Guide to Giving 2015-2016 by Volunteer Center Serving Howard County

2015 - 2016

Guide Giving

HEL P M AKE SO M E O N E ’ S G LAS S

HALF FULL

AVAILABLE AT VOLUNTEERHOWARD.ORG/GUIDETOGIVING

2015 - 2016

Guide Giving

HEL P M AKE SO M E O N E ’ S G LAS S

HALF FULL

The Annual 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 alphabetical list is derived from nonprofit and public agencies that serve Howard County and the region. When you contact the agency, please mention that you found the opportunity through the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County’s Annual Guide to Giving 2015-2016. If you are interested in collecting food to help a family in need enjoy a special meal at holiday time, look for * notations below for 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 may 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 Fells Point in Baltimore VincentBaltimore.org/volunteer

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410-732-1892

ELIZABETH HOUSE A soup kitchen operated by FISH of Laurel Inc. FishofLaurel.com

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301-776-9296

FRANCISCAN CENTER A soup kitchen in Baltimore • 410-467-5340 FCBmore.org/get-involved-volunteer MANNA HOUSE A soup kitchen and drop-in center in Baltimore MannaHouseInc.org THE SHEPHERD’S TABLE A soup kitchen in Silver Spring • 301-585-6463 ShepherdsTable.org/volunteer

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410-889-3001

a A-OK Mentoring-Tutoring Inc. Enhances the successful academic and social development of identified Howard County students through the encouragement and ongoing support of an adult mentor/tutor. Mentors work to enhance the potential of a subset of students for whom success is in question. Volunteer mentor/tutors provide consistent visits with an assigned student during the school day for the entire school year. The consistency of the adult mentor/tutor is extremely important and beneficial and the relationships that are built are extremely valuable. Volunteer requests: • Seeking individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to participate in the organization. Information sessions are held monthly to help you learn more about A-OK Mentoring-Tutoring and its available volunteer opportunities. Donation requests: • Make a difference with your tax deductible contribution to A-OK. An official partner of the Howard County Public School System, A-OK receives referrals from the schools for volunteers to work with students who are struggling to succeed and can benefit from extra adult attention. In order for A-OK to grow the numbers of children served, we need your help! Helping more children means that more volunteers need to be recruited, screened, trained, supported and monitored. See website for details. Your gift is important and greatly appreciated. Contact Susan Burger at 443-895-2457 or susan@AOKMentor.org. Website: AOKMentor.org

Accessible Resources for Independence Inc. Maximizes the independence of people with disabilities so they enjoy self-directed and productive lives. Volunteer requests: • Searching for board members to add value to the governance of our organization. Board members typically commit less than five hours per month. • Searching for committee members. These committee positions usually meet less frequently. Donation requests: Monetary donations provide: • Care packages for people with disabilities who are homeless and in need (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, floss, feminine hygiene products). • Crisis assistance: a fund that provides monetary assistance in crisis situations where all other options have been exhausted. • Program and services support: $25 supports one hour of travel-training to a youth wanting to navigate the bus system, $50 provides three hours of peer mentoring to a person with a newly acquired disability, $100 educates a group of 10 adults regarding financial literacy and $500 pays for a ramp allowing a person to leave home and access the community. Contact Katie Collins-Ihrke at 443-713-3914 or KIhrke@ARINow.org. Website: ARINow.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

The African Art Museum of Maryland Dedicated to the encouragement of broader understanding and awareness of the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of the people of the African continent through an exploration of the art of Africa. Donation requests: • Monetary donations are needed to help support our 900-square-foot exhibition space that houses more than 400 art objects. The museum primarily relies on memberships and private donations to support its in-museum and outreach activities, lectures, youth and adult workshops, and school and community outreach programs. • Wish list items include an office desktop computer and printer. • In-kind gifts are also accepted. Contact Doris Ligon, Director/Co-founder at 301-490-6070 or AfricanArtMuseumofMd@verizon.net. Website: AfricanArtMuseum.org

