-in-the-Gardens tried again — and to its success. The 2025 event connected about 170 volunteers-to-be with 23 organizations and charities.
This time around, the 2026 Volunteer Fair will take place on Sunday, September 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m, at the Church-in-the-Gardens Community House (15 Borage Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375). A few groups involved include Bobbi and the Strays Animal Rescue, Compost Collective, and Reading Partner.
Hal Christensen, a current member and former chair of the Church’s World Service Committee, helped launch that first 2020 fair. It occurred to him that with access to the church’s Community House and gymnasium, the committee had the space and resources to open opportunities among neighbors in Forest Hills Gardens.
“This part of Queens is a fairly affluent area, so people were wanting to look for volunteer opportunities. And we said, ‘let’s see if we can put it together,’” Christensen added.
Those interested are welcome to simply drop by, mingle among tables of various organizations, and learn how to get involved with whatever work catches their eye. Parking passes can be provided to visitors at no cost, too.
“It’s not just for people in this community,” Christensen said. “We have control of the Community House on Sundays; we have a gymnasium there, rooms, and so forth. We want to be able to provide a venue for any nonprofits or organizations that would like to use it, at very little cost and to help in any way we can.”
For more information, contact webmaster@thecitg.org or call Hal Christensen at 917-566-4554. Volunteers are also encouraged to register in advance via Eventbrite.
