Deck The Chairs has become synonymous with the celebration of the holidays locally for years now, but there is a lot that goes into it behind the scenes to make sure the beautiful displays and lights become a reality.
That is where volunteers come in and Deck The Chairs is currently looking for anyone who would like to lend a helping hand to make this year’s event as memorable as previous years.
Deck The Chairs is a nonprofit imitative focusing on promoting children’s arts and arts education while also instilling some holiday joy for anyone who walks through it.
It will once again be held at its traditional location at Lathan Plaza and Seawalk Pavilion at Jacksonville Beach.
Community support is vital not only in making sure the artwork is visible for display through a public/private collaboration, but it is also important when it comes to volunteering, which is one of the best ways a resident can show their support.
There are many ways a volunteer can offer their time and help throughout the various stages of the process, including with setup and decoration, concessions, as an event ambassador and with break down of the displays at the event’s end in January.
For the setting up of the decorations and displays, volunteers are needed to help with this period the week before Thanksgiving beginning Wednesday Nov. 15.
The day is broken up into shifts depending on what works best with a person’s schedule, and if available, they can also offer up the entire day to volunteer.
Setup is broken down into volunteer skill levels, which include very-skilled volunteer, medium-skilled volunteer and general volunteer.
Among the very-skilled volunteers, include needing at least two people that are strong and can climb to the top of the giant Christmas tree to help string the lights.
Medium-skilled workers are considered those who know what to do with a screwdriver or hammer but are not ready to try operating a skill saw.
And finally, many general volunteers are needed who help with light work and general chair support on a daily basis. That includes helping build the chairs and stringing the lights at each station.
General volunteers can be any adult or high school and middle school students.
The concessions tent on the event grounds at the Pavilion will be open Thursdays through Sundays each week while Deck The Chairs is going on, which means that volunteers are needed for each of those nights. Food items, such as hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be served at the tent along with event merchandise.
The concession and merchandise operation will consist of two shifts nightly with the first one being from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the second one from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The shifts allow for people to choose what date and time works best with their schedule before signing up.
Another way to volunteer with Deck The Chairs is by being an event ambassador, which will be needed on weekends, which are the busiest times for the event.
Ambassadors are tasked with staffing the information booth and walking around to help guests with any assistance needed and to make sure the sponsored chairs are not being climbed on and remain in good shape.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the 2023 Deck The Chairs can go to deckthechairs.org/get-involved/volunteer for more details and to get signed up.
