Volunteers needed to count the homeless Volunteers are needed for an all-out effort that will last through the night and into the early morning hours to find homeless persons living on the streets.

For the past five years, the city Department of Homeless Services, with the assistance of Project Hospitality volunteers, has canvassed overnight to find non-sheltered homeless people on Staten Island, who can be provided with life-saving services. In addition, city agencies gain a clearer idea about the extent of homelessness in the borough.

Working out of an assigned base, volunteer teams will fan out on the night of Jan. 26, into designated neighborhoods and search for people in need of help. An experienced social-service worker will lead each team.

The evening will begin with brief training at 10:30 p.m. The street survey will conclude by approximately 3 a.m. Sixty or more community volunteers are needed.

If you, someone you know, or a group of which you are part can help, call Gretchen Boeskool, coordinator of volunteer services, at 718-448-1544, ext. 165. Or you can reach her by e-mail at Gretchen_Boeskool@projecthospitality.org

Based in Port Richmond, Project Hospitality is an interfaith effort to shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, and care for people with HIV/AIDS.

GET OUT THE CLIPPERS

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods will head up a Forest Restoration Workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the intersection of Manor Road and Rockland Avenue. Call Dick Buegler at 718-761-7496 for more information.

The group will attack an English Ivy infestation near London Road. The ivy will be removed so that native wildflowers, trees and shrubs can reclaim the site. Gloves, plants, tools and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend.

PICK UP A SHOVEL

The Snow Shoveling for Seniors program operated by Where to Turn has enlisted 500 student volunteers. If you haven't already signed up, you can still get in on the action. There are nearly 2,000 seniors still without a volunteer and there is plenty of time left for Mother Nature to create a problem for them.

Students get 10 hours of community service. Contact Dennis McKeon of Where to Turn at dennis.mckeon@where-to-turn.org or call 718-966-6531. If you are a faculty member or administrator or a student leader, ask him how to involve students in your school.

Helping Hands is a clearinghouse for nonprofit groups in need of volunteers. Agencies needing help may direct press releases to "Helping Hands," Staten Island Advance, 950 Fingerboard Rd., Staten Island, N.Y. 10305 or e-mail shores@siadvance.com

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