Volunteers statewide will take part in projects ranging from beach cleanups to a donation collection for the homeless this Saturday as part of the national, annual Make a Difference Day, created by USA Weekend magazine. USAWeekend and The Honolulu Advertiser are Gannett Co. publications.

More than one dozen projects are slated for Hawaii. The lineup includes: Waikíkí Beach and Honolulu Zoo cleanups; landscaping and painting touch-ups at Hawaii Kai's Lunalilo Home; and collection of toiletry donations for the homeless at the Ohana Fall Fair at Makalapa Elementary School in Aiea. To join in, find out more or view the projects, go to www.usaweekend.com/diffday.

VOTE FOR FAVE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

Patagonia Hawaii is giving $5,000 to three local environmental organizations that have done something extraordinary to help the environment.

Halawa Valley Land Trust, Surfrider Foundation Oahu Chapter and Hawaii Seed have all been nominated, and the public is invited to vote for the organization that has had the most impact in restoring and protecting the environment. The first-place winner will receive $2,500, second place will receive $1,500 and third place will receive $1,000.

To vote, go to the Patagonia store at 66-250 Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa or call 637-1245.

— Advertiser Staff