The Arc of Howard County Works to achieve full community life for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, one person at a time. Volunteer requests: • Musicians, singers or dancers to share music with adults in our day program. • An arts and crafts teacher for occasional art activities with individuals in our day program. Donation requests: • Android tablets, small hand-held percussion instruments, laundry detergent, children and young adult books, an electric can opener, a digital camera, and a variety of arts and craft supplies such as glue sticks, crayons, scissors, card stock, construction paper, modeling clay, etc. Contact Lisa Kawata at 410-730-0638 or LKawata@ArcHoward.org. Website: ArcHoward.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake Strives to help children reach their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships, including a full range of youth mentoring programs with measurable impact. Volunteer requests: • For information on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister please visit BigLittle.org/volunteer. Donation requests: • 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. Contact Susan Hagis at 410-319-0998 or SHagis@BigLittle.org Website: BigLittle.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

Blessings in a Backpack Howard County Feeding the future of America one school at a time. Volunteer requests: • Backpack packers Donation requests: • Monetary donations designated for one of five Howard County schools that participate. BIAB Howard County provides food on the weekend for children at Cradlerock, Jeffers Hill, Running Brook, Swansfield and Talbott Springs elementary schools. • Nonperishable food items and grocery store gift cards, especially Wegmans and Walmart. Contact Brigitta Warren at 1-800-872-4366 or Info@BlessingsinaBackpack.org. Website: BlessingsinaBackpack.org

c Columbia Association Youth & Teen Center Enhances the quality of life for youth living in Howard County by offering a safe place to hang out and a variety of enrichment programs and leadership development. Volunteer requests: • Assist with the collection, sorting, set up and distribution of donated items received from from the Youth and Teen Center Teen Outreach Committee’s annual clothing drive. Donated items will be distributed to community members in need on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9am-2pm, and on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 11am-2pm at The Barn, 5853 Robert Oliver Place in the Oakland Mills Village Center. Donation requests: • New and gently used clothes, shoes, coats and accessories, including but not limited to ties, belts, hosiery, hats, gloves, pocketbooks and jewelry. Collection boxes are located in the 10 village community association buildings, Columbia Art Center, Youth and Teen Center at The Barn and Eggspectation restaurant through Monday, Nov. 30. • Donations of nonperishable food items and toiletries are collected at the Youth and Teen Center on an ongoing basis for distribution to low-income seniors in Howard County via Food on the 15th. Contact Safire Windley at 410-992-3726 or Safire.Windley@ColumbiaAssociation.org. Website: ColumbiaAssociation.org/YTC * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

Community Action Council of Howard County Diminishes poverty, enables self-sufficiency and advocates for low-income families and individuals. Volunteer requests: • Food sorters during the holiday season. Donation requests: • For Howard County Head Start: Monetary donation of $10 feeds a Head Start child for one week; gift cards (Target, Walmart, grocery stores, etc.); hats, gloves and coats (3T to 5T); new and gently used books. • For Howard County Food Bank: 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 and honey. Contact Dorcas Martinez at 410-313-0703 or DMartinez@CAC-HC.org. Website: CAC-HC.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

FIRN Inc. FIRN (Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network) provides resources for foreign-born individuals and families to support them as they become productive, self-sufficient citizens of the community. Volunteer requests: • Volunteers needed for ESL (English as a second language) youth and adult programs. No experience or knowledge of second language necessary. Training is provided. Donation requests: • Nonperishable 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: FIRNOnline.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

