Guide to
Giving 2018-2019
VolunteerHoward.org/GuidetoGiving
Save the date January 21, 2019
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service For more information, visit VolunteerHoward.org/hocomlkserve.
Interested in learning more?
Attend a Volunteering Made Easy session For more information, visit volunteerhoward.org/calendar.
For further information, please contact: Volunteer Center Serving Howard County 6310 Hillside Court, Suite 100 • Columbia, MD 21046 410-715-3172 info@VolunteerHoward.org VolunteerHoward.org
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 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 2018-2019. Interested in making a monetary donation? The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County serves to connect our community members with local nonprofit volunteer needs. During the holiday season, the annual Guide to Giving highlights not only specific and ongoing volunteer needs, but also donation needs. While financial contributions are welcomed by many of the center’s partners, the center encourages you to give wisely. Research the organization and confirm the need. Each organization has their own policies and procedures for collecting financial contributions. Interested in collecting food to help a family in need enjoy a special meal at holiday time? Look for * notations below agency requests. Interested in helping in a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day? The agencies listed below may need volunteers. However, 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 • vincentbaltimore.org/volunteer ELIZABETH HOUSE/FISH OF LAUREL, INC. A food pantry serving Laurel residents, and a meal kitchen open to all • 301-776-9296 • fishoflaurel.com 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 • 410-889-3001 • mannahouseinc.org THE SHEPHERD’S TABLE A daily soup kitchen and resource center in Silver Spring • 301-585-6463 • shepherdstable.org/volunteer
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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A-OK Mentoring-Tutoring Inc.
Enhances the successful academic and social development of Howard County children and youth through encouraging, ongoing support of an adult mentor/tutor in Howard County public schools and other Howard County community programs. Volunteer requests: • One-on-one adult mentors and tutors available during the school day, or in small groups in after-school programs for elementary and middle school age students. • Learn more at information sessions held Tuesday, December 11 and Monday, January 7. Contact: Susan Burger at 443-895-2457 or susan@aokmentor.org Website: aokmentor.org
Animal Advocates of Howard County
Prevents suffering by teaching compassion. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Staffing for Holiday Mart (Saturday, December 1). • Santa Claws photo shoot. • Holiday gift wrapping (dates TBD); check website or call for details. Donation requests: • Monetary donations for veterinarians that support us. Call for more information. • Gift cards to pet stores (not selling pets) to purchase special supplies as needed. Contact: Volunteer coordinator at 410-880-2488 (ext. 3) or aadvocates@hotmail.com Website: animal-advocates.org
Anna’s Gift Foundation
Provides unique craft kits to hospitalized children with life-threatening illnesses to help relieve the boredom, fatigue, stress, anxiety and separation that a medical illness brings. Volunteer requests: • Kit assembly. • Bookkeeping. • Grant writing. • Basic administrative support (filing, etc.). • Move/set up items for volunteers to assemble kits. • Wine pourers (ages 21+) and admissions tent volunteers during the summer/fall fundraisers at Linganore Winecellars. Donation requests: • Computer desk. • Storage shelving units. • Small wooden birdhouses and treasure boxes. • Press ‘N’ Seal cling wrap, wax paper and individually wrapped paper towel rolls. • Craft tools and supplies (Fiskars original orange-handled scissors; acrylic paint in black, blue, yellow, red and white; flat bristle paint brushes; kid friendly blunt scissors; white single-toggle switchplate covers; Mod Podge gloss (1 gallon); Mod Podge dishwasher safe gloss; Sharpie pens (assorted colors). Contact: Elizabeth Tomalis at 443-745-3343 or AnnasGiftFoundation@gmail.com Website: AnnasGift.org
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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The Arc of Howard County
Achieves full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — one person at a time. Volunteer requests: • Committee members for a variety of programs and events to support the mission of The Arc. Donation requests: • Monetary and in-kind donations. • Gift cards (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Costco, BJ’s). • Gift cards or tickets to community events. • Variety of new arts and crafts supplies. • New household items. • Books for children and young adults. Contact: Barbara Moyer at 410-730-0638 or bmoyer@archoward.org Website: archoward.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Athelas Institute Inc.
