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guide to giving The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
The Volunteer Center
Serving Howard County
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Holiday Guide to Giving 2011 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 2011. 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. Bea Gaddy Family Center — a soup kitchen in Baltimore — 410-563-2749 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
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American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region provides the American people with the safest, most reliable and cost-effective blood services through voluntary donations. American Red Cross is 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. This is a great opportunity to meet people and help support the mission. Contact Terry Karloff at 410-764-4602, Ext 1 or karlofft@usa.redcross.org. • Website: www.redcrossblood.org/gcp
Animal Advocates of Howard County is dedicated to reducing the suffering of animals by promoting, spaying and neutering, the adoption of homeless pets and conducting humane education programs. Their goal is to end the needless destruction of pets. Volunteers are needed to assist in fundraising and humane education programs, and to assist in helping at adoption events. Holiday donations needs consist of canned cat and dog food, dry dog and cat food, soft treats and biscuit type treats, new dog and cat toys, Kongs, clean blankets and towels, buckle or martingale-type collars and harnesses, leashes, unsalted peanuts in the shell or sunflower seeds (for our wildlife rescue colleagues), bleach, paper towels, heavy-duty garbage bags, baby wipes, gift cards from Bark, Petsmart, or Petco so we can buy emergency food and supplies as needed. Contact 410-880-2488, Ext 3 or aadvocates@hotmail.com. • Website: www.animal-advocates.org
The Arc of Howard County supports full community life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — one person at a time. In need of a desktop copier, commercial shredder, laptop computers, vacuum cleaners and furniture for the front lobby of The Arc’s headquarters. Contact Lisa Kawata 410-730-0638, Ext 369 or lkawata@archoward.org • Website: www.archoward.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
Arthritis Foundation The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. This agency is sponsoring the 2011 Jingle Bell Run/Walk on December 3 at Centennial Park, in Ellicott City, MD and also on December 11 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore MD. Volunteers are needed for the registration table, goodie bag table, food area, t-shirt table, and on the course, and at the finish line. Volunteers are also needed with the Children’s Snowflake Sack Race that will take place immediately after the run in Ellicott City. Contact Ashley Warnick at 443-738-9621 or acress@arthritis.org or Allyson Yospe at 443-738-9626, ayospe@arthritis.org Website: www.arthritis.org or www.MDJBR.kintera.org
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. We are in need of turkeys and hams for our residential and day program holiday luncheons and dinners, along with non-perishable food items for our food pantry. We are also in need of commercial gym equipment. Specifically, we need recumbent bikes, elliptical exercise machines, treadmills, a scale, two flat screen televisions, exercise mats, resistance bands and tubes. A set of dumbbell weights (5, 8, 10, and 15 pounds), and a weight bench. Also needed are vacuums. Contact Pat Owens 410-964-1241, Ext 128 or plowens@athelasinst.org • Website: www.athelasinst.org
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Bello Machre, Inc provides support and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, enabling them to participate as fully as they wish in all aspects of community life. Special projects that volunteers can participate in include bakers to make and deliver sweets to the homes, creative people who can plan arts and craft activities. Groups are also welcome as they can participate by doing lawn work or putting out holiday decorations. If you would like to become a friendly visitor, plan a holiday party or game night, please call. Contact: Evette Watson at 443-702-3064 or volunteer@bellomachre.org • Website: www.bellomachre.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Maryland Mentoring Partnership strives to help children reach their fullest potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships and a full range of youth mentoring programs with measureable impact. The agency is seeking volunteers to assist with the annual party on December 13 from 4-9pm. They also seek holiday gifts for families most in need in Howard County. Donations can include gift and food baskets, gift cards to large retail stores, grocery stores, and/or restaurants. Contact Natalie Meade at 410-243-4000, Ext 224 or nmeade@biglittle.org • Website: www.biglittle.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
