The folks who run the Ronald McDonald House of Durham are in the business of helping others, but right now they're the ones in need of a little help.

Specifically, they're looking for the assistance of some savvy coupon shoppers who know how to score a great deal.

The charity, which operates as a free hotel of sorts for the parents of critically ill children being treated at Duke Hospital, is expanding this fall, going from 29 bedrooms to 55 bedrooms. And that translates into a lot more donations needed to keep the place running.

"We have a lot more space to clean and a lot more families to help," said Holly Hutchinson, volunteer director at the house.

Hutchinson wondered if Triangle coupon shoppers might work their coupon magic and share some of their extra bounty.

The N.C. Big Sweep wants to celebrate its 25th anniversary in a big way - with 25,000 volunteers!

About 18,000 volunteers usually turn out for the annual statewide cleanup, but the Big Sweep wants even more to make an even greater impact on improving the state's environment. The official statewide date for the cleanup is Saturday, Oct. 1, but local cleanups take place on other days as well.

North Carolina Baptist Men, providing disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irene, are set up in four locations in North Carolina, and they are seeking volunteers.

The Cary City Invitational swim meet celebrated its 30th anniversary over the weekend, and lots of people were at the celebration.

More than 1,000 swimmers in six age divisions for boys and girls, plus a large contingent of volunteers, turned out for Saturday's competiton.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —  Tennessee dropped North Carolina from its schedule for the next two years.

Good call. The Volunteers don't want to see UNC again after Thursday's wild Music City Bowl.

UNC won 30-27 in overtime after a controversial and confusing finish to regulation which saw UNC's Casey Barth kick a 39-yard field goal to force overtime after head official Dennis Lipski declared the game over.

The Big Kick was a big success.

More than 500 youths and volunteer coaches from 55 teams in the A.E. Finley YMCA’s soccer program raised $4,290 to help less fortunate families.

Led by the A.E. Finley sports staff, the Big Kick program ended Sept. 25. For six weeks, players learned about teamwork, sportsmanship and philanthropy while raising money for less privileged children ...

Serious or silly, outstanding action awaits softball fans in Raleigh this weekend.

Some of the Southeast’s best girls fastpitch players will compete Thursday through Sunday in the ASA Southern Nationals 18-and-under tournament at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex at 1201 Sunnybrook Road.

Warm up for the tournament with some fun by watching The King and His Court. The four-man exhibition team will entertain with stunt pitches, athletic talent and comedic routines at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Walnut Creek.

If you missed the original date, you're getting another chance.

The Neusiok Trail needs friends on Feb. 27.

The Carteret County Wildlife Club is seeking volunteers to help improve and repair one of the major bridges on the hiking trail in the Croatan National Forest. (The original  date was Feb. 13, but bad weather forced postponement, the club said.)

The Neusiok Trail needs friends on Feb. 13.
The Carteret County Wildlife Club is seeking volunteers to help improve and repair one of the major bridges on the hiking trail in the Croatan National Forest.
The work day will start at 8:30 a.m. and last until about 4 p.m. on the trail, which is part of North Carolina's 935-mile Mountains to the Sea Trail.

Durham's First Presbyterian Church and Society of Friends (a.k.a. Quakers) are sponsoring a secular Service Week for high-school students.

According to co-coordinator Rob Lamme, participating kids can work on home repairs for needy families and volunteer at human-service agencies; and get acquainted with some grownups prominent in town and other teenagers they might not otherwise know.

The program is open to any student in grades 9 through 12. Cost is $250, which includes transportation and meals; some scholarship help is available. Contact Lamme at 630-3375, durhamsummerservice@gmail.com; or Christyn Klinck, (919) 402-1951, durhamsummerservice@gmail.com.