Volunteer Center Serving Howard County

On February 22nd There Goes My Hero is hosting a bone marrow drive at Northeast High School's Heartbeat for Health Event in Pasadena, Maryland. TGMH needs volunteers to help educate attendees about the bone marrow registry as well as walk people through a brief swabbing process. It's a great opportunity for volunteers to participate in one of the most effective efforts to combat blood cancer. The event will take place at 1121 Duvall Hwy, Pasadena, MD 21122 from 10:00am until 1:00pm. If interested, please email thad.cwiklinski@theregoesmyhero.org. We hope you'll help us achieve our mission of saving lives, providing hope, and helping those affected by blood cancer.

Pasadena, MD

2/22/20 10:00 AM

On this day, we gather at the 7-Eleven and travel to the Happy Helpers Headquarters, where we prepare sandwiches and goodies for the homeless. You can meet at Happy Helpers headquarters located at 1550 Catons Center Drive Halethorpe, MD 21227 at 11:30am. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Glen Burnie, MD

2/22/20 11:00 AM + more

K-12 Student Musicians Wanted! **All music levels are welcome** Do you like to sing? Do you play any instruments? Do you want to help the community? Come and join Howard County High School UNMUTE student musicians to share your music with seniors!! Music performances are held on Saturdays from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm at the Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant (next to the Miller Branch Library in Ellicott City). Student musicians can earn student servie hours, light up lives and also help the community!! Bring your own insturement if it is not a piano or keybaord. Let's U-N-M-U-T-E! (Please provide details about what grade, which instrument (or vocal) and what piece you are planning to perform.)

Ellicott City, MD

2/22/20 4:15 PM + more

On this day, we distribute all the food, clothes, and love we have to the homeless, in person. We meet at the 7-Eleven, located at: 7701 Quarterfield Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 around 12:45pm then head to the distibution center. The distribution center is located at Our Daily Bread: 725 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202. You can meet here at 1:30pm. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Baltimore, MD

2/23/20 1:00 PM + more

We are looking for volunteers to provide academic math help during the lunch shifts at Wilde Lake High School. Lunch runs from 10:15am - 12:15pm which spans four 30-minute lunch shifts. Help could be in any math course, but the majority of the students that come in need help with Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus. Individuals with teaching experience are highly encouraged, but we will happily take anyone who is willing to give of their time, talent, energy, and patience. Expected committment is one day per week. Please contact me with additional questions!! Jennieve_Hill@hcpss.org

Columbia, MD

2/24/20 10:00 AM + more

Learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of local seniors by providing rides for medical appointments, shopping, social outings and other needs. No set schedule is required. Simply provide the rides that are convenient to your home, office, and daily routines. Volunteers are welcome to bring their children along when volunteering for a fantastic family service experience. Contact Patrice or Holly at volunteer@neighborride.org / 410-884-7433 for more information or go to our website at neighborride.org and view our new video The Volunteer Experience, or click here for volunteer testimonials. Volunteer Orientations are held in the Neighbor Ride office on Tuesdays at 9:30 am and one evening a month. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Columbia, MD

2/25/20 9:30 AM + more

Do you have a friendly pet? Brooke Grove welcomes friendly pets and their owners to become volunteers who visit with residents of our nursing center and patients in our rehabilitation facility. Current vaccination records must be kept on file in the Volunteer Services office. Students under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult family member. You must attend Volunteer Orientation before being scheduled: it is offered the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8pm. To register, email volunteers@bgf.org. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD

2/25/20 6:30 PM + more

The JA Company Program/Rising Women Program teaches high school students about business, entrepreneurship, and economics by having them create, market, and operate their own company. Students sell stock to raise capital, elect officers, buy materials, market their product or service, pay a dividend to stockholders, and liquidate their company. By organizing and operating an actual business, students learn to understand and appreciate the responsibilities each individual has in running a business. A group of 1 to 5 volunteers are assigned to a JA Company Program team of students to deliver at least 12 sessions. Time Commitment The group meets once a week after school from 5-7PM for 12 sessions. JA provides all the training and materials you’ll need to be prepared, including an overview of the curriculum, training on classroom management and tips for effective student communication. Fall and Spring training sessions are held. Sign up for one of the Training Sessions below. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Columbia, MD

2/26/20 5:00 PM + more

Do you knit or crochet? Brooke Grove is looking for volunteers to join our knitting and crocheting group(s). We knit blocks, then crochet them together to make afghans and also make scarves we donate to local organizations; for example, in 2019 afghans were donated to Fisher House at Walter Reed National Medical Center and scarves were donated to a local charity that services seniors. The group meets Thursdays in our nursing center from 10am - 1pm and in assisted living from 2-4pm. We need volunteers for both groups. Please email volunteers@bgf.org if you have an interest in one or both groups.

Sandy Spring, MD

2/27/20 11:00 AM + more

Humanim is looking for volunteers to help with setup, food preparation, serving food and "mocktails", and cleanup for our Client Winter Formal hosted in our building in Columbia, MD. Humanim’s Behavioral Health Department serves individuals struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders, and like all of Humanim’s programs and services, focuses on individualized care and self-empowerment. Humanim’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Day Program promotes increased independence while allowing clients to focus on recovery and well-being within a structured and therapeutic environment. Our person-centered services assist adults in understanding and managing their mental illness through daily educational groups and activities, including community integration and vocational/ work readiness skills.

