Looking for an organization that helps the less fortunate to volunteer with or donate money to? See this list of both local organizations that you can get involved with this holiday season.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and the perfect way to spread holiday cheer is to help the less fortunate in and around our community! There are plenty of ways for you to make a difference this holiday season, whether you are interested in volunteering with an organization or just donating money or supplies. Listed below are ten organizations in the Anne Arundel County area that are looking for both volunteers and/or donations.
Reputable Organizations That You Can Get Involved With:
Anne Arundel County Food and Resource Bank
The food and resource bank was founded in 1987. Its mission is to combat hunger in the Anne Arundel County area by ensuring that all county residents have access to food and other resources. Volunteers are needed to sort food and clothing, deliver food and assist with computer or office duties. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit www.aafoodbank.org or call 410-923-4255. To donate resources to the bank visit the resource center in Crownsville, MD during 9 am- 2 pm.
Bello Machre Inc.
Bello Machre provides homes, support, and loving care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities. They also help these individuals engage in activities within their community. The organization needs volunteers to help staff with community outings, landscaping yards, gardening, teaching computer skills and doing clerical work in the office. The organization also accepts donations. To get involved with the organization you can visit www.bellomachre.org, call 443-703-3064, or visit the Glen Burnie center from 9 am to 4 pm.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
If you love dogs, this is the organization for you! Guiding Eyes for the Blind raises and trains puppies to be future guide dogs. Volunteers are needed to raise puppies in their home and teach them manners and social skills. In addition to daily work with their dog, raisers are expected to attend local classes and puppy evaluations. For more information, visit www.guidingeyes.org or call 410-960-7427
Lighthouse Shelter
The Lighthouse Shelter is an organization based out of Annapolis that works to provide shelter for homeless individuals in surrounding areas and help these individuals become self-sufficient. Volunteers are needed to distribute bagged lunches, serve lunch and/or dinner at the shelter, shelve food items in the pantry and assist with yard work. For more detailed information on this organization, visit www.annapolislighthouse.org or call 443-569-4208.
Maryland Therapeutic Riding
MTR is a Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center located in Crownsville that offers therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults with special needs. Volunteers are needed to assist with the riding lessons (sidewalkers or leaders) and assist with daily barn chores and horse care. To get involved with MTR, visit their website, www.horsesthatheal.org, or call them at 410-923-1187.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals for the less fortunate and strives to enhance the quality of living for these individuals through personal contact. Volunteers are needed to pack meals, drive to distribute meals, or be a driver’s assistant. If you are interested in volunteering with this organization, visit their website at www.mealsonwheelsmd.org or call them at 410-626-7543 for more information.
Quilts for Kids, Annapolis Chapter
Quilts for Kids aims to keep fabric out of landfills by creating quilts out of fabric that would otherwise be thrown out. These quilts are then distributed to children in the Annapolis area that are ill, abused, or neglected. Volunteers are needed to meet once a month and help sew quilts. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this organization, visit www.quiltsforkidsannapolis.blogspot.com/ or contact them by phone at 410-544-2222.
Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation, Inc.
Rob’s Barbershop is an organization located out of Odenton that provides free haircuts and grooming products to individuals living at or below the poverty line. Volunteers are needed to assist with special project, host events, and help advertise for the organization. If you’re interested in this organization, visit their website: www.rbcf.com, or call them at 410-519-2622.
Sarah’s House
Sarah’s House is an organization that provides supportive housing for homeless women and children in the Ft. Meade area. Volunteers are needed to work the front desk, help with evening child care, tutor children ages 5-12, and help with fundraisers or landscaping. There is also a need for volunteers to help set up and run special events such as ice cream socials and arts and crafts days. If you don’t want to volunteer, you can donate money to Sarah’s House along with items such as diapers, baby wipes, children’s socks or underwear, powdered drink mix and general cleaning supplies. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Sarah’s house, visit www.cc-md.org/sarahs-house or call them at 410-519-5085.
Special Olympics Anne Arundel Co.
The mission of the Special Olympics program is to provide year-round sports training to children with intellectual disabilities. The organization also gives the children opportunities to develop physical fitness and social skills. If you love sports and are interested in working alongside children with special needs you can volunteer to be an assistant coach in the evening or help with regional competitions, fundraising and special events. Visit www.soaamd.org or call 410-923-0383 for more information.
To get more detailed information on the organizations listed above or learn about other organizations that need volunteers visit: http://www.aacvc.org/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=015A0000001b0wS