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giving 2 0 13 HOLID AY G U IDE T O
The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
Making a Difference for over10Years!
Guide available on our publication page VolunteerHoward.org
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giving 2 0 13 HOLID AY G U IDE T O
2 0 13 HOLIDAY G U IDE T O
The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
The Holiday Guide to Giving offers opportunities for you to make a difference in our community through donations of money, food, gifts, or your time and talent during the holiday season and beyond. This list is derived from non-profit and public agencies that serve Howard County. When you contact the agency, please mention that you found the opportunity through the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County’s Holiday Guide to Giving 2013. The agency listing is alphabetical. If you are interested in collecting food to help a family in need enjoy a special meal at holiday time, look for notations below agency requests indicating that they can identify such families. If you are interested in helping in a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, the following agencies need volunteers. Please keep in mind that these organizations need help every day, and that opportunities to volunteer on these specific days fill up quickly.
Beans and Bread — a soup kitchen in Southpoint Baltimore — 410-732-1892 Franciscan Center — a soup kitchen in Baltimore — 410-467-5340 Table of Grace — a soup kitchen serving the Westminster, MD area — 410-848-7020 The Shepherd’s Table — a soup kitchen in Silver Spring — 301-585-6463
a American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Seeking volunteers to greet blood donors and serve refreshments after their donation at local blood drives and blood donor centers in the Howard County area. By volunteering with the American Red Cross you will contribute to your community’s blood supply and help change lives, starting with your own! Contact Terry Karloff at 410-764-4602, Ext 1 or terry.karloff@redcross.org. Website: www.redcrossblood.org/gcp
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The Arc of Howard County Achieving full community life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — one person at a time. In need of tablets, new twin sized bed (box spring and mattress), volunteer arts and crafts leader, and small percussion instruments. Contact Lisa Kawata at 410-730-0638 or lkawata@archoward.org. Website: www.archoward.org
Arthritis Foundation Mid-Atlantic Region Improves lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Want to be part of one of the “21 Most Incredible Themed Races” (nominated in 2012 by The Greatest Website)? Then ring in the spirit of the holidays by dressing in your best holiday costume and participating in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Saturday, December 7 at Centennial Park. Help us spread awareness of America’s leading cause of disability, while raising much needed funds to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases. What we need: the Arthritis Foundation is looking for individuals to help with event set-up, take-down, registration, course marshaling, food and beverage distributor, Kids Zone Assistants, Missions/Advocacy Assistants. Interested? Contact Chloe Mogel at 202-787-5333 or cmogel@arthritis.org. Website: www.arthritis.org/maryland
Athelas Institute Inc. Provides a variety of quality educational rehabilitative, residential and employment options for adults with developmental disabilities in a supportive environment to maximize opportunities for individual growth. In need of 150 turkeys for families along with non-perishable food and canned goods for our food pantry. We truly appreciate any size food donations. We are also in need of exercise tapes (DVD or VHS) and two large stereo CD/radio players. There is a need for three Karaoke machines for therapeutic recreation at our day program sites. Volunteers are needed to help decorate group homes in December. Contact Pat Owens at 410-964-1241, Ext 128 or plowens@athelasinstitute.org. Website: www.athelasinstitute.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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b Bello Machre Inc. Enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so they can live life to its fullest. In need of bakers to make and deliver sweets to our homes or bake with our folks Individual or groups to adopt a home — holiday wish lists and grocery lists available • Volunteers to help one of our homes decorate for the holidays — inside or outside. • Creative people who can plan arts and craft activities. • Groups to help rake leaves and do fall yard work. Contact Evette Watson at 443-702-3064 or ewatson@bellomachre.org Website: www.bellomachre.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. • •
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake Strives to help children reach their fullest potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships, including a full range of youth mentoring programs with measurable impact. Seeking companies and individuals interested in sponsoring families in need for the holidays by providing donations of food baskets, toys, clothing, and/or gift cards to large retail and grocery stores. If you are interested in other volunteer opportunities please visit our website. Contact Susan Hagis at 410-243-4000, Ext 211 or shagis@biglittle.org. Website: www.biglittle.org
c Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center at Howard County General Hospital Provides the largest array of cancer support services in Howard County, for cancer patients, their families and caregivers. The CMCRC helps all regardless of their age, gender, where the patient is receiving treatment or their ability to pay. Support available includes: free support groups, 1-on-1 counseling, help with wigs, hair and skin-related issues arising from cancer treatments, 600+ book library, classes in yoga, nutrition, acupuncture and more. During the holiday season especially, cancer patients who may be suffering a loss of wages due to their illness and inability to work regular hours are in need of gift cards and certificates to local businesses for basic needs. Examples include: gas station, grocery and department stores gift cards, such as: Giant, Safeway, Weis and Wegman’s, as well as Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, Exxon, Shell, ... to name just a few. Basic supplies for overnight stays in the hospital are appreciated, such as all natural toothpaste, toothbrushes, trial size natural shampoos and soaps, all natural hand lotions. Contact Anita Broccolino at 410-740-7570 or abroccolino@yahoo.com. Website: www.hcgh.org/cmcrc Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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Columbia Association Youth and Teen Center Enhances the quality of life for youth and teens living and working in Columbia/Howard County by offering various youth driven programs. Columbia Association’s (CA) Youth and Teen Center (YTC) Teen Outreach Committee (TOC) is hosting it’s fifth annual clothing drive. TOC is collecting new and gently used clothes, shoes, socks, purses, jewelry, coats, hats, etc., for infant to adult sizes. TOC will not accept underwear or female bathing suits. Collection sites include all 10 Village Community Association buildings, The Barn (Oakland Mills Village), Columbia Art Center, and Eggspectations (off Route 108 and Snowden River Parkway in Ellicott City). Clothes will be collected from October 1 through November 29, 2013. Community members can enjoy a weekend of shopping for free on Saturday, January 18 (9am-2pm) and Sunday, January 19 (11am-2pm). Show your support for this youth driven community service project by spreading the word. Volunteers will be needed for the January event. Youth can earn community service hours too! Contact Safire Windley at 410-992-3726 or safire.windley@columbiaassociation.org. Website: www.columbiaassociation.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
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Community Action Council of Howard County Provides programs and services to low-income residents of Howard County in order to alleviate the effects of poverty; to promote self-sufficiency as a means of interrupting the cycle of poverty; and to stimulate increased awareness of, and responsiveness to, the needs of the low-income population on the part of the larger community. Howard County Head Start Needs • $10 feeds a Head Start child for one week. • Gift Cards (Target, Walmart, grocery stores etc.) • Hats, gloves, coats ( 3T to 5T) • New and gently used books Howard County Food Bank Needs Diapers, wipes, baby food, condiments, tuna, meal makers, pasta, pasta sauce, baked beans, hot and cold cereal, ravioli, low sodium canned vegetables, no syrup canned fruits, coffee, tea, honey. CAC will be looking for drivers to help us distribute Thanksgiving meals on November 26. Please contact agroves@cac-hc.org/410-313-0703 if you are interested. Contact Ashley Groves at 410-313-0703 or agroves@cac-hc.org. Website: www.cac-hc.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
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d Days End Farm Horse Rescue Ensuring quality care and treatment of horses through rehabilitation, humane education and community outreach since 1989. In need of plastic pitch forks, 20 gallon feed/water buckets, duct tape (silver, yellow, red and green), Vet Wrap, working lawn mowers, weed wackers and a large tractor with bush hog. Volunteers are needed daily from 8am-5pm, seven days a week. Opportunities include barn chores, care of abused and neglected horses, farm tours, educational programs and maintenance/construction. Volunteers are required to attend an orientation held the second Saturday and fourth Tuesday of every month at 10am. Contact Sarah Yaroslaski at 301-854-5037 or volunteer@defhr.org. Website: www.defhr.org
Domestic Violence Center or Howard County Works to reduce the harm and effects of domestic violence and sexual assault while working towards their elimination in Howard County. The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County (DVC) needs your help to ensure that our many deserving clients receive Thanksgiving meals and holiday gifts. Please participate in our Thanksgiving Project and/or December Adopt-a-Family holiday project. • For the Thanksgiving Project we ask donors to provide all of the “fixings” for our clients to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner — canned vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and something for dessert. We ask for only non-perishable items, as we do not have refrigerated storage. In the past, we have found it simplest if you purchase a grocery store gift card to cover the cost of a frozen turkey and any fresh produce you deem appropriate. Of course, additional items not listed are always welcome. We ask that you deliver all items to the DVC by 4pm no later than Friday, November 15. Please be creative in packaging your donation (i.e. put the food in decorated boxes, baskets, reusable containers, etc.).
