Rev. Terrence K. Porter of Pilgrim Baptist Church.

In one of the more multifaceted volunteer efforts seen in these parts recently, Pilgrim Baptist Church is organizing a Community Work Day this Saturday that will tackle everything from street cleaning to house painting to the creation of accessories for wheelchair users.

Focused on Red Bank’s West Side, the daylong effort includes landscaping work at the Evergreen Terrace public housing apartments; the painting of a senior citizen’s home; a car wash in the church parking lot; a sewing klatch to make convenience pouches for use with wheelchairs; and teams of volunteers picking up trash along the lengths of Shrewsbury and Leighton avenues.

Rev. Terrence Porter of Pilgrim Baptist says the response to his call for volunteers has been gratifying, drawing in volunteers from AT&T’s Pioneers Club and kids from the Red Bank Middle School Avid group. So far, he’s got 90 people signed up, and room for more participants, particularly to help with the street sweeps.

He says he’s disappointed, though, that more non-African-Americans haven’t signed up.

“It’s not reflective of the entire community,” Porter says, but adds that this is the first of what he hopes will be an annual event that attracts volunteers from all of the borough’s ethnic and racial groups.

No special equipment is required, though volunteers should dress appropriately for the task. “This is a ‘show-up-with-heart’ effort,” Porter says.

The day will kick-off with a full breakfast at the church Pilgrim beginning at 8a; lunch will also be provided to volunteers. For further information and/or to volunteer, contact Pastor Terrence Porter at 732.747.2348.

Other events coming up:

SATURDAY: Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps

9am-12:30pm at More than 60 beach locations along the length of the Jersey Shore will get the bi-annual once-over by Clean Ocean Action volunteers from 9a to 12:30p. Locations include Sea Bright (four sites) and Sandy Hook (parking lot E).

Bring gloves, dress for the weather, wear hard-soled shoes and come out rain or shine. Supplies, instruction, and good cheer provided by Clean Ocean Action.

For Clean Ocean Action’s website.

SATURDAY: Autism research benefit

The Mad Hatter Pub and Pizzeria will host an Autism Benefest” Saturday to support Autism Speaks’ New Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism.

The event features children’s activities. including crafts, games and live acoustic music from 1 to 6p. Weather permitting, there will be a beach volleyball competition.

Entrance requires a $10 cover charge, and the event will begin at 1 p.m.

For more information, call the Mad Hatter at 732.530.7861.

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