Columbia, MD

2/28/20 2:30 PM + more

Howard County Public Schools is partnering with the Maryland Optometric Association and the Howard County Health Department to host a free vision exam and glasses event for referred students at Howard HS this winter. The dates of the event are Feb 29 and March 1. MANY volunteers are needed to make this event successful. Below are links to the general volunteer sign-up for anyone, and one for clinical volunteers, which do not have to be clinical personnel; they will just get a little extra training before their shift. Volunteers who speak other languages are in high demand! Please share with anyone who may be interested in volunteering. Thank you for considering; this promises to be a very special event for our students and families in Howard County. To Volunteer use these links: General volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d44aaab2aa3fe3-beyond2 Clinical volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d44aaab2aa3fe3-beyond3

Ellicott City, MD

2/28/20 3:00 PM + more

Judge 3rd through 5th grade student presentations, displays or performances on minority innovators. Click here for more information and to register

Laurel, MD

2/29/20 8:00 AM

A-OK Mentoring-Tutoring , Inc. is actively seeking volunteers and welcomes people from all background and experiences to participate in the organization! Volunteers serve as mentors and tutors for preschool, elementary and middle school students in Howard County and community programs. To begin the process of becoming a volunteer, learn more about A-OK Mentoring-Tutoring and/or available volunteer opportunities; join us for one of our upcoming Information Sessions: Wednesday, March 4 at 1pm Hawthorn Center 6175 Sunny Spring Columbia, MD 21044 ​​​​​​​To register, please send email to: susan@aokmentor.org or call 443-895-2457. NeighborRide available upon request. Please Note: The volunteer opportunities require that you be at least 21 years of age and have availability on weekdays, during daytime hours during the school year.

Columbia, MD

3/4/20 1:00 PM

We are looking for childcare providers during our biweekly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meetings at Columbia Presbyterian Church. You will help in one of our 3 MOPS Kids rooms: Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. The infant and toddler rooms are unstructured while the preschool room schedule includes a bible lesson, craft, and plenty of play time. Your service will allow moms in the MOPS program to have a break, meet other moms, and find support and inspiration. A background check will be required for all volunteers 18 and older. Volunteers age 14-16 may volunteer with an adult. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Columbia, MD

3/5/20 9:00 AM + more

HopeWorks’ Volunteer Program is supportive of the organization’s two-pronged mission: providing support and advocacy for people in Howard County affected by sexual and intimate partner violence and developing the community engagement necessary for primary prevention. If you love to build relationships, share your enthusiasm for public service and a cause, and impact the resources available to a nonprofit, this position may be right for you. Office Volunteers assist in the day-to-day working os HopeWorks office. Office Volunteers are integral in helping our clients succeed and move forward towards a life free from gender and sexual violence. This volunteer opportunity is for volunteers to cover the HopeWorks front desk every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month during team meetings. Volunteers would be responsible for answering the phones, connecting callers with HopeWorks staff, and greeting clients. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer during this timeslot please email Maya Carey at MCarey@wearehopeworks.org or call 410-997-0304

Columbia, MD

3/5/20 2:00 PM + more

Judge middle and high school student projects based on National History Day Commission criteria. This year’s theme is Breaking Barriers in History. Click here to register

Columbia, MD

3/14/20 8:00 AM

Voices for Children recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers to become court appointed special advocates (CASAs). Training will be begin March 16 and run for 7 consecutive Monday evenings. All interested volunteers must complete an application and an interview before beginning training. Our training focuses on the dynamics of child abuse and neglect, an understanding of the court process and familiarity with community resources. After successful completion of training and thorough background checks, volunteers are matched with a child through the Howard County Circuit Court. If you are interested in joining the March class, please complete our application at https://voicesforchildren.org/volunteer/. Each year in Howard County, children are abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families. These children are removed from their homes and placed in foster care or institutions each year. Their only “crime” is that they have been victims. That’s where Voices for Children CASA volunteers come in. Our CASA volunteers work to ensure that all children have a safe and permanent home.

Ellicott City, MD

3/16/20 6:00 PM

Are you or your organization new to the Volunteer Center or do you want to learn about the new updated HandsOn Connect system? Join us for an introductory session to learn how to effectively utilize the system to recruit and manage your volunteers including a discussion of things to consider when creating and entering opportunities. We'd also like to hear what you'd like to get out of the session in order to better meet your needs. When you register, answer two brief questions to help us better serve you.

Columbia, MD

3/18/20 3:00 PM

The Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP), a joint program of the Howard County Master Gardeners and the Howard County Recreation & Parks, addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). Invasive exotic plants reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, and space, and offer poorer quality or insufficient food and habitat for native wildlife; they may also increase soil erosion and reduce water quality, or present a nuisance to visitors. During the CSP events, volunteers help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants and the restoration of native, ecologically appropriate species. Each event also includes an educational component concerning the target species or area of the day. The meeting location varies by month. Contact adupre@howardcountymd.gov for details. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Clarksville, MD

3/24/20 9:00 AM + more

Volunteering Made Easy Audience: Community members interested in learning how to identify and participate in volunteer opportunities that meet their schedule and interests. Cost: Free, but registration is required Discover how to connect with local and regional organizations that are recruiting volunteers for general opportunities as well as skilled project specialists. If you've wondered if volunteering was right for you or if you always wanted to volunteer but weren't quite sure how to begin, this one-hour session is for you. For questions, contact Pam at pam@volunteerhoward.org or call 410-715-3179. Hope to see you there! In the event of inclement weather, check here for cancellations or delays.

Columbia, MD

3/24/20 5:30 PM + more

Conduct an "employment-like" interview with high school students seeking Passport to the Future certification. Click here to register For more information contact: sdiscepolo@hcpss.org or 410-313-7493 *Volunteer time slots are available for all or part of the morning.

Columbia, MD

3/27/20 8:00 AM

The Howard County Arts Council is seeking volunteers to assist with the 23rd annual Celebration of the Arts on March 28, 2020 at Howard Community College's Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles including: Event Set-up & Break-down Event Host/Hostesses Box Office Ticket Sales Silent Auction