Phillyanthropy

Get Up, Get Out, Get Involved

by Dana Henry

Last month, Philly Spring Cleanup removed more than two million pounds of trash and brought out an estimated 15,000 civic-minded Philadelphians. Although it was the country's largest urban cleanup to date, there's still plenty of work to be done. The Fairmount Park Commission and Philadelphia Cares are teaming up for this day to beautify Fairmount Park's 9,200 acres, from Kelly Drive to neighborhood playgrounds. Volunteer tasks include gardening, repairing trails and planting trees. Visit gpcares.com or e-mail volunteer@gpcares.com.

The Peoplehood parade and pageant isn't the only way Spiral Q Puppet Theater fosters inner-city expression using puppets as socio-political props. For their latest project, the organization has helped 250 fifth-graders at Feltonville Intermediate make 30 puppets for their upcoming "We Are ...We Come From" parade. If you want to support the little artists and their larger-than-life creations, marshals are needed. Call 215-222-6979 or e-mail spiralq@spiralq.org.

As Colonial Theatre installs their restored pipe organ, they could use a little help from their friends. Assistance is needed with both lifting and painting in the Phoenixville venue, which plays host to the annual beloved BlobFest. Since the Colonial is hosting evening events in the midst of the work, volunteers are needed Saturday mornings and weekdays during the day. Call 610-933-3601 or visit thecolonialtheatre.com.

Have a way with a paintbrush or a knack for gardening? The Kensington Branch of the Free Library — which serves Kensington, West Kensington and Norris Square — wants to spruce things up and needs your help. They're looking for local artists who are interested in designing and seeing through a beautification project for the outside of the Dauphin Street building. E-mail Rachel Frankel at positivespacephila@gmail.com or call 215-685-9996.

In recognition of the more than 1,200 homes built through Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program, Habitat and Lowe's have designated the week before Mother's Day National Women Build Week. The festivities kick off with a fundraiser at the Painted Bride to benefit future builds where construction is done by women volunteers and professionals. Your help is needed with setup, breakdown and auctioning off goodies such as gift certificates to local restaurants and classes at the Wine School of Philadelphia. Call Tina Rothfuss at 215-765-6000, ext. 17, or e-mail tinar@habitatphiladelphia.org.