Provides opportunities for growth and personal accomplishment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, complemented by quality services and meaningful community engagement. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Decorating help for the holidays in early December. Ongoing: • Facilitate Saturday community dances for individuals with intellectual disabilities. • Rake and bag leaves at our residential homes in Howard, Carroll and Baltimore counties. Volunteers needed weekends throughout November. Donation requests: • Two flat screen televisions, four karaoke machines with Party Tyme Karaoke CDs, two musical keyboards, four stereo CD/radio players, two DVD players. • New or slightly used exercise bike, a full-sized air hockey table, pool ball set and pool cues, and board games for therapeutic recreation. • Graco paint sprayer. • Two toaster ovens. • Nonperishable food items for our food pantry, and 18 turkeys for our group homes. Contact: Pat Owens at 410-964-1241 (ext. 128) or plowens@athelasinstitute.org Website: athelasinstitute.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Bridges to Housing Stability
Provides a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Assist with delivery of Thanksgiving gift baskets, and holiday gifts and food between mid-November and Saturday, December 22 (hours and days vary). Ongoing: • Social media: Research and post to Bridges to Housing Stability’s social media sites, and respond to messages and tweets. • Special events: Help organize and run fundraising and advocacy events (ongoing Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday). • Maintenance/turnover: Help with repairs, rehab, and maintenance on housing units — skilled and unskilled labor welcome (Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 8am-8pm). • Monetary donations to support programs and client assistance. $35 covers an apartment application fee, $50 provides food and supplies for a Tenant Success Certificate Program session, $100 buys a bed for a child in their new home, $500 restores a family’s electricity, and $1,000 moves a disabled individual into an efficiency apartment. Donation requests: Holiday: • Gifts for children and adults, especially new full-size toiletry items, toys, socks, hats, gloves, and gift cards. Ongoing: • Gift cards (Lowe’s, Home Depot, BJ’s, Costco, gas stations, Target, Walmart and grocery stores), Howard County Regional Transit Authority bus passes, new home welcome basket items (tools, kitchen towels, shower curtains, washcloths, towels, garbage bags, waste baskets and sheets). • School supplies (throughout the year). Contact: Jennifer Broderick at 410-312-5760 (ext. 117) or jennifer@bridges2hs.org Website: livingclassrooms.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
The Build Haiti Foundation
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Funds projects in Haiti that support education, infrastructure, conservation, and international connectivity. Volunteer requests: • Varies; check website for volunteer opportunities. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to support families and its programs in Haiti and Howard County, at a time of the year when people living in poverty feel the most abandoned and neglected. Contact: Jean-Robert Anantua at 410-205-2444 or banantua@thebuildhaitifoundation.org Website: thebuildhaitifoundation.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Champions Against Cancer
Helps parents and full-time caregivers of children with cancer maintain a sense of normalcy as their family faces the many challenges of fighting the disease. Volunteer requests: • Administrative support with maintaining documents, meeting minutes, etc. Donation requests: • Gift cards (grocery stores, Uber/Lyft, gas stations). Contact: Amy Champion at 301-509-5669 or championsagainstcancer@gmail.com Website: champsagainstcancer.org
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Community Action Council of Howard County
Diminishes poverty, enables self-sufficiency and advocates for low-income families and individuals. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Turkey distribution: - Extra hands during the month of November in the food bank to help distribute more than 1,000 turkeys and other food items. • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: - A group of 8-10 people to help collect, weigh, document and sort donations. Ongoing: • Main office: - Administrative tasks such as filing, data entry and assisting with large mailings. - Grant research. • Community garden: - Provide in-season fresh fruits and vegetables for food bank families. - Assist with overall garden maintenance and help to build beds, plant seeds, weed and water (no experience required). • Food bank: - Provide healthy food to low-income families and individuals. - Assist with organizing food donations and distributing the food to those in need. • Head Start Program: - Provide preschool experiences and family support services for children ages 3-5. - Assist teachers with activities such as art projects, music, exercise and story time. Must be at least 18 years old to volunteer. Donation requests: Holiday: • Non-perishable food for food bank. • Adopt a family with young children for the holidays. Ongoing: • Non-perishable food. • Feminine hygiene products. • Diapers. • Educational supplies (art materials, musical instruments, balls, books, etc.). • Monetary donations to support programs. Donations can be made to: cac-hc.org/get-involved/donate-2/ General Volunteer Information Must be 16 years or older to volunteer without a parent or guardian. Opportunities are available Monday–Saturday. Required online application: cac-hc.org/get-involved/volunteer/ Contact: Rachel Sanborn at 410-313-0703 or rsanborn@cac-hc.org Website: cac-hc.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
The Community Ecology Institute
Enhances community health and well-being by fostering diverse connections between all people and the natural world. Volunteer requests: • Interns with experience related to nonprofit development, grant writing and social media campaigns with a genuine enthusiasm for helping people connect with the natural environment as a way to create healthier communities. • Event support for our flagship program, Columbia Families in Nature. Individuals should have comfort working with fairly large groups of families, and some knowledge about and/or enthusiasm for the natural environment. Events are held on Sunday afternoons or Wednesday mornings. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to hire staff. Contact: Chiara D’Amore at 443-832-3824 or cdamore@communityecologyinstitute.org Website: communityecologyinstitute.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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FIRN, Inc.
