Digging, weeding, gleaning...those are always good and hopeful ways to volunteer. Here are a couple opportunities:

—  "A Seed Planted" is a new community garden project this year, started by Brandon and Kathrine Stankewsky. The site where they're working, volunteers, et al, is the Howerton Garden. It's located near the corner of Targee and Columbus Streets, at 2226 Salem Ln., in Boise (look for a big, empty field by Hawthorne Elementary.

Nestle Purina has chosen 18 animal shelters from across the U.S., including the Idaho Humane Society in Boise, to compete to win a grant for $50,000 for the safety and support of local beasts in need of homes.

The winner will be determined by the number of people who log on to the contest website and cast their votes by July 31.

The good news: IHS is definitely in the running to win and, when I last checked, held the lead.

David Proctor, spokesman for the Idaho Foodbank, is helping spread the word. Will Rainford and Rosio Gonzalez, a married couple and social work professor and director of Catholic Charities respectively, are leaving the Treasure Valley for new professional opportunities. 

Organic food drive

Brandon Trean, owner of Body Epiphanies Massage & Bodywork Wellness Studio has organized a special food drive: anyone who donates three organic canned or boxed food items during July, will get a free 30-minute massage and bodywork session. His goal is to collect at least 200 pounds of organic food for the Idaho Foodbank. He’s looking ahead, too. In August and September, he’s planning a similar drive to benefit a local animal charity. Is this a good fit for you? Call Trean at 321-8484 for more.

If you're out and about on the Boise Bench Saturday, and in a patriotic mood, you might stop by Morris Hill Cemetery.  The Boise Exchange Club, one of the oldest service clubs in the state, is partnering with Kuna Boy Scout Troop #114 to place 400 American flags on the graves of veterans buried there. The group is meeting at 9 a.m. at the cemetery, 317 N. Latah St. on the Roosevelt Street side. They're not formally looking for volunteers, but I'm guessing they wouldn't mind if one or two people came by with a few words of encouragement. 

Volunteer spots are starting to fill up at the Idaho Botanical Garden, according to the organization's newsletter that just popped up in my email in-box, but help is still needed. The next opportunity for volunteers: July 22 for the Outlaw Field Benefit Concert featuring Kevin Kirk and Onomatopoeia.

That could be fun, no? Contact Karen at 343-8649 or karen@idahobotanicalgarden.org for more, and to get signed up. 

Members of The People's Journey, an unlikely coalition that includes an Iraqi refugee, Iraq veterans, youth from the Gaza Strip and Afghanistan, are stopping in Boise Wednesday evening, 6-8 p.m. at the Shangri-La Tea Room, 1800 W. Overland Rd., Boise, to share their stories.

The group began its journey in San Francisco in June, and will tour throughout the U. S. for the rest of July. 

Regence BlueShield of Idaho is seeking nominations for its fourth annual Regence Latino Hero Award Program.

The award honors men and women of Latino descent who have given back to the community and have substantial professional or educational accomplishments.

The Hero Award Program is open to individuals in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Winners will receive $2,000 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice, and they will be featured in a Regence ad campaign.

Get an inside view of the Independence Day festivities at Ann Morrison Park, including the first ever Statesman Chalk Art Festival, and the fireworks show.

More artists are needed for the Chalk Art as well (your $10 fee will benefit programs at the Boise Art Museum).

If you would like create sidewalk chalk art July 4, go online.

Get your event listed in the Aug. 14 issue of the Idaho Statesman’s Treasure Magazine

Whether you are hosting a luncheon, gala, golf tournament, auction and or another type of event to benefit a nonprofit cause, please send the event information to treasure@idahostatesman.com and dapa@cableone.net.