Help Your Neighbors with Hands on Miami

The temperatures should be in the low to mid-70s Saturday morning, perhaps a bit overcast with Hurricane Paloma nowhere in sight.

So it should be a perfect morning to roll up your sleeves and help out your fellow neighbors during Hands on Miami Day. www.HandsonMiami.org

The yearly event is Miami’s largest single day of community service. And it’s not too late to get involved.

While the pre-registration deadline has passed (and with it a $5 savings), volunteers can show up by 9 a.m. at two different locations on Nov. 8:

• Hobie Beach, 4299 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.

• Farm Share Warehouse, 14125 S.W. 320th St., Homestead.

Registration and breakfast is from 8:15 to 9 a.m. at both locations. The cost is $30, payable by cash or check, for same-day, walk-up registration.

At Hobie Beach, the minimum age is 8 years old with an adult. Volunteers will remove debris that could harm or kill marine mammals and turtles.

At Farm Share, the minimum age is 10 with an adult. The packing facilities at Farm Share need a fresh coat of paint. Volunteers can also sort and pack food for needy families.

If you plan to help out on Saturday, event organizers recommend you:

• Dress appropriately for the weather and plan to get dirty.

• Wear closed-toe shoes.

• Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

• Bring a hat.

Every volunteer under the age of 18 must bring a minor waiver form, which is available on the Hands on Miami Web site: handsonmiami.org/specialevents/viewSpecialEvent.php

After your morning of doing good, Hands on Miami volunteers are invited to an after party from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Virginia Key Beach Park. www.handsonmiami.org/HomePage/index.php/party.html


If you already have plans for this Saturday, Hands on Miami has projects all year long. Some are even geared specifically to teen-agers, which can help those important volunteer hours that many high schools require. Check out the Hands on Miami Web site for more information: www.HandsonMiami.org

Attend an orientation session on Nov. 15 so you can help with the Miracle on 136th Street Parade. Volunteers are needed to pass out coupon books, sell Hands on Miami items and help with face painting on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But remember, you first must attend the orientation on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at 8888 S.W. 136th St. If you are interested, please e-mail Judie Stork at judie@handsonmiami.org to sign up.