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For the December Holiday Project, we will supply you with a “wish list” of items (clothing, toys, household items) from a client and his/her children. You will receive the lists by Friday, November 15. Whenever possible, we strongly encourage you to consider giving gift cards. DVC aims for all of our programs to emphasize empowerment and gift cards allow clients to make choices about the gifts they wish to provide for themselves and their children. For the gifts you do purchase, please wrap them and use a post-it note or similar notation so that we can identify which gifts are for what family member. Please bring all items to our office no later than 4pm on Friday, December 13. If you are interested in supporting the Thanksgiving and/or December Adopt-a-Family Holiday Project, contact Vanita Leatherwood at vleatherwood@dvcenter.org or 410-997-0304 Contact Dominic Goodall at 410-997-0304 or dgoodall@dvcenter.org. Website: www.dvcenter.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. •
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e Emerge Inc. Creates supportive environments and individualized services for people with disabilities Seeks financial support, gift baskets of food — turkey, hams, potatoes, vegetables, and desserts. Contact P. Michael Gahagan at 443-288-8251 or mgahagan@emergeinc.org. Website: www.emergeinc.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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Epilepsy Foundation The Epilepsy Foundation leads the fight to stop seizures, overcome the challenges caused by epilepsy and find better treatments and cures. We are the national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of more than two million people living with epilepsy in the U.S. and their loved ones. We serve people with epilepsy nationally and locally with nearly 50 affiliates across the country. In need of office help Monday thru Friday 9am-5pm, each day. Our biggest volunteer recruitment is for our annual walk held on Saturday, March 22 in Washington, DC. Visit www.walkforepilepsy.org for more details. Contact Heidi Foote at 301-459-3700 or hfoote@efa.org. Website: www.epilepsyfoundation.org
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Fidos For Freedom Inc. Strives to increase the quality of life and provide assistance dogs, service dogs (for people with mobility impairments), hearing dogs (for the deaf or hard of hearing), and therapy dogs (well trained personal pets of our volunteers for visitation in health care facilities). Fidos also provides community education on disability awareness through demonstrations and information booths at schools, churches and businesses.