Assists immigrants and refugees from all over the world by providing resources to support immigrants, refugees, and other foreign-born individuals as they become productive, self-sufficient citizens. Donation requests: Holiday: • Donors to “adopt” families for our Thanksgiving and/or holiday programs. For Thanksgiving adoptions, donors can give food and/or gift cards. For the holiday adoption program, donors give a gift card and/or gifts for the children. The families’ information (names, ages, and children’s gender) will be provided. There is no minimum or maximum donation amount. Donations should be delivered to FIRN (5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite E-200, Columbia, Maryland 21044) by Friday, November 16 (Thanksgiving donations) and Tuesday, December 11 (holiday donations). Contact: Meredith Hochman at 443-276-3211 or volunteer@firnonline.org Website: firnonline.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Girls on the Run of Central Maryland
Inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Volunteer requests: • Course marshals, setup, cleanup, and on-site volunteers for the Girls on the Run Fall 5K in Columbia, Saturday, December 1 between 6-10:30am. • Coaches for the spring season (mid-March through the first week of June). Must be available weekdays before 5pm. • Ambassadors to attend local community events to share information about Girls on the Run with attendees. Training provided. Most volunteer events are on evenings and weekends. • Photographers/videographers to support events and help create marketing materials. • Pro bono marketing/public relations services. Donation requests: • New and gently-used running shoes in women’s sizes 1Y up to 11 for distribution to girls receiving financial assistance. • Sports hijabs in a variety of sizes. • New sports bras in a range of sizes. • Gift cards or items for use in raffles or as coach appreciation gifts. • Monetary and in-kind donations accepted. • Corporate sponsorships available. Contact: Jessamine Duvall at 443-583-7740 or jessamine.duvall@girlsontherun.org Website: gotrcentralmd.org
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. Donation requests: • Gift cards (Sunoco Gas Station, Giant Food, Walmart, Target). • New underwear (men’s and women’s). • New twin-size sheets and blankets. • New standard-size pillows. Contact: Anna Katz at 410-531-6006 or info@grassrootscrisis.org Website: grassrootscrisis.org
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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HC DrugFree
Provides drug/alcohol education and prevention resources to Howard County. Volunteer requests: • Assist with drive-thru medication collections in the Wilde Lake Village Center twice a year (fall and spring). Donation requests: • Refreshments/supplies for teen meetings/events. • Program sponsors to compensate speakers and their expenses. • Purchase prevention items (medication storage boxes, student message wristbands, printed materials). • Educational video sponsor. • Inquire about additional donation needs. Contact: Joan Webb Scornaienchi at 443-325-0040 or info@hcdrugfree.org Website: hcdrugfree.org
HopeWorks of Howard County
Provides support and advocacy for people in Howard County affected by sexual and intimate partner violence, and engages the community in creating the change required for prevention. Donation requests: Holiday: • Non-perishable food only for Thanksgiving Drive (canned veggies, stuffing, cranberry sauce, dessert and additional items not listed are welcome). Grocery store gift cards to purchase frozen turkeys and fresh produce. Note: Refrigeration storage is not available. Must be delivered to HopeWorks no later than Wednesday, November 14 by 4pm. • Donors for Holiday Drive “Adopt-a-Family” to help spread some extra holiday cheer through the support of clients and their families. Donors will be matched with a family size of their choosing (small 2-3, medium 3-4, large 5 or more) and given a list of needs/wants to purchase and/or provide gift card(s). Deliver to HopeWorks. Deadline/schedule based on client’s timeline and donor’s availability. Contact: Maya Carey at 410-997-0304 (ext. 7845) or mcarey@wearehopeworks.org Website: wearehopeworks.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Howard County Autism Society
Serves individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their families and community by providing information, support and advocacy; promoting awareness of autism that values dignity and uniqueness; and by working to improve the quality of and access to service. Donation requests: • Monetary donations during the annual holiday appeal to support efforts to make the community a more accepting and welcoming place for the more than 1,000 children and adults living with autism here in Howard County. Donate online at howard-autism.org or contact the HCAS office at 410-290-3466. Contact: Melissa Rosenberg at 410-290-3466 or melissa.rosenberg@howard-autism.org Website: howard-autism.org
