Juneteenth planners call for participants

DETAILS: Performers, vendors and sponsors are needed for the 17th annual Juneteenth Festival in Tracy’s Dr. Powers Park. This year’s festival, sponsored by Tracy African American Association, will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 4, a Saturday.

INFO: Nate Terry, entertainment, nateterry@hotmail.com or 601-6311; Mischelle Neverson, vendors and exhibitors, juneteenth09@yahoo.com or 481-9500; or Howard Baker and Fred Cole, sponsors, president@taaa.net or 914-8764 and colef@bscl.com or 836-0734.

School collects blankets, coats

DETAILS: For a 12th year, Hirsch Elementary School will host a blanket and coat drive to benefit Tracy Interfaith Ministries. New blankets and coats for children and adults, or lightly used garments in good condition, can be taken to the school office at 1280 Dove Drive until Jan. 7.

INFO: Donna Boyd, 830-3312 or dboyd@tusd.net

Clothing nonprofit seeks help with costs

DETAILS: Because of Marcus, a local clothing foundation that began in late 2009, seeks tax-deductible cash donations to buy new clothes for local people in need. Contributions can be sent to 1705 Wall St., Tracy, CA 95376. Inquiries about help may be directed to founder Jen Spikes by phone or e-mail.

INFO: Jen Spikes, 627-0207 or jennifer@becauseofmarcus.com; or www.becauseofmarcus.com

Gardeners wanted

DETAILS: The Tracy Coalition of Citizens to Assist the Homeless has a 12-foot-by-25-foot garden plot to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for the homeless and is looking for garden lovers to manage and maintain it. Responsibilities include soil preparation, selecting plants and planting them, maintenance and harvest. The group also accepts donations of furniture and household items to help homeless people being placed in housing.

INFO: Marvin Rothschild, 914-5242 or 832-5715

Volunteers for Road for Recovery

DETAILS: The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers to offer cancer patients safe and friendly transportation to and from their treatments.

INFO: Molly Bolognini, 941-2679

• Lend a Hand runs in Our Town whenever someone is looking for volunteers or has a need for donations in Tracy. Send your plea to Our Town at tpourtown@tracypress.com, or drop a note at the Tracy Press office, 145 W. 10th St.