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Christ Church Link guides our Howard County neighbors in crisis to aid, via its Information and Referral Helpline for emergency needs (eviction prevention, utility turnoffs, food, clothing, shelter, jobs, etc.) During the holidays Link helps families in need find Thanksgiving/Christmas meals and holiday gifts for their children. Link requests: 1. Cash donations or gift cards (food and discount stores, e.g., Walmart, Target) for low-income families. 2. Unwrapped, new holiday gifts of toys or clothing for children (newborn to age 12). 3. Sponsors to “adopt” a family by providing food for a holiday meal and/or gifts. Contact Christ Church Link at 410-309-9695 or christchurchlink@comcast.net Website: www.ChristChurchLink.com *Agency can identify families in need of thanksgiving/holiday food donations
COGS-Coalition of Geriatric Services-Food on the 15th gets students involved in philanthropy by having them collect, sort, bag and deliver groceries and toiletries to economically challenged senior citizens in Howard County. Some of these citizens live on just $9,000 per year. Food on the 15th operates on $0 overhead as all foods are donated and parents and students donate their time to prepare the bags and deliver them. Holiday donations or volunteer needs include food coupon packets from the newspaper, non-perishable food donations, and $10 gift cards to Weis Market, or Shoppers Food Warehouse. Monetary donations may be mailed to: Coalition of Geriatric Services, (COGS), P.O. Box 2131, Ellicott City, MD 21041. Contact Julie Rosenthal at 410-608-1913 or foodonthe15th@gmail.com Website: www.cogsmd.org and www.foodonthe15th.org.
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Days End Farm Horse Rescue ensures quality care and treatment of horses through rehabilitation, humane education and community outreach since 1989. Please consider donating some of the following items to this agency: 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, Monday thru Sunday. 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 from 10am-1pm. Contact Jill Pokorny at 301-854-5037 or volunteer@defhr.org • Website: www.defhr.org
Emerge, Inc creates supportive environments and individualized services for people with disabilities. This agency 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
FIRN a local non-profit serving Howard County immigrants since 1981, strives to assist the foreign-born in bridging culture and building community. For many of FIRN’s clients the holiday season can be a time of both emotional and financial stress. FIRN is seeking community support for their Thanksgiving food and holiday gift program. Gift cards for food and gifts are needed for families. Contact Kristin Lilly at 410-992-1923, Ext 12 or klilly@firnonline.org • Website: www.firnonline.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
Frisky’s Wildlife and Primate Sanctuary, Inc is a non-profit organization that 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. During the holidays, when the focus is on family and friends, charity donations are sometimes put to the side, even for the most dedicated supporters. We have a Wish List on our website, www.friskys.org and our Wish List can also be found on Amazon.com under “Frisky’s Wildlife”. Frisky’s need for linens, (towels, wash rags, pillowcases, sheets, blankets, quilts, etc.) is a constant need. 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 410-418-5402 or friskyswildlife@yahoo.com • Website: www.friskys.org
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Grassroots Day Resource Center (DRC) helps the neediest of the homeless in Howard County to meet their basic needs and develop a trusting relationship to help them overcome practical and psychological barriers to improving the quality of their life. Donation needs include: cases of canned goods like tuna, chicken, Vienna sausages, canned salmon, corned beef hash, chunky soups, pork and beans, Chef Boyardee canned pasta, Dinty Moore beef stew, peanut butter, jelly, hot chocolate packages, and Ramen Noodles. New clothing needs include men’s and women’s jeans, men’s socks, underwear, long sleeved t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, thermal underwear, and heavy boots. Equipment and supply needs include tents (the type advertised as 4-7 person with a peak height inside of about 6 feet), sleeping bags (15 or 20 degree rating), plastic tarps (5 ml thickness, approximately 15 foot x 20 foot to keep the tent dry), and batteries (all AAA, AA, C, and D). Contact Melinda Becker at melindabecker@verizon.net or daycenter@verizon.net • Website: www.daycenter.org