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: • Help with our school field trip programs. Training provided. • Drop-in gardening, Wednesday mornings from 9:30am-noon, weather permitting. Call ahead. Donation requests: • Picnic blankets. • Bird seed. • Microwave (good working condition). • Digital cameras and SD cards (good working condition). • Monetary donations. Contact: Sue Phipps at 410-465-8877 or sue.phipps@hcconservancy.org Website: hcconservancy.org
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Howard County Office on Aging & Independence
Promotes 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. Donation requests: • Donate small gifts (new) for Paws4Comfort Program’s Annual Holiday Extravaganza for low-income and/or vulnerable adults/residents at Lorien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Columbia. Donations needed by December 5. • New toiletries/gift sets (shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, hand lotion, etc.). • Socks, puzzle books, blankets, shawls. Contact: Darlene Vaselaros at 410-313-5951 or dvaselaros@howardcountymd.gov Website: howardcountymd.gov
Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo)
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Enlarges the audience for contemporary poetry and literature, and celebrates our culturally diverse literary heritage through live and recorded readings. Volunteer requests: • Ushers and literary hosts (four people per event) for The Chronicles of Narnia, December 6-9 (Thursday-Saturday from 6:30-9:30pm, matinees on Saturday-Sunday from 1-4pm), HCC Studio Theatre in collaboration with HCC’s Arts Collective. • Ushers and literary hosts (four people per event) for Mystery Reading Series, January 25-27 (Friday-Saturday from 6:30-10pm, Sunday from 1-5pm), HCC Monteabaro Recital Hall, in collaboration with HCC’s Arts Collective. • Ushers (10) for Annual Evening of Irish Music and Poetry, Friday, February 8 from 6:30-10:30pm, Smith Theatre, Howard Community College. Donation requests: • Gift cards (bookstores) for High School Book Awards to recognize two graduating seniors from each Howard County public high school (14 total) for promise and achievement in language arts. Contact: Pamela Kroll Simonson at 443-518-4568 or hocopolitso@yahoo.com Website: hocopolitso.org
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, 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: Tracy Lane at 443-285-0220 or tracy.lane@kidspeace.org Website: fostercare.com
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services Inc. (LARS)
Enables homeless and low-income people in Laurel who are in crisis to achieve stability and longterm self-sufficiency. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Holiday program assistant: Supports the holiday program coordinator in the preparation, organization, and implementation of LARS’ Holiday Program. These individuals will volunteer at least once a week for three hours from October through January. • Holiday Program distribution volunteers: - Distribution #1, Saturday, November 17, 2:30-5:30pm — Prepare bags of food, unload turkeys from delivery trucks, shelve food donations in pantry, welcome families, bring gifts/food to families, carry gifts/ food to cars, keep shelves stocked with food, and clean up. - Distribution #2, Saturday, December 15, 9:30am-2:30pm — Prepare bags of food, sort gifts, prepare gift packages, welcome families, bring gifts/food to families, carry gifts/food to cars, keep shelves stocked with food, and clean up. Ongoing: • Administrative assistant: Supports Client Services staff in LARS’ Crisis Center by performing clerical duties, accepting donations, preparing and distributing food bags to clients, and preparing clients for their visit with a case manager. Volunteers are needed at least once a week for three hours. • Life skills facilitator: Designs and deliver Life Skills workshops, open to all LARS clients. Volunteers will facilitate at least two workshops within a one-month time period. Donation requests: Holiday: • New unwrapped toys. • Baby diapers. • Gift cards. • Frozen turkeys and hams. • Additional Thanksgiving food items (cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie filling, gravy, stuffing, instant potatoes, canned yams, cornbread mix). Contact: Alli Milner at 301-776-0442 (ext. 34) or amilner@laureladvocacy.org Website: laureladvocacy.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Leveling the Playing Field
Gives underprivileged children the opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of youth sports participation. Volunteer requests: • Collect sports equipment. • Inventory/sort sports equipment in Leveling the Playing Field’s warehouse. Donation requests: • Gently-used and new sports equipment such as soccer balls, baseball bats, basketballs, cleats, etc. Contact: Kaitlin Brennan at 301-844-5620 or kaitlin@levelingtheplayingfield.org Website: levelingtheplayingfield.org
Linwood Center