FISH of Howard County Inc. Assists qualified individuals on a short-term, quick-response basis when they are faced with problems that are beyond their immediate ability to solve. Assistance comes in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: food, financial aid to avoid utilities being shut off, financial aid to stop eviction/ foreclosure, and more recently an ever-growing need for assistance with prescription drugs and related medical expenses. Clients are provided information and referral as appropriate. FISH, an all-volunteer organization, has served Howard County for more than 40 years. Donation requests: • Financial donations to support our ongoing Howard County community outreach programs covering BGE or water shut-offs, rental assistance, evictions, fuel oil and prescriptions. • Food donations are always welcome! Approved requests are provided with 7-10 days worth of food and supplies, including health, hygiene, paper products, etc. Contact Carroll Kitzmiller at 410-531-2687 or MPKitz@gmail.com. Website: FISHHowardCounty.com * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

g Girls on the Run of Central Maryland Inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Volunteer requests: • Saturday, Dec. 5: Race Day support staff to help with course monitoring, race registration, buddy runners and other needs for our 5k Run. To sign up, visit bit.ly/gotrfall2015 • Coaches to serve as role models and mentors for the girls who participate in 70+ GOTR programs around Carroll and Howard counties. Donation requests: • Monetary donations for scholarships, new sneakers, jogging bras and running gear. • Gift cards to grocery stores for healthy snacks and gift cards to Walmart/Target for program supplies. Contact Danielle Marshall at 443-583-7740 or Danielle.Marshall@GirlsOnTheRun.org Website: GOTRCentralMD.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center Provides supportive and professional 24-hour crisis intervention, suicide prevention, shelter and outreach services to individuals and families experiencing a personal, situational, mental health or shelter crisis. Volunteer requests: • Off-site meal preparers for 50 people in our emergency shelter programs. Donation requests: • Gift cards for Walmart, Target and food stores; gas cards. • New twin sheet sets, umbrellas, sweat pants and shirts (male and female, all sizes). Contact Kathie DiNoto at 410-531-6006 or Kathie@GrassrootsCrisis.org. Website: GrassrootsCrisis.org

h Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake ReStore Operates to accomplish three primary goals: • Generate income that enables Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake to create affordable homeownership opportunities in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore city, Baltimore County and Howard County. • Serve the community by providing quality products at affordable prices. • Preserve our environment by keeping reusable items out of our landfills. Volunteer requests: • Loaders and unloaders to help load/unload donated merchandise to and from the showroom. • Customer service providers to clean, price and process merchandise. • Volunteer in one or more of five locations: Columbia, Dundalk, Glen Burnie, Halethorpe and Sandtown; for specific opportunities visit our website. • Hours are flexible, but typically run Mon-Sat 9:30am-1:30pm, 1-5pm, or a full day (9am-5pm). Columbia and Glen Burnie stores are open Sundays from 10am-5pm. Donation requests: • Donate materials; a full list of donatable items can be found on our website. Pickup of large items can be arranged. Monetary donations are needed to fund operational costs. Contact Jen Miller at 301-706-6928 or JMiller@HabitatChesapeake.org. Website: ChesapeakeRestore.org

Hearts & Homes for Youth Empowers young survivors of abuse, neglect and trauma with support, advocacy,and counseling to prepare them to make positive decisions and become independent adults. Volunteer requests: • Before the end of the year, we need to paint two of our group homes and one of our independent living units. We need volunteers! If your group is interested, please contact Caitlin Ward at the email provided below. Donation requests: • A company or individual to host a Thanksgiving Turkey/Chicken Drive. We are in need of 35 turkeys for our young mothers and foster youth. If you can help, please contact Caitlin Ward at the email provided below. • Christmas Gift Drive — make the holidays special for the youth in our care. If you would like to get involved contact Hazel Eguia at HEguia@HeartsandHomes.org. Contact Caitlin Ward at 301-679-1397 or CWard@HeartsandHomes.org. Website: HeartsandHomes.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. Continued

