It's almost time for Helena's eighth annual Spirit of Service.

On May 22, hundreds of volunteers from local business and nonprofit organizations will spend their day doing yard work or minor exterior home maintenance for homeowners in the Helena and East Helena areas.

The only requirements are that the home is owned, not rented, and the owner is physically unable to do the work at this time. The homeowner does not need to fit a particular income criterion. Spirit of Service is 100 percent free of charge and volunteers provide the tools, labor and materials. Priority is given to homes that have not been part of Spirit of Service for the past three years.

If you or someone you know might benefit from this service, contact Rocky Mountain Development Council at 447-1680. We are now accepting applications and referrals. This is a great opportunity, and homeowners who have been part of Spirit of Service in the past have had almost as much fun as the volunteers doing the work. We hope you'll give us a call if you're interested.