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HC DrugFree works to help youth avoid alcohol and other drugs throughout the school year, but particularly during the holiday, spring break and prom seasons. HC DrugFree is looking for individuals and businesses to become “Friends of HC DrugFree.” Donations are used to provide free programs to Howard County high schools and middle schools. Donations also help HC DrugFree to purchase educational materials and support our Teen Advisory Council. Donations can be sent to HC DrugFree, 10451 Twin Rivers Road, Suite 404, Columbia, MD 21044 or visit our website to become a “Friend.” Contact Joan Webb Scornaienchi 443-325-0040 or info@hcdrugfree.org • Website: www.hcdrugfree.org
Healthy Families offers first time parents in Howard County the opportunity to access resources and support that promotes an optimal level of health and wellness for their family. They are seeking grocery store gift cards, gift cards from Walmart, Target, diapers of all sizes, baby supplies and baby clothing of all sizes, formula and baby wipes. Contact: Judy Templeton at 410-715-3716 ext. 233 or jtempleton@fcsmd.org • Website: www.fcsmd.org
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 people who need to rehome their cats and feral colony caretakers, and shelter cats in a no-kill group home environment. PetCo gift cards, donations to the Snuggles Medical Fund, top-loading cat carriers, Fancy Feast canned food, Before Grain dry food, large cardboard scratching pads, and clumping cat litter. Contact Missy Zane 410-730-3679 or howardcountycats@earthlink.net Website: www.howardcountycatclub.org, www.facebook.com/pages/Howard-County-Cat-Club/88117501940
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks utilizes a team approach to provide a high quality recreation and parks system that promotes opportunities for all Howard County residents to pursue safe and enjoyable leisure activities in balance with protection and conservation of natural resources. Howard County Recreation and Parks will accept financial donations. These donations allow the agency to offer scholarships to anyone interested in taking recreation programs and/or enrolling in recreation licensed childcare. Contact Ann Combs at 410-313-4624 or acombs@howardcountymd.gov • Website: www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP
Howard County Poetry & Literature Society HoCoPoLitSo has been enlarging the audience for contemporary poetry and literature and the world literary heritage since 1974 through public programs and its cable TV series. HoCoPoLitSo is seeking Book Buddies & Scone Sellers for the 34th Annual Irish Evening with novelist Hugo Hamilton on Friday, February 17 from 6-10pm at the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044. Information Hunter for assembling photos, poems, and releases for publication of a 40th anniversary book of writers who have read for HoCoPoLitSo since 1993. Contact Pamela Simonson at 443-518-4568 or information@hocopolitso.org • Website: www.HoCoPoLitSo.org
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KidsPeace is a foster care and community programs agency. The mission of KidsPeace is to give hope, help, and healing to children, families and communities, and to help people in need transform their lives by providing emotional and physical healthcare and educational services in an atmosphere of teamwork, compassion and creativity. Holiday donations are needed to provide our youth ages 18-21, who are transitioning out of foster care, with “Transition Baskets”. Items needed include: laundry baskets, shower caddy, totes boxes, alarm clocks, towels, washcloths, blankets, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, journals, small pillows, sheets, daily planners, gift cards to clothing stores or grocery stores (Target, Walmart), paper or plastic plates and cups, toothbrush, toothpaste, calculators, refillable water bottles, notebooks, soap, shampoo/conditioner bus passes, socks, plastic containers, cookbooks. For the foster care youth who are 18 to 21 years old and attending college we would like to provide them with one or more of the following items: luggage, laptop or notebook, prepaid cell phone with some minutes, DVD player. Contact Jocelyn Kennedy at 410-964-9329 or jocelyn.kennedy@kidspeace.org • Website: www.kidspeace.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
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Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. For Wish Kids Closet, new items only please: backpacks, sports items (Ravens and Orioles especially), disposable cameras, Disney related items for all ages, photo albums, autograph books, travel books, picture frames, coloring books, activity books, DVD’s, games, travel games, pop culture items, duffel bags, luggage tags, luggage. For use in the office: LCD Projector, dolly (handtruck), gift cards from Giant or Walmart for volunteer trainings. Contact Lisa Kadish at 410-580-9474 or LKadish@midatlantic.wish.org • Website: www.midatlantic.wish.org