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In need of donations to pay for the food, vet care expenses and equipment for our service dogs in training to be mobility assistance dogs or hearing assistance dogs for our clients with disabilities in the Baltimore/ Washington area. All training and care of the dogs is done by our volunteers in their homes to minimize costs. However, it costs us $2,500/year for food and well vet care to support each dog. We typically have the dogs in the training program for 2-3 years and currently have about 25 dogs in various stages of training. • Also need bags of VeRus small bite, large dog dry food or VeRus puppy dry food. We can not use other brands or types. Contact Kay Somers at 301-490-4005 or Office@fidosforfreedom.org. Website: www.fidosforfreedom.org •
FIRN Provides resources for foreign-born individuals to support them as they become productive, self-sufficient citizens of community. In need of donations of food, clothing, presents, grocery store gift cards for our “adopt a family” program for the Thanksgiving and holiday season. Contact Roslyn Lindner at 443-276-3211 or roslyn.lindner@firnonline.org. Website: www.firnonline.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
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Frisky’s Wildlife and Primate Sanctuary Inc. Rehabilitates injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife, places unwanted domestics into new forever homes and gives sanctuary to exotics that were illegal pets. Frisky’s survives on donations, both monetary and in-kind, from our generous friends and supporters. Our wish list is posted on our website, www.friskys.org and can also be found on Amazon.com under “Frisky’s Wildlife”. Our need for linens (towels, wash rags, pillowcases, sheets, blankets, quilts, etc.) is constant. Perhaps this holiday season those of you who receive new linens will remember Frisky’s and donate your clean, used linens. We thank you and God bless you for caring about the animals. Contact Janice Ellis at 410-418-5402 or friskyswildlife@yahoo.com. Website: www.friskys.org
g Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center Inc. Empowers people in crisis to make positive changes by offering professional 24-hour crisis intervention, shelter and outreach services. In need of gift cards to food stores, Target, Walmart, diapers (all sizes), pull-ups, baby wipes; pillows (new), twin size sheets, bath towels and wash cloths. New sport team (Ravens, Redskins, Steelers, Terps) clothing for adults and teens. New pajama sets, bath robes, and slippers for men and women. Cleaning supplies — disinfectant, cleanser, laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets and bleach. Paper products — plates, bowls, cups for hot and cold drinks, plastic utensils, paper towels, napkins, foil wrap, food storage bags and food freezer bags. Contact Kathie DiNoto at 410-531-6006 or kathie@grassrootscrisis.org. Website: www.grassrootscrisis.org
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h Healthy Families A free and voluntary non-profit that works with first-time parents that are experiencing challenges and aligns them with community resources and offers them support in their new role as parents. In need of diapers, wipes, baby blankets, baby and toddler equipment, grocery gift cards, Walmart, and Target gift cards. Contact Judy Templeton at 410-715-3716 or jtempleton@fcsmd.org. Website: www.fcsmd.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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Ho Co Po Lit So - Howard County Poetry & Literature Society Works to enlarge the audience for contemporary poetry and literature through live literary readings and recorded conversations. In need of donations and gifts for raffle baskets for its 37th Evening of Irish Music & Poetry on Friday, March 14. Event features Paula Meehan, Ireland’s Professor of Poetry, and Theo Dorgan, with traditional Irish music by the Narrowbacks and stepdancers from the Culkin School. Proceeds from the event support community readings and workshops. Individuals interested in volunteering as event support are welcome. Contact Pamela Simonson at 443-518-4568 or hocopolitso@yahoo.com. Website: www.HoCoPoLitSo.org
The Holiday Project of the National Capital Area Organizes visits to people in nursing homes, hospitals and other residential institutions. We give our volunteers an opportunity to contribute to others and we create an opportunity for those we serve to contribute to us. We bring the spirit of a holiday to those who otherwise might not have a celebration. In need of: volunteers to lead or participate in visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and long term care facilities. Gifts and cards that can be distributed to patients in facilities. Examples of appropriate gifts include calendars, small stuffed animals, sports memorabilia, and personal care items. No food donations please. Contact Robin Wiley at 703-370-0370 or holidayprojectdc@hotmail.com. Website: www.holidayproject.info
