Nonprofit organizations on the Vineyard looking for volunteer help can now advertise their openings for free in the Vineyard Gazette.

This week the Gazette is introducing a new classified advertising category called Volunteer Opportunities, which will appear in both the print edition of the newspaper and online at mvgazette.com. Any tax-exempt charitable or arts organization wishing to advertise for unpaid help may do so without charge, said Jane Seagrave, publisher of the Gazette.

The idea came from Patsy McCornack of Vineyard Haven, who has worked as a volunteer for a variety of nonprofits, including Featherstone Center for the Arts and the Health Care Access Program.

“I am well aware of the fact that these organizations, as well as many others, do not have the funds to hire adequate help, and volunteers are essential to their well-being,” Ms. McCornack said, adding that Island residents, especially seniors, may not be aware of the many ways they could be helpful.

To list a volunteer opportunity, e-mail the Gazette at classifieds@mvgazette.com or call Susan Catling at 508-627-4311. For space reasons, please keep ads as short as possible.