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Spring means it’s time to spruce up Erie’s neighborhoods, and the United Way is leading an effort to mobilize as many as 4,000 volunteers to help clean up local nonprofit organizations between Saturday and April  28.

The weeklong event, known as Days of Caring, has more than 30 projects to choose from at various Erie locations. The projects are of all types and sizes, so there’s sure to be something that fits your schedule and your skill level. Volunteers are needed for activities ranging from general cleaning, such as removing trash and debris, to painting, gardening and making minor repairs. Much of the work will be outdoors, so be prepared for all types of weather.

One of the most popular events is the Presque Isle State Park cleanup, which takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you want to help get the beaches ready for summer, just show up and register at the Rotary Pavilion between 9 and 11 a.m.

To find a schedule of Days of Caring cleanup events or to get involved, visit http://getconnected.unitedwayerie.org.

The United Way of Western Connecticut, in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank, is collecting monetary donations this holiday season for those affected by the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Donations will be used to fund support services for the victims’ families and community.

You can donate online at newtown.uwwesternct.org.

It’s getting a lot easier to volunteer in Erie County.

United Way of Erie County and The Nonprofit Partnership launched its new online volunteer database this morning at a news conference.

Get Connected, or getconnected.unitedwayerie.org, matches aspiring volunteers with local opportunities based on their skill set and availability. Users can also follow local nonprofits and receive alerts when new volunteer listings are posted.

“This is the biggest idea that Erie has yet to get connected to,” said Bob Wooler, executive director of The Nonprofit Partnership, during the news conference. “This is the convergence of need and services.”

Wooler said Get Connected services both youth and adults, highlighting event work, short-term engagements and long-term projects for highly skilled volunteers.

Maj. Les Walter, of the Salvation Army, said the website launch will be especially helpful as the holiday season approaches. The Salvation Army is experiencing what Walter called “volunteer burnout,” as many longtime volunteers have “retired.”

“We’re hoping through this effort, more volunteers step up,” said Walter, during the news conference. “Even if money is tight, you can still give a few hours of your time.”

United Way of Erie County President Bill Jackson said the nonprofit is also looking to expand Get Connected”s reach into local schools. It can be used as a resource to help students fulfill volunteer hours, said Jackson.

Karen Seggi, executive director of Second Harvest, said she plans to use Get Connected with her two children.

“I want (my children) to learn that philanthropy is important,” said Seggi.

To learn more or make a volunteer profile, visit getconnected.unitedwayerie.org.

Image is a screenshot of Get Connected

Get your dancing shoes on!

The United Way’s Zumbathon is taking place at the Bayfront Convention Center on Aug. 23. from 5 to 8 p.m.

All proceeds benefit Erie and Southern Chautauqua counties.

The Zumbathon will feature a DJ, light show, raffles and giveaways.

The cost of the event is $10 per person. Tickets are sold at the Wegmans’ service desk.

We’re in the midst of the United Way of Erie County’s Days of Caring, and there are still several great ways to get involved.

The United Way said that each year, thousands of Erie County residents, including about 500 youth,  come out and do some spring cleaning in their neighborhood during the Days of Caring.

Here’s a few of the current listings:

All week long, volunteers are needed to clean up the area surround the Our Lady Christian School at 606 Lowell Avenue in Erie.

The Robbin Blass Neighborhood Watch needs help cleaning up the Pebble Lake Park at Washington Avenue and Cold Spring Drive on Saturday.

The Westside Squires and volunteers will be picking up trash and landscaping Washington Park and Irving School on Monday through Friday from 4 to 5 p.m.

For the complete listing of openings, check out this spreadsheet.

The Days of Caring last until Sunday.

To get involved, contact Nicole at nicole@unitedwayerie.org of by telephone at 456-2937.

I’m a day late and I apologize, but here are this week’s volunteer opportunities:

Tax season is here

The United Way of Erie County is opening 16 Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across Erie County on Wednesday. It is looking for volunteers to fulfill a number of roles at these sites.

Volunteers who prepare basic and intermediate tax returns are certified by the IRS. The United Way encourages those with tax experience to consider this volunteer opportunity. If you do not, training will be provided.

IRS certification is not required for all volunteer roles.

Here’s a video about VITA volunteering from the United Way’s website:

For a list of opportunities, training guides and more information, visit the United Way’s website.

Deliver Meals on Wheels

The Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels program serves food to 350 homebound elderly individuals, and it does so with the help of 100 volunteers. One hundred percent of its clients are served by volunteers.

Delivery takes place between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., so mid-morning availability is key.

Volunteering days and frequency are flexible.

Learn more at the Meals on Wheels website.

Help those new to Erie

Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers in its Refugee Resettlement Program. Participants can volunteer in the language, transportation or education wings of the program.

Catholic Charities is also looking for able-bodied volunteers to help move refugees into new homes.

For more details and contact information, visit the Catholic Charities website.

As always, if you have an listings or suggestions, feel free to email me.

Graphic courtesy of Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels