How many opportunities do most people get to help their neighbors, help their community, and help the environment all at the same time? Belfast area residents will have many such opportunities later this month as community members gather for Window Dressers sixth annual window insert build.

Beginning October 19, Window Dressers volunteers will come together in four-hour shifts at the Belfast Boat House to finish construction of over 400 window inserts that will help many area residents achieve significant savings on heating costs this winter. The inserts, constructed of pine wood covered with thick plastic wrapping, have proven results in reducing heating costs, not only saving homeowners money but also reducing use of fossil fuels and lowering CO2 emissions into the environment – a win-win-win proposition!

Working with other local volunteers to put the inserts together is a fun and satisfying way to spend a few hours. No previous experience is required, and training in the easy assembly process will be provided. Each four-hour shift comes with a free lunch donated by a local business or volunteer and a chance to meet and work with other community-minded area residents. For those who can't help during the weekday, shifts are available on Saturday and Sunday, and there will even be two weekday evening shifts.

Sign-up is easy. Just go to the WindowDressers.org website and click the "Volunteer Here" button. Then scroll down to the link for the Belfast Community Build, click "View" and choose the days and shifts you want! I'll be signing up for several shifts. I hope many others will take the opportunity to do so, too.

Ernie Cooper lives in Belfast