Spring is in the air ... and so is volunteering!

Local parks are looking for volunteers to help with spring clean ups. Check out Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Tenafly Nature Center, or the Meadowlands Environmental Center. Also, due to the recent storms, helping an elderly or disabled neighbor by cleaning up the debris that may have fallen on their lawns can be a huge help!

Local food pantries need help. This time of year donations don't come in as readily as at other times. You can help by organizing organize a food drive with your office, school, or house of worship. Call your local Center for Food Action to see what is most needed. Elmwood Park, 201-703-9857; Englewood, 201-569-1804; Mahwah, 201-934-5085.

Spring is when many local non profits hold fundraising walks, rides, and runs. American Cancer Society, Family Promise and the National MS Society will be holding events in local towns. Check out their website to learn more; Walk MS, Relay for Life and Family Promise.

Spring is also when students are looking for summer-time volunteer jobs. Check out the Volunteer Center’s VolunTEENS page to find some great teen and student opportunities. For information about these activities -- and more -- call Debbie Emery at 201-489-9454, ext. 118.