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HoCoPoLitSo Enlarging the audience for contemporary poetry and literature through the production of live literary readings and The Writing Life, a 30-minute writer-to-writer talk show. Volunteer requests: • Book and material organizers for the 38th Evening of Irish Music and Poetry scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19. • Two book managers needed Thursday, Feb. 11, from 3-6 pm. • Two hospitality coordinators needed Tuesdays, Feb. 1-19. • Opportunities take place on the campus of Howard Community College, Columbia. Contact Pamela Kroll-Simonson at 443-518-4568 or HoCoPoLitSo@yahoo.com. Website: HoCoPoLitSo.org

HopeWorks of Howard County Reduces the harm and effects of sexual and domestic violence in Howard County while working towards their elimination. Donation requests: • HopeWorks maintains a year-round pantry for our clients. Nonperishable food, cleaning products, toiletries, baby products and foods and more are always needed. Pantry drives are held periodically, often specifically targeting the greatest need. See website for further information on how you and your organization can help. Contact Peter Olthoff at 410-997-0304 or POlthoff@WeAreHopeWorks.org. Website: WeAreHopeWorks.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

Howard County Conservancy Educates children and adults about our natural world, preserves the land and its legacy for future generations and models responsible stewardship of our environment. Volunteer requests: • Wednesday morning drop in gardening from 9:30am-noon, weather permitting. Call ahead. Donation requests: • Hand shovels/garden trowels in good condition; portable, rolling coat rack; light- to medium-weight convertible dolly. Contact Sue Phipps at 410-465-8877 or Sue.Phipps@HCConservancy.org. Website: HCConservancy.org

Howard County Office on Aging Provides coordinated volunteer assistance to persons living within the county, with the highest quality services and support to respect the dignity, individuality and cultural differences of people, their families, volunteers, staff and the communities we serve. To promote a full, dignified life for older people in Howard County, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of life and recognizing them as a vital force in the community. We seek to enrich the lives of older people across their lifespan. Volunteer requests: • PROJECT HOLIDAY elves: Volunteers needed to wrap gifts or deliver gifts to seniors who have little to no family and reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and in the community. Wrapping event will be on Friday, Dec. 11, at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia. Donation requests: • PROJECT HOLIDAY 2015 is 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. Drop off your donations at any Howard County 50+ Center by Friday, Dec. 4. • New items needed for men and women: socks, body lotion, body wash, soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, powder, toothpaste, toothbrush and undershirts. • Wishlist: sweaters, nightgowns, pajamas, puzzle books, slippers. • Holiday wrapping paper, holiday tote bags and supplies to wrap all of the donated gifts. • Monetary donations also accepted. Contact Nicole Patterson at 410-313-6423 or NPatterson@HowardCountyMD.gov. Website: HowardCountyMD.gov/aging

Howard County Paws4Comfort Fosters special bonds between the pet owners, the pet and the county residents they visit. Volunteers and their pets make regular visits to older adults in nursing facilities and assisted living residences, adult day care facilities, and senior centers as well as programs serving youth and adults with disabilities. Volunteer requests: • Volunteers and their own dogs or cats visit nursing homes, assisted living residences, 50+ centers and adult day care facilities to bring friendly animal visits to those who can no longer keep their own pets but still enjoy animal companionship. If interested, please contact us for more information. Evaluations are held the first Wednesday of every month at the Bain Center. More information and application can be found at HowardCountyAging.org, click on volunteering. Donation requests: • Small gift donations for the residents (calendars, socks, personal hygiene products, blankets, etc.) are needed for the annual holiday party. • Donated or baked cookies/desserts for the celebration that will take place in December. Contact Ingrid Gleysteen at 410-313-7461 or IGleysteen@HowardCountyMD.gov. Website: HowardCountyAging.org

k KidsPeace Provides a variety of foster care and community-based treatment programs to help foster youth in need to overcome challenges and transform their lives by providing intensive education and support services and placing children in safe and nurturing homes. Volunteer requests: • Loving foster homes throughout Howard County and Maryland, especially for teenagers. Training and support is provided. Donation requests: • Care packages for teenagers placed in a new foster home (blankets, bedroom linens, toiletries, journals, socks, gift cards, music, etc.) • Transition items for youth turning 21, aging out of care and starting out on their own (bedroom/bathroom linens, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, gift cards, etc.) and new or gently used suitcases and large duffel bags. Contact Gina Seyfried at 410-964-9329 or Gina.Seyfried@KidsPeace.org. Website: KidsPeace.org