Howard County Arts Council Fosters the arts throughout the County: nurturing local artists and arts organizations, furthering public engagement with the arts, and ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. We love working with community volunteers! We are looking for volunteers to help at our Annual Open House & Holiday Sale on Friday, December 6. In addition, the Arts Council needs volunteers to help in our office, at our gala on March 29, and for other special projects. We're also currently accepting donations (restaurant and entertainment gift cards; ticket vouchers; gift items) for our upcoming raffle, the proceeds from which support the Arts Council’s grants and programs. Note that raffle contributions don't need to be art related. Contact Melissa Wyse at 410-313-2787 or development@hocoarts.org. Website: www.hocoarts.org
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Howard County Cat Club Believes that no cat deserves to be put to death because it is no longer wanted or in the way. We operate a free cat behavior hotline, advise feral colony caretakers and people who need to rehome their cats. We also shelter cats in a no-kill group home environment. In need of donations of PetCo gift cards, top-loading cat carriers, Fancy Feast canned food, Before Grain dry food, large cardboard scratching pads and clumping cat litter. We also accept donations to the Snuggles Medical Fund. Contact Missy Zane at 410-730-3679 or howardcountycats@earthlink.net. Website: www.howardcountycats.org
Howard County Conservancy Educates children and adults about our natural world, preserve the land and its legacy for future generations and model responsible stewardship for our environment. In need of a large reptile terrarium with sliding doors that is at least 4' X 2' in size, a large digital picture frame (8" X 10" or larger), and office chairs in good condition. Contact Meg Boyd at 410-465-8877 or meg.boyd@hcconservancy.org. Website: www.hcconservancy.org
Howard County Office on Aging The Department of Citizen Services is the human services arm of Howard County Government. It includes the Office on Aging, Office of Children’s Services, Consumer Affairs Office, and Disabilities Services. Collecting donated new items for low-income seniors who have little to no family and reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in the community. • Needed items for men and women: socks, body lotion, body wash, soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, powder, toothpaste, toothbrush, and undershirts • Wish List: sweaters, nightgowns, pajamas, puzzle books, and slippers In addition to the above items, we are also looking for any holiday wrapping paper, holiday tote bags and supplies to wrap all of the donated gifts. Monetary donations also accepted. Drop off your donations at any Howard County Senior Center by December 18, 2013. Want to be a Project Holiday Elf? You can help with wrapping the collected gifts or delivering the gifts to the seniors. The gift wrapping event will be on December 20, 2013 at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD. If you’d like to help, contact Ofelia Ross at 410-313-6423 or oross@howardcountymd.gov. Contact Ofelia Ross Ott at 410-313-6423 or oross@howardcountymd.gov. Website: www.howardcountymd.gov
Howard County Office on Aging — Paws4 Comfort The Department of Citizen Services is the human services arm of Howard County Government. It includes the Office on Aging, Office of Children’s Services, Consumer Affairs Office, and Disabilities Services. The Howard County Office on Aging’s Paws4Comfort will be hosting it's annual Holiday Party at a local Nursing Home and we are looking for small gift donations for the residents (calendars, socks, personal hygiene products, blankets, etc). We are also looking for people to donate or bake cookies/desserts for the celebration that will take place in December. In addition, as part of us bringing the spirit of the holiday season to the residents, we like to have some sort of festive entertainment. We are looking for any volunteers that have a musical talent or background that would be able to perform festive music or sing for the residents during the holiday party. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Contact Darlene Vaselaros at 410-313-5951 or dvaselaros@howardcountymd.gov. Website: www.howardcountymd.gov
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The Little Things for Cancer Provides funds for services for cancer patients and their caregivers. We understand that the needs of each person are unique throughout their process of receiving care. We offer support to each family based on their particular needs at that time. Our goal is to improve the quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety for those affected by cancer. Our holiday donation needs include, but are not limited to, cash donations, Visa/Mastercard gift card donations, grocery store gift cards (all major chains), local restaurant gift cards, gas station gift cards, etc. We are seeking cash or gift card donations in order to provide holiday shopping, planning, and traveling assistance to Howard County families affected by cancer. Contact Stephanie Layne at 301-807-4030 or slayne@thelittlethingsforcancer.org. Website: www.tlt4c.