In times like this cheap and free are our friends, because even if you have money you don't necessarily want to part with it.

That may work out fine for most of us, but think about your favorite non-profit or community group. Are they going to make it?
The answer is maybe, and that could depend on you.

Because just like the rest of us, most organizations love free help (they of course have a better name for it: volunteering.)

I'm not going to go all infomercial on you, but in the cold of winter, with an economic hurricane heading our way, (for only 3 cents a day...wait, no) it's not just everyday folks that are going to hurt, but also the groups that help them.

This weekend SPACE Gallery is holding an open house for a handful of local community groups and non-profits who are looking for some help.

So just who exactly is looking for volunteers?

How about The Maine Historical Society, which, you know, that all important job of uncovering, cataloging and saving the bits and pieces that help make up Maine's past. So that's, you know, kind of important.

If there's not enough gravitas there for you, what about Greater Portland Landmarks, which needs people to lead walking tours of historic neighborhoods and help stand watch at the observatory on Munjoy Hill.

Meanwhile, if you're in the market for something with more access to wide open spaces, fresh air and proximity to livestock (remember, they're cute before they're delicious), then perhaps Wolfe's Neck Farm is more your speed.

And I would be remiss if I did not mention a few friends of the blog who'll also be at the Volunteer-a-Go-Go, The Telling Room and Add Verb Productions

You may recall the Telling Room works with students around the Portland area to help cultivate young writers by holding workshops and publishing their work.

In a similar vein Add Verb works on what they call theater for social change, which in a way is kind of like edutainment. (KRS-One would be proud). Add Verb's shows and workshops focus on subjects like handling relationships, dealing with growing up and everyone's favorite topic, teen sex. Scroll through the NXT Podcast's on the right and you'll find the episode when I got to hang out at a practice for "When Turtles Make Love," Add Verb's production on parents and teens talking about...you know, uh, sex.

If you're interested the open house runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

And if you're looking for more ways to help, take a look at Kathryn Hawkin's guest post on giving after the holidays.

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