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area Walks with our neighbors in need and mobilizes community partners to provide services that offer hope and rebuild lives. Volunteer requests: • Donation sorters • Thanksgiving meal helpers • Community advocate • Muscle movers; apartment set-ups Donation requests: • Winter coats, children’s toys, warm blankets. Contact Jessica Cuellar at 202-407-1497 or CuellarJ@LSSNCA.org. Website: LSSNCA.org

MakingChange Empowers individuals and families to achieve financial stability. Volunteer requests: • 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 (no prior tax experience required). This program is offered from January through April; volunteers receive the necessary training to pass the IRS certification tests. • Event staff for the Money Matters Fair & Youth Finance seminar on April 24. Volunteers needed to assist students as they navigate a financial simulation exercise. • Instructors and coaches for financial education group seminars and individual financial coaching sessions. Donation requests: • Monetary 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 eight-week workshop for 10 to 12 people focused on achieving their specific financial goals. • Business partners, at levels from $1,000 to $10,000, are needed to support our financial education programs throughout the year. Contact Mike Couch at 443-718-9350 or CouchM@MakingChangeCenter.org. Website: MakingChangeCenter.org

Metropolitan Washington Ear Provides free multimedia audio information services for blind, visually-impaired and physically disabled individuals in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Volunteer requests: • Readers needed every day. Volunteers read The Washington Post, USA Today, Time and Washingtonian magazines and other current local and national publications daily. In addition, volunteers read grocery and shopping ads, magazines, TV listings and audibly describe theater listings. The Ear’s services are available throughout the Metropolitan area 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Washington Ear studios are located in northern Silver Spring. Volunteers are asked to give two hours a week. A short audition is required of all applicants. Donation requests: • Donations are welcomed on an ongoing basis to help support our free services for the blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled individuals of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Contact Rene Schecker at 301-681-6636 or VolunteerManager@WashEar.org Website: WashEar.org

Moveable Feast Delivers healthy and nutritional meals to Marylanders living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening conditions. We believe that food=medicine. Volunteer requests: • Holiday meal delivery drivers, kitchen helpers, pre-holiday prep workers, greeters, kitchen runners, cookie packers, present wrapper and holiday decoration maker. • Year-round meal delivery drivers, kitchen assistants, janitorial assistant, clerical assistant, data-entry assistant, baker, garden volunteer and special events assistant. • On occasion, we need someone to staff a table at a recruitment event or help out at a special event. Donation requests: • Microwave ovens, toiletries, toys, gift cards (Walmart, Target, Sam’s), socks, gloves, hats, scarves. • Food items: Frozen cookie dough. 100 percent fruit juice, fruit with no syrup added, canned vegetables with low sodium or no salt added. Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, sardines, canned or dried beans. Whole wheat or regular pasta, brown or white rice, plain oatmeal, cream of wheat, whole grain cereals and crackers. Low-fat, shelf-stable dairy items like powdered milk and pudding. Jelly, jam, condiments, spices, salt-free seasonings. Contact Mary K. DiUbaldo at 410-327-3420, Ext. 33 or MDiUbaldo@MFeast.org. Website: MFeast.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

