Help Portrait was such a success last year that organizers are expecting even more people to pose for portraits this year.

Help Portrait is a worldwide event where photographers, makeup artists, and graphic artists volunteer to do photo shoots for financially-strapped people for free.

Last year about 85 portrait sittings were shot locally at two locations, but this year organizers plan to keep it all at one place - Maple Ridge's St. Andrew's United Church (in the process of changing its name to Golden Ears United Church.)

One of those who had their picture taken last year was Joanne Michalec, who posed with her friend Daniel Smith. At that time she said she felt "really beautiful" getting her picture taken.

"I'm on disability and I live on my own and appreciate this very much," said Michalec about her professional photo shoot, makeup, and hairdo.

"The level of excitement last year was so high. There were a lot of tears by both people having their pictures taken and by the volunteers," said Brenda Garcia, who is organizing this year's event with Andrea Walker and Richard Bott.

Bott said he wants people to know they can come individually or in groups.

The event takes place at St. Andrew's Church on Dewdney Trunk Road on Dec. 8 from 1 to 8 p.m. and doesn't require a reservation.

Some of the items that are required to make this event a success are photo paper, ink, frames, and manpower.

For more information, to sign up to volunteer, and to donate visit http: //helpportraitridgemeadows.com. (Donations made at www.helpportrait.com can not be accessed by the local organizers.)

smclaren@mrtimes.com