Creates the possibility of extraordinary lives for children and adults living with autism and related developmental disabilities by providing education, vocational training, residential support and employment opportunities. Volunteer requests: • Professional photography services. • Special events assistance. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to support our programs and services for individuals living with autism. • In-kind donation of new or gently-used items in excellent condition, such as clothing, furniture, home decor, wall art, jewelry, accessories, antiques and more. Contact: Katie Voress at 410-465-1352 (ext. 236) or kvoress@linwoodcenter.org Website: linwoodcenter.org Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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ManneqART
Inspires creativity, teaches problem-solving skills, and rewards excellence in sculpture on the human form. Volunteer requests: • Volunteers needed to assist artists prepare for ManneqART’s annual competition award winners reception and show on Saturday, December 9, help attendees in the museum and shop, and staff special event tables from 4-9pm. ManneqART Museum is located at 9010 Maier Road, Laurel. • Publicity and communications. • Fundraising for annual awards. • Museum worker. Donation requests: • Monetary donations for cash prizes and artists awards. Contact: Al Scolnik at 301-778-0616 or manneqart@gmail.com Website: manneqart.org
Maryland Horse Rescue
Facilitates the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abused and abandoned horses in Maryland. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Holiday assistance to cover shifts between Thanksgiving (November 22) and January 1. Training provided prior to volunteering; times are flexible. Ongoing: • Regularly scheduled and part-time help to care for the horses and fill in, in case of last-minute emergencies. • Barn manager, volunteer coordinator, director of development (fundraising), maintenance coordinator and board members. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to purchase hay for 36 rescue horses. • Gift cards to Southern States for elderly horses with special dietary requirements. Contact: Melanie Biemiller at 410-294-1521 or mdhorserescue@gmail.com Website: mdhorserescue.net
Maryland Search and Rescue Inc.
Searches for the missing, treats the sick and injured, rescues those in peril, and provides training and education in support of — and in collaboration with — public safety agencies and other outdoor interest groups in the Mid-Atlantic. Volunteer requests: • Team members to be trained in search-and-rescue. • Serve on the community-based board of directors of MSAR. • Cosponsor public information, training or fundraising activities. • Participate in specific events to support outdoor programs. Donation requests: • Grants for either general operating expenses or project-specific support. • Monetary donations, which may be designated by project or unrestricted. • Vehicles, gear, equipment or supplies, if usable for search-and-rescue activities. • Bequests or trusts in support of MSAR. Contact: Alex Patico at 301-596-6375 or president@mdsar.com Website: marylandsar.wordpress.com
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland
Enables people to live independently at home through the provision of nutritious meals, personal contact and related services. Volunteer requests: • Grocery shoppers: Shop for a homebound individual in their area. Once the volunteer is matched, they work closely with their client to schedule shopping, prepare grocery lists and help put groceries away. One-year time commitment. • Kibble Connection: Pick up pet food from the MDSPCA four times a year and deliver to 4-5 homebound individuals with cats and dogs. One-year time commitment. • Phone Pals: Make contact with isolated individuals by phone once a week. Calls typically last about 30 minutes and can be made from the volunteer’s home or office. Six-month time commitment. • Friendly Companion Program: Help homebound individuals stay connected with the outside world with social visits and weekly phone calls. The visiting schedule is arranged between the volunteer and the individual and lasts approximately 1-2 hours. One-year time commitment. • For more information on these specific programs, please contact Katia Jones at 443-573-0933 or jones@mowcm.org. Contact: Emily Trotter at 410-558-0827 or volunteer@mowcm.org Website: mealsonwheelsmd.org/pages/volunteer-additional-volunteer-opportunities *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Metropolitan Washington Ear
Provides free multimedia services that bring blind, visually impaired and other print-disabled people into the mainstream, rather than segregating them from society; serving Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Virginia. Volunteer requests: • Readers to read The Washington Post, USA Today, Time and Washingtonian magazines and other current/ local publications daily. Additionally, volunteers will read grocery and shopping ads, magazines, TV listings and audio-described theater listings. Volunteers are asked to complete a short audition and commit to two hours a week. Donation requests: • Monetary donations on an ongoing basis to help support free services to the blind and visually impaired, and other print-disabled individuals. Contact: Rene Schecker at 301-681-6636 or volunteermanager@washear.org Website: washear.org
Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar Pei Rescue Operation Inc.