NAMI Howard County Improves the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families through education, advocacy and support, and to increase awareness of mental illness throughout the community. Volunteer requests: • Group facilitators and tabling staff for community events are needed on an ongoing basis. Training provided by NAMI. Donation requests: • Monetary donations are needed to support our year-round In Our Own Voice presentations in the schools and throughout the community. The In Our Own Voice presentation demonstrates how individuals with severe mental illness experience recovery. Each program presenter has been trained to translate the story of his or her own struggle and success. We provide a small stipend to demonstrate our thanks to those who donate their time every week, all year long. Contact Beverley Francis-Gibson at 410-992-9300 or BFGibson.NAMIHC@gmail.com. Website: NAMIHowardCounty.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 nonprofit committed to decreasing isolation and improving the quality of life for Howard County seniors. Volunteer requests: • Drivers needed to provide transportation for medical appointments, social outings, religious services, fitness activities, educational pursuits, shopping and other personal needs. Daytime, evening and weekend volunteers are needed and drivers may choose to provide 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. Continued Contact Patrice Cerwonka & Holly Waddell at 410-884-7433 or Volunteer@NeighborRide.org. on next page Website: NeighborRide.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

p Project Linus, Howard County Provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new handmade blankets and afghans lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Volunteer requests: • Blanketeers and label sewers needed to make blankets or sew labels on blankets. Donation requests: • New handmade blankets; monetary contributions; gift cards for Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michaels, or Walmart; acrylic yarn (worsted weight) in bright colors; and fabric, especially fleece, in bright, child-friendly patterns or colors. Contact Arlene Kutz at 410-730-8865 or Kastle4@Verizon.net. Website: ProjectLinus.org

r Rebuilding Together Howard County Provides free home repairs to low-income families, veterans, disabled individuals and elderly homeowners living in Howard County. Repairs are provided by a thousand volunteers with funding from sponsor organizations. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy home for every person. Volunteer requests: • Workers for home repairs needed year-round. While Rebuilding Together Howard County is always in need of skilled volunteers (plumbers, electricians and carpenters), unskilled workers also are necessary. • Corporate and group sponsors needed to form volunteer teams. Nonprofit volunteer groups provide a team and $2,700 in funding. Corporate sponsors provide volunteer teams and a donation of $3,200 to repair and renovate a specific property. Volunteer teams range in size from 10 to 50 participants. Donation requests: • Gift cards from Lowe’s or Home Depot or monetary donations to purchase building materials such as $50 for paint, $300 for window replacement, or $1,000 for major plumbing or electrical repairs. Contact Ann Heavner at 410-381-3338 or Info@RebuildingTogetherHowardCounty.org. Website: RebuildingTogetherHowardCounty.org

s S.A.F.E. Food Pantry S.A.F.E. (Supplying Allergy Friendly and Emergency) Food Pantry provides gluten-free and allergy-friendly food to those in need. Volunteer requests: • Looking for board members, advisory council members, CPA with nonprofit expertise, marketing specialist, volunteer manager, website developer, social media maven and food pantry operations coordinator. • More volunteer opportunities will be available soon, so please contact us if you would like to use your special skills to help build this organization from the ground up. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to open a gluten-free and allergy-friendly food pantry. • Gift cards to grocery stores and health food stores in order to help people in need obtain gluten-free and allergy-friendly food. Contact Tiffany Holtzman at 443-741-1060 or Info@SafeFoodPantry.org. Website: SafeFoodPantry.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

Success in Style Helps men and women with limited income, find employment by providing interview attire. Volunteer requests: • Donation processors to process donations from holiday clothing drives. • Throughout the year, we are in need of volunteers to help process donations of clothing and accessories (belts, ties, scarves, shoes, jewelry) for men and women. Contact us at Volunteer@SuccessinStyle.org for details on shifts. Volunteer application is available on our website. Donation requests: • New items requested for men: dark dress socks, white T-shirts, briefs, boxers. • New items requested for women: bras, hosiery (black, brown, tan and beige only). • Gently-used items for men in very good condition: two-piece business suits (urgent need for men’s suits sizes 38 chest and smaller); business dress shirts (white, blue); and business dress shoes. • Gently-used items for women in very good condition: two-piece business suits (current/classic styles); professional blouses (crisp white preferred) and business-appropriate shoes. • We appreciate donations of all women’s and men's fashion items, including wedding gowns, for our supporting retail shops: Charity’s Closet, Phil’s Closet and Cherie Amour. Contact Kathy Botsford at 443-486-2478 or Outreach@SuccessinStyle.org. Website: SuccessinStyle.org