The 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 Debbie Fitch at 301-681-6636 or volunteers@washear.org. • Website: www.washear.org
Moveable Feast provides nutritionally appropriate meals and nutrition counseling to people in need in Central Maryland. Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchen on 11/24, 11/25, 11/26, and 11/27 from 10am until 2pm. Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchen on 12/24, 12/25 from 10am until 2pm, on 12/26, 12/27, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30, and 12/31 from 10am until 2pm. Donations of microwave ovens, toiletries, generic gifts for children and adults (hats, scarves sets, small toys) and monetary gifts are always appreciated. Contact Tom Patrick at 410-327-3420, Ext 31 or tpatrick@mfeast.org • Website: www.mfeast.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
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National Family Resiliency Center, Inc. for the past 25 years has provided comprehensive clinical and educational services to families. NFRC is committed to helping children and adults preserve a sense of family, foster healthy relationships regardless of family configuration, and constructively adjust to change, especially during times of separation, divorce, reconciliation and other family transitions. Holiday donations can be made in the form of gift cards for families who are experiencing financial difficulty over the holidays. Copy paper in different colors, markers, pens, construction paper and pencils for children’s group programs are also needed. Contact Kathy A. Helt at 410-740-9553, Ext 208 or khelt@NFRChelp.org • Website: www.nfrchelp.org
Neighbor Ride Neighbor Ride will decrease isolation and improve the quality of life for Howard County’s older residents by providing a reasonably priced, reliable, supplemental transportation service which utilizes community volunteers and resources. 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 expecially needed now, as demand reaches all-time highs. 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 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
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The Salvation Army of Howard County an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. 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 in his name without discrimination. Accepting food baskets and grocery gift cards for our Thanksgiving program (due by November 19). Help bring the holiday spirit to the life of a little boy or girl, Adopt an Angel for Christmas, please call our office for more details. Volunteers are needed to staff the Angel Tree table at the Mall in Columbia from November 25 through December 10. Volunteers are needed to participate in our Wells Fargo Kettle Challenge. Money raised through the Kettle Challenge helps assist with utility and eviction payments and keeping food on the table. Contact Windy Kidd at 443-656-3376 or windy_kidd@uss.salvationarmy.org • Website: www.salvationarmysouth.org/MD *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
Success In Style provides free business wardrobes and coaching to disadvantaged men and women seeking employment. Clothing donations for men and women — especially plus sizes. Jewelry; handbags, especially black; new undergarments for men; new dress socks for men; queen-sized panty hose and knee highs in black and brown; dress form; mirror; round racks; women’s shoes especially size 8 and up; men’s shoes especially size 11 and up. Volunteers needed at Charity’s Closet Boutique: (Raises funds for SIS) needs help Friday through Sunday ... more hours available soon. Our Laurel location needs help Wednesdays between 11am and 4pm. Contact Jeannette Kendall 410-750-6475 or successinstyle@verizon.net • Website: www.successinstyle.org
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Tails of Hope Sanctuary is an organization which rescues shelter animals that have either run out of time at a shelter, or have correctable health or behavioral needs which we address before they become available for adoption. Tails of Hope’s mission is to foster healthy relationships among people, animals, and the earth by rescuing animals in need, teaching humane and environmental education, and promoting wellness in the minds, hearts, and bodies of all living things. Requests for holiday donations include items for dogs and cats, such as collars, harnesses, leashes, beds, comforters and gift cards from pet stores. Gas cards, postage stamps, digital camera, land to create our sanctuary, and monetary donations are also on our wish list! Volunteers with experience working with animals or an aspect of animal rescue are needed to further our mission. Contact Sandra Giangrande at 410-802-1904 or tohvolunteers@gmail.com • Website: www.tails-of-hope.org
Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center, Inc specializes in horseback riding lessons and therapy services to children and adults with special challenges, Special Olympics training, Rainbow Camp, wounded soldiers, in an inclusive, bucolic setting year round. Requesting hot chocolate boxes, hot cups, plastic ware, napkins, cookies for the snack table, paper towels, apples and carrots for the horses “salad bar”, sponsor a child in therapy, sponsor a soldier in therapy, outfit a rider for Special Olympics Equestrian Team, plants for the memorial gardens. Contact Dr. Helen Tuel 410-489-5100 or trrc01@aol.com • Website: www.trrcmd.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
The Holiday Project of the National Capital Area organizes visits to people living in hospitals, nursing, homes, and long term care facilities throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area during the holiday season and on other special days throughout the year. Holidays can be very special times of the year. But for those residing in institutions, they often become lonely days, with all too few visitors.The Holiday Project brings the spirit of a holiday to those who would otherwise not have a celebration. The Holiday Project is in search of volunteers to spread holiday cheer! For more information, visit our website at holidayproject.org. The Holiday Project is also in need of items that can be distributed to senior citizens as gifts. Examples of appropriate gift items include cards, calendars, and more practical items such as slippers and socks, eyeglass repair kits, lotion, etc. Cash donations are also needed to defray our administrative expenses. Contact Robin Wiley 703-370-0370 or holidayprojectdc@hotmail.com • Website: www.holidayproject.org
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Voices for Children, Inc - Howard County’s CASA Program trains and supervises 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. Small denomination gift certificates to fast food restaurants, Target, WalMart, book stores, movie theaters, food stores, etc. These gift certificates are used to take foster children on outings and given to children and families in need. Contact Erica Byrne 410-740-0933 or ebyrne@voicesforchildren.org • Website: www.voicesforchildren.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations
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Walters Art Museum brings art and people together for enjoyment, discovery and learning. We strive to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. We are committed to exhibitions and programs that will strengthen and sustain our community. We seek coat room managers for each weekend until April, but especially during the holiday periods. Coat room managers are a key “face” of the museum and often create the visitor’s first and last impression. Coat room managers welcome visitors, check their coats and bags, issue wheelchairs and strollers, and keep the coat room organized. Coat room managers serve from 9:45am-5pm, mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. We ask all volunteers to serve at least 12 days during the season. All volunteers should have good social skills and enjoy working with people of diverse ages and backgrounds. Each volunteer must pass a background check and complete a short training program. Training will be provided on November 12 at 10:30am-1pm or November 19 at 10:30am to 1pm. This volunteer assignment is suitable for 17-18 year old high school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts, humanities or hospitality industry, with preference given to those who have taken an art history course. Teens can earn community service hours and build workplace skills that can be added to a resume. Teens should call or email Marla Krogh to obtain an application package. Adult applicants should submit the online application on our website: thewalters.org/about/jobs/volunteers/apply.aspx Contact Marla Krogh at 410-547-9000, Ext 281 or mkrogh@thewalters.org • Website: www.thewalters.org
Winter Growth Inc Helping older and disabled adults to celebrate life. Listen to the laughter at Winter Growth. Holiday donations needed: 30-40 inch flat screen TV, iPod (Nano, Original or Touch), iPad 2, iPod dock station with speakers to play music in a large room, towels, sheets for single beds, blankets for single beds, comforters for single beds, shower gel (unisex), shampoo and conditioner (unisex), puzzles under 75 pieces, gift cards to Michael’s for us to buy crafting supplies, exercise bands (either ones with handles or the elastic you tie), beach balls, all sizes, and sensory toys. Contact Carrie Grafton 410-964-9616 or carriegrafton@wintergrowthinc.org • www.wintergrowth.com
For further information, 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 twitter.com/volunteerhoward • twitter facebook.com/VolunteerHoward • facebook