By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writers
JAMESBURG — It seems to be one of the oldest and more obsolete concepts in existence, however, reviving the time-honored tradition of “neighbors helping neighbors” through a modern tool is the challenge one Jamesburg resident plans to meet head-on.
Darren Larsen decided to take action Sunday night after images of boarded-up homes and for sale signs springing up around borough yards weighed heavy on his mind.
”You know people are hurting,” he said.
So logging onto the social networking Web site he frequents, Mr. Larsen created the group, “Jamesburg — Neighbors helping Neighbors,” on Facebook, sending out a few invitations to friends and acquaintances.
The idea was in the current economic climate, residents who had knowledge or a skill to share could offer services to their fellow neighbors, free of charge.
”One thing about the residents of Jamesburg — we care about our neighbors, and when times are tough, we stick together for the good of our community,” Mr. Larsen said on the group’s home page. “This is not intended to be a place to advertise your services for a fee, but rather a place to share your talents and or barter with others in our community.”
Once invitations had been virtually sent, the response was overwhelming, he said, with the group collecting more than 18 members in less than 48 hours.
The Jamesburg Public Library also had signed on, offering the group computers and space each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon to conduct any training or seminars.
”The direction it’s heading in is amazing,” Mr. Larsen said.
”I’m thinking help with resume writing, financial planning, legal seminars — stuff to really help out during these difficult times,” he said on Facebook.
Already Mr. Larsen has offered residents his services as a disc jockey, while Denise Jawidzik, who, by day, is the borough’s business administrator, has agreed to help disabled residents and seniors with their homestead rebate applications and property tax reimbursement forms.
Mr. Larsen has lined up a computer training session and is in the process of organizing seminars on anything from personal safety to home improvements on a budget.
”I plan to kick it off in full force sometime in September,” he said.
To assist with a service or for more information on “Jamesburg — Neighbors helping Neighbors,” log onto Facebook and search the organization’s name or e-mail Mr. Larsen at [email protected].