Rescues, rehabilitates and facilitates the adoption of Chinese Shar-Pei to find as many qualified homes for abused, given-up, neglected and abandoned Shar-Pei where they can become a loving member of the household. Volunteer requests: • Transportation of dogs from various shelters, to/from vet appointments and adoption events. • Foster homes for rescue dogs. • Dog walkers/handlers. Contact: Betty Trojan at 240-683-1319 or peirescue@macspro.org Website: macspro.org
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Moveable Feast
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Fosters a community that cares for people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by preparing and delivering nutritious meals and groceries and providing nutritional counseling and other services at no cost. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Delivery drivers on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings between 9-10am. Assigned 3-6 clients for delivery of meals and/or toys for the family. • Meal preparers to help prepare and package client meals. Monday-Friday from 8-11am. Ongoing: • Kitchen assistants to prepare and package client meals and contracted service meals: Monday-Friday from 8-11am and 9am-noon; Thursday from 5:30-8pm; Saturday-Sunday from 9am-1pm. • For groups of up to 15: Monday-Friday from 9am-noon or noon-3pm; Thursday from 5:30-8pm; Saturday-Sunday from 9am-1pm. Donation requests: • Holiday wrapping paper, scotch tape, and toys for ages newborn-18. Contact: Angie Elliott at 410-327-3420 or aelliott@mfeast.org Website: mfeast.org
NAMI Howard County Inc.
Improves the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families through education, advocacy and support, and increases awareness of mental illness throughout the community. Volunteer requests: • Holiday gift wrappers at Barnes & Noble. • Staffing NAMI HC tables at community outreach events. • Transporting consumers to and from our Sunday Supper event in Columbia once a month. • Planning committee, distribute fliers/solicitations for raffle donations, gift wrapping, staffing the registration table, raffle ticket sales and concessions during the fall bingo fundraiser on Friday, October 26. • Family members and individuals living with a mental health condition willing to share their stories. Donation requests: Contact: Denise M. Giuliano at 410-772-9300 or dgiuliano.namihc@gmail.com Website: namihowardcounty.org
National Family Resiliency Center Inc.
Helps children and adults cope with the stresses of a family separation, divorce, blended family or other challenging family transitions. Donation requests: • Paper products: plates, cups, napkins. • Children’s books for waiting room. • Pens, pencils, markers. • 8.5x11 copy paper (assorted colors). • Art materials. • Gift certificates for volunteer peer counselors. Contact: Kathy Helt at 410-740-9553 (ext. 208) or khelt@nfrchelp.org Website: nfrchelp.org
Neighbor Ride
Enhances the health and quality of life for Howard County’s seniors by providing affordable, volunteer-based supplemental transportation. Volunteer requests: • Drivers needed to provide a couple of trips per month for local seniors to medical appointments, shopping, social outings, faith services, volunteer activities, and other day-to-day needs. Flexible days/times available. Parents are welcome to bring children. Contact: Patrice Cerwonka and Holly Waddell at 410-884-7433 or volunteer@neighborride.org Website: neighborride.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Paws4Comfort
Fosters bonds between pet owners, animals, and the county residents they visit. An initiative of the Office on Aging and Independence serving residents in nursing homes, adult day care and assisted living facilities, as well as emotionally and mentally challenged youths and adults. Donation requests: • New gifts for residents of Lorien Nursing Home, including socks, shawls, scarves, puzzle books, calendars, small stuffed animals and jigsaw puzzles. • Unwrapped items may be dropped off at the Bain Center (5470 Ruth Keeton Way) or at the Howard County Government Gateway Building (6751 Columbia Gateway Drive) in the “LORIEN” box no later than Friday, December 7. Contact: Ingrid Gleysteen at 410-313-7461 or igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov Website: howardcountymd.gov/OOAHealthandWellness
The Performing Arts Center for African Cultures Inc.