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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MakingChange Develops and delivers financial education programs that empower individuals to achieve their own financial success stories through educational programs that encourage lasting behavioral change. The financial group seminars and personal coaching provided by MakingChange for people in the community living below self-sufficiency levels are funded by individual cash donations and business sponsorships. Cash donations at varying levels would support the following programs: $50 provides an individual coaching session; $200 funds a financial education group seminar; and $1,000 supports an 8 week workshop for 10 to 12 people focused on achieving their specific financial goals. Business sponsorships of our annual Youth Finance event, at levels from $1,000 to $5,000, allow us to provide our financial education programs throughout the year. MakingChange also provides a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Our free tax preparation service for income-qualified individuals and families, offered through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, relies upon volunteer tax preparers with no prior tax experience required. This program is offered from January through April with volunteers receiving the necessary training to pass the IRS certification tests. The Youth Finance event is a single day event that is held multiple times during the year and requires volunteers to assist students as they navigate a financial simulation exercise. Our financial education group seminars and individual financial coaching sessions utilize volunteer instructors and coaches for those who are interested in working directly with people in need. Contact Mike Couch at 443-718-9350 or couchm@makingchangecenter.org. Website: www.makingchangecenter.org
Metropolitan Washington Ear Provides a comprehensive array of reading and information services for blind, visually impaired and physically disabled people who cannot effectively read print. Volunteers are needed to make recordings of current publications. Our services are free, so we always welcome donations to help with expenses. Contact Rene Schecker at 301-681-6636 or volunteermanager@washear.org. Website: www.washear.org
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NAMI Howard County Inc. Improves the lives of individuals and families living with mental illness through education, advocacy and support. Monetary donations are needed to support the various educational programs throughout the year that are offered free of charge to the participants, but incur expenses for printing materials for each class. Our courses, which are taught by trained facilitators, are Family-to-Family (12 week course to help families dealing with severe mental illnesses their relatives face); Peer-to-Peer (10 week course on the topic of recovery for any person with serious mental illness); NAMI Basics Education (6 week course specifically designed for parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents who are living with mental illness.) Contact Beverley Francis-Gibson at 410-772-9300 or bfgibson.namihc@gmail.com. Website: www.nami.org
National Family Resiliency Center Inc. Helps children and adults preserve a sense of family, foster healthy relationships, and adjust constructively to change throughout the life cycle, especially during time of separation, divorce and other transitions. In need of: • Small battery operated tea light candles (used for children’s program) • Markers and construction paper • Healthy snacks for children’s programs (individually wrapped — non sugar items — pretzels, popcorn, etc.) • Paper cups, paper plates, napkins • Gift cards for families in need Contact Kathy Helt at 410-740-9553 or Khelt@nfrchelp.org. Website: www.nfrchelp.org
Neighbor Ride Enhances the health and quality of life for Howard County’s seniors by providing affordable, volunteer-based supplemental transportation. Neighbor Ride is a volunteer-based nonprofit committed to helping Howard County seniors stay active and independent by providing transportation for medical appointments, social outings, religious services, fitness activities, educational pursuits, shopping and other personal needs. Volunteers are truly the “driving force” behind Neighbor Ride; and new drivers are especially needed now as demand for our service continues to grow. Volunteering as a Neighbor Ride Driver is an incredibly flexible and rewarding service opportunity. Daytime, evening and weekend volunteers are needed and drivers may choose to provide the rides that are convenient to their homes, offices and daily routines. No set schedule is required. Parents are also welcome to bring their children along when volunteering for a wonderful intergenerational experience. Contact Patrice Cerwonka or Rosemary Noble at 410-884-7433 or volunteer@neighborride.org. Website: www.neighborride.org • www.facebook.com/NeighborRide
