The Portsmouth Public Education Foundation (PPEF) is beginning to plan this year's "Hidden Kitchens of Portsmouth" tour, and could use your help. There will be a meeting for volunteers on Monday, Jan. 23 at 5:45pm at the Portsmouth Public Library.

If you've ever been on the tour — which is the major fundraiser for PPEF — you know how much fun it is to see a half-dozen of Portsmouth's unique kitchens while sampling some of the best snacks and drinks from local wineries, markets, caterers, and restaurants. As you can imagine, there's quite a bit of behind the scenes work to make the tour happen.

We can use your help, and we will find something you're comfortable doing, whether it's spending an hour stuffing envelopes at home, driving around to pick up supplies, or serving as one of the official house greeters on the day of the tour. We appreciate every minute you can give — and it will help the nonprofit PPEF raise money that goes right into grants that benefit our Portsmouth schools.

Can't make the meeting but still want to help out? Please drop an e-mail to PPEF.

Full disclosure: I serve on the board of PPEF.