Promotes a better understanding of the various African cultures in a fun and interesting learning environment. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Three volunteers for each holiday community event (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month Celebration, etc.) to assist with studio setup and event activities, such as serving light refreshments to participants. Ongoing: • Website designer/editor. • Receptionist. • Social media specialist. • Customer service specialist. • Writer. • Studio manager. • Grants specialist. Donation requests: • Apple iMac computer. • Flat screen TV. • Projector and projector screen. • Multi-function laser printer/copier/scanner. • Office desk. • Portable heater. • Swiffer, paper towel, wipes, cleaning supplies for engineered wood floor. • Two heavy duty door mats, five 10x10 canopies/tents, 60 Lifetime Rubbermaid chairs. Contact: Kwame Ansah-Brew at 240-483-9260 or kwame@pacafricancultures.org Website: pacafricancultures.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Pets on Wheels
Brings therapy animals to lick away loneliness and stress during friendly therapy pet visits. Volunteer pet therapy teams visit nursing homes, veterans facilities, hospitals, schools, hospices, wellness events and more throughout the year across Maryland. Volunteer requests: • Year-round friendly therapy pet visitors (must be certified). • Year-round work by our Volunteers Without Pets to help with database needs, office support, event staffing and more. Donation requests: • Monetary donations are needed to fulfill our mission, since we never charge the facilities for our teams’ visits. Contact: Gina Kazimir at 443-977-9726 or info@petsonwheels.org Website: petsonwheels.org
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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Prepare for Success
Provides school supplies to students from low-income families in Howard County to ensure that they head back to school with the tools they need to succeed. Donation requests: • Monetary donations for back to school supplies appreciated throughout the year. • Back to school supplies donations for our collection period (mid-July to mid-August). Contact: Roy Appletree at 410-312-9044 or roy.appletree@gmail.com Website: prepareforsuccess.org
Project Linus of Howard County
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Provides love, warmth, a sense of security, and comfort to children — from preemies to age 18 who are seriously ill, injured, or traumatized — through the gift of a new handmade blanket or afghan lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Volunteer requests: • Label sewers to sew Project Linus labels onto donated blankets. • Blanketeers to make blankets. Donation requests: • Monetary donations. • New handmade blankets for children ages newborn to 18. • Anti-pill fleece for making blankets. • Gift cards (JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts & Costco). • Non-wool yarn. Contact: Julie Milbach at 240-381-1866 or juliemilbach@gmail.com Website: projectlinus.org
S.A.F.E. Food Pantry (Supplying Allergy-Friendly and Emergency Food Pantry)
Educates, inspires, and engages the community about the necessity for gluten-free and allergyfriendly food, and provides that safe food to those in need. Volunteer requests: • Board members, advisory council members, content curator, bloggers, and workplace and community food drive coordinators. • Middle and high schoolers to conduct Youth Fighting Hunger food drive in the community (service hours available). • Skills-based volunteers that can enhance this organization. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to support our dedicated gluten-free and allergy-friendly food shelves at the Howard County Food Bank and the Emergency 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. • Gluten-free and allergy-friendly food donations can be dropped off at One Dish Cuisine, 8001 Hillsborough Road, Ellicott City. 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.
