Happy Martin Luther King Day!

We're taking the holiday off, but wanted to drop in to wish our readers a happy Martin Luther King Day. And, in the spirit of the holiday (which for many, is all about volunteering and fostering community spirit), we've got some links handy:

• Community Gardening 101: how to get involved with your local garden, or if you don't have one already, how to get started.
• What to do if you're worried about the elderly neighbor next door: because part of the pact of apartment living is looking out for neighbors in need.
• How not to be a jerk if you think you're a gentrifier:  on the importance of getting involved when moving to a new neighborhood and not just trying to make it over in your own image.
• Donate cash or time: If you're interested in donating to a worthy cause around the city—or volunteering your time—there are plenty of reliable New York organizations that will accept both, including The Coalition for the Homeless; the Partnership for the Homeless; the Bowery Mission; Common Ground; Women in Need NYC; the Doe Fund; the Ali Forney Center; Picture the Homeless; the Ali Forney Center; and the New York City Rescue Mission. You can also seek out volunteer opportunities available today at VolunteerMatch.org.
• Donate goods: If you'd like to donate extra food from your pantry, you can drop off at the Food Bank of NYC or City Harvest, both of which also accept cash donations. And if you've got clothes or home goods to contribute, remember that the mysterious "donation bin" on your block may not be legit, and your better bet is to find an above board option in your neighborhood using NYC Stuff Exchange, or through tried-and-true options like Goodwill (which will also pickup on large enough donations), the Salvation Army, or Pick Up Please, which offers free donation pickup service in the city.