Therapy Pets Unlimited Inc. Eases grief, stress and loneliness within the community through friendly pet visits. Volunteer requests: • Do you have a friendly pet that loves people and craves attention? Would you love to have your pet become a therapy pet? Volunteer teams visit nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools and libraries. If interested, apply online at our website. Donation requests: • Any monetary donations are greatly appreciated. We receive no state or federal money. Please visit our website to donate. Contact Vicki Rummel at 443-750-1541 or Vicki@TherapyPetsUnlimited.org. Website: TherapyPetsUnlimited.org

u The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Changing lives by creating a community of support for young adults and their loved ones impacted by cancer. Volunteer requests: • Groups or companies to “adopt” a local family battling cancer to ensure they have an amazing holiday during a difficult time. The process is simple: we provide you with the tools for success and you provide the holiday cheer! Each host is provided with the names and wish list of a local family, given the opportunity to connect with the family, then encouraged to fill their wishes and deliver the gifts during the holiday season. The cost per adopted family can range from $500-$1,000, depending on the number of family members. Groups can adopt one or more families. To be matched with a family or simply to get more information, please contact Julie Lanahan, Julie@UlmanFund.org. • Race volunteers: Staying true to its Howard County and wellness roots, The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and UCF Races host a variety of annual endurance races in Howard County, including the Columbia Triathlon and Iron Girl Triathlon & Half Marathon. Volunteers will hand out packets, guide athletes along the course and so much more. Are you an athlete? Volunteer as a Cancer to 5K Coach and help local cancer survivors take back their lives by training together for a 5K Race — UlmanFund.org/cancerto5k. • Chemo Care Bags Construction Teams: an excellent opportunity for offices to get involved together! Our passionate team will educate you on the mission and work of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, share more ways to get involved and then lead the assembly of the chemo care bags to deliver to local cancer patients. For more information on how to get involved or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, visit our website. Donation requests: • Donations accepted year-round, both monetary and in-kind. Gift cards to stores such as Target, Walmart, Office Depot, Staples, Toys-R-Us, etc., are welcome around the holidays to supplement our holiday gift drive and year-round to offset our administrative costs or to be auctioned at events. Contact Amy Young at 410-964-0202 Ext. 111 or AYoung@UlmanFund.org. Website: UlmanFund.org * Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.

w Winter Growth Inc. Provides community-based services for older and disabled adults that support them in achieving their highest potential for independence, dignity and life satisfaction. These services are provided in a caring environment where people can age in place as they choose while celebrating life. Volunteer requests: • Fun Givers. Come have fun with us at Winter Growth! Share your interests, talents and skills to enrich the lives of our residents! Volunteers can chat one-on-one sharing life stories, play a musical instrument for a small group, do manicures or assist in our day-to-day programs. Donation requests: • Comfortable office chairs, Wii games, label maker, glucometer, electronic blood pressure machine, twin sheets and quilts, trays for bed bound residents, towels, silverware, scarves, sweaters, gloves, sock slippers, socks, bingo prizes including costume jewelry, men’s watches, big print books, sports memorabilia, pens, stationery, small picture frames, bags/purses, coffee mugs/travel cups, toiletries including body wash, colored pencils, water bottles. Contact Cyndi Rogers at 410-964-9616 or Cyndi.Rogers@WinterGrowthInc.org. Website: WinterGrowthInc.org

The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County

For further information,

please contact The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County 6310 Hillside Court, Suite 100 • Columbia, MD 21046 410-715-3172 • phone 410-715-0845 • fax info@volunteerhoward.org • email www.volunteerhoward.org • website