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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The Samaritan Women
Provides comprehensive care to young women who have survived the trauma of domestic sex trafficking. Offering a long-term therapeutic residence for survivors to live, learn and heal from trauma. Volunteer requests: • Female volunteers are needed to drive residents to appointments, Monday-Saturday, ranging from 1-5 hours. Qualified volunteers must pass a federal and state background check, sign a confidentiality agreement and have maturity to conduct appropriate conversations with residents. Donation requests: Holiday: • Holiday donations: 10 tickets for local holiday performances, exhibits, or concerts. Ongoing: • Gift cards (Target, Walmart, Home Depot, grocery stores, Amazon, Staples). • Office supplies: postage stamps, printer cartridges (HP 61 XL and 950/951 XL), printer paper. • Cleaning supplies: Pine-Sol, dishwasher detergent, dishwashing liquid soap, laundry pods, spray bleach, Comet, and paper towels. • Baking supplies: cake flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, almond extract, almonds, hazelnut spread, canned pumpkin puree, peppermints, baking powder, sugar. • Monetary gifts accepted online at thesamaritanwomen.org/donate Contact: Hope Koumentakos at 443-878-5558 or hope@thesamaritanwomen.org Website: thesamaritanwomen.org
Special Olympics Howard County
Helps Special Olympics athletes into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. Volunteer requests: • Volunteers are needed year-round to assist Special Olympics athletes at sports practices. Practices are held evenings and weekends at schools and recreation and parks facilities in Howard County. Contact: Janet Larrimore at 410-740-0500 or info@somdhc.org Website: somdhc.org
Success in Style
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Provides business attire free of charge to disadvantaged men and women seeking employment. Success in Style operates upscale resale boutiques in Historic Savage Mill to support this mission. Volunteer requests: • Friendly, upbeat, energetic people to help process donations and work in our retail boutiques. Complete our volunteer application on our website. Once received, you will be contacted. • Various processing tasks for groups of up to eight. Email volunteer@successinstyle.org for details. Donation requests: • Clothing and accessories for men and women. Business and casual attire, formal wear, high-end fashions, shoes, boots, jewelry, etc., as well as bridal gowns (no older than 10 years) and veils. Clothing should be folded and placed in bags, not boxes. No hangers, please. Contact: Volunteer coordinator at volunteer@successinstyle.org Website: successinstyle.org
Voices for Children
Howard County’s court-appointed special advocate program advocates for and supports abused and neglected children (birth to 21 years) in the court system and ensures their right to safe and stable permanent homes. Volunteer requests: • Court-appointed special advocates (CASA), training available. Apply online. Donation requests: • Small denomination gift cards to Panera Bread, Target, Walmart, etc. Contact: Erica Byrne at 410-740-0933 or ebyrne@voicesforchildren.org Website: voicesforchildren.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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WAHA Initiative
Provides education, advocacy and assistance and increases awareness of viral hepatitis through the communities. Committed to the prevention, control and elimination of hepatitis and related liver diseases within African communities and West African countries. Volunteer requests: • Administrative assistance. • IT assistance with office database. • Digital videographer to assist with editing. Donation requests: • Monetary donations to support programs and services. • Tablet for recording our events. Contact: Bunmi Daramaja at 240-304-6476 or bunmidaramaja@wahainitiative.org Website: wahainitiative.org
Winter Growth
Provides community-based services, including adult medical day care; hourly, overnight and dropin respite care; and assisted living for seniors and disabled adults, supporting them in achieving their highest potential for independence, dignity and life satisfaction. Volunteer requests: Holiday: • Meal helpers: Thanksgiving Day (November 22) from noon-2pm. • Decorators: One day between November 26 and November 30. • Visitors: December 26, 27, 28, 31 between the hours of 10am-3pm. Ongoing: • One-on-one computer assistance for day program participants and residents. • Play an instrument or sing with day program participants. • Visit with participants or do room visits with residents. • Assist with arts and crafts projects with day program participants. • Weekend visitors playing cards, board games and/or chatting with residents. Donation requests: • Small holiday gifts for men and women such as toiletries, costume jewelry, large print word searches and large print crossword puzzles. • Depends (adult pull-ups). • Gift cards (Costco, Dollar Tree, Giant, Safeway, Target, or Walmart). • Twin sheets, comforters and bed pillows. • Bath towels. • Tablets for program activities. Contact: Vivian Golden at 410-964-9616 or vivian.golden@wintergrowthinc.org Website: wintergrowthinc.org *Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations.
Giving in times of Disaster To provide the best assistance to survivors and impacted areas: • Do NOT self-deploy as a volunteer — local resources to support you will be limited. • Follow instructions provided by local authorities — which may be ever-changing. • Send money, not material goods — every disaster and every survivor has unique needs. • Give locally — local nonprofits are more familiar with local needs and resources. • Volunteer locally — to obtain training and prepare to serve. • Think long-term — recovery continues long after the TV cameras and media leave. To learn more about giving wisely in times of disaster, visit nvoad.org. Visit VolunteerHoward.org to identify organizations that serve in times of crisis and volunteer.
Opportunities in the Guide to Giving are subject to change and managed by the posting partner organization. For current details and additional opportunities, visit VolunteerHoward.org.
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