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s The Salvation Army Howard County Service Center Is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and an international movement. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs. The Angel Tree Program is an adoption of individual “Angel” children, as well as senior citizens. When adopting “Angels”, we ask that you supply at least one new toy and one new outfit that is listed on the “Angel” and preferably all three toys and clothing items, if possible. Please do not wrap your gifts, but provide the “Angel’s” number/name on the outside of the gift or shopping bag. For senior citizens, gift cards to any department store will do. You can also provide grocery gift cards for families of $20-$100. • Adopt-A-Kettle is a great way for you, your organization to volunteer their time by raising money for less advantaged people living in Howard County. You, your group/organization can choose to work one, eighthour day from a kettle location in Howard County, or can commit to work multiple days if that fits your service needs better. This is a great way to earn service hours. Two hours given for every hour served. An extra hour will be given for parents who stand with students. Contact Windy Kidd at 443-656-3376 or Windy_Kidd@uss.salvationarmy.org Website: www.salvationarmycm.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations •
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The 6th Branch Utilizes the leadership and organizational skills of military veterans to execute aggressive community service initiatives at the local level. The 6th Branch will identify families in need and provide needed resources to those residents during the winter holiday season. We are accepting donations of coats, toys, and dry/canned foods to distribute. We will continue Operation Oliver community service projects including community cleanups, neighborhood beautification, building a community farm and maintaining our garden, playscape, and green spaces. Please like us on Facebook for up to date volunteer opportunities (facebook.com/the6thbranch) and please consider donating to The 6th Branch at www.the6thbranch.org/?q=donate. Your financial support will ensure that our community revitalization efforts will last all year long. Contact Dave Landymore at 443-534-8003 or davelandymore@the6thbranch.org. Website: www.the6thbranch.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center Inc. Equine-facilitated therapy for riders with and without challenges, especially involved with Special Olympics equestrian training for the state summer games, wounded soldiers, children and adults with specific developmental delays in an inclusive, bucolic environment. In need of paper towels, plastic utensils for snack table, paper plates, napkins, hot/cold cups, snacks for snack table: chips, cookies, fruit for after school nibbling. Hot chocolate individual packets, a few birthday cakes to keep frozen for unexpected birthday surprises for the riders! Much needed: to sponsor a child in therapy $69/half hour with licensed physical or occupational therapist, warm riding gloves for winter riding. Contact Dr. Helen Tuel at 410-489-5100 or trrc01@aol.com. Website: www.trrcmd.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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u Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Seeks to enhance lives by supporting, educating, and connecting young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer. For the fifth year, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults will host a gift drive in the Baltimore City, Howard County, and surrounding communities to generate gifts for local young cancer patients and their families. Undergoing cancer treatment is physically, emotionally and financially draining. The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults would like to try to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing holiday gifts. We are seeking donations of gifts from Monday, November 18 through Friday, December 13. Suggested gifts include: DVDs, video games, magazines, art supplies, fleece blankets, robes, soft socks, restaurant/department store/grocery gift cards, winter hats, gas gift cards, and gifts for children ages 1-12. Gifts can be dropped off at our Columbia office: 6301 Stevens Forest Dr., Columbia, MD 21045. Drop-off hours will be Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. There will be a well-marked collection box in the lobby of the building from November 18-December 13. We will also accept donations online and at our Baltimore office during regular business hours at 921 E. Fort Ave, Suite 325, Baltimore, MD 21230. Contact Laura Scruggs at 410-964-0202, Ext 108 or laura@ulmanfund.org. www.ulmancancerfund.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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Voices for Children Inc. Howard County’s CASA Program — We train and supervise volunteers to be court appointed special advocates for abused/neglected foster children in Howard County, in an effort to ensure children have a safe and permanent home. In need of small denomination gift cards to stores (Target, Walmart, etc.), restaurants (McDonald’s, Bob Evans, Starbucks, etc.) or book stores (Barnes & Noble) for youth in the foster care system. Contact Erica Byme at 410-740-0933 or ebyme@voicesforchildren.org. Website: www.voicesforchildren.org Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County For further information,
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please contact The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County 10221 Wincopin Circle • Columbia, MD 21044 410-715-3172 • phone 410-715-0845 • fax info@volunteerhoward.org • email www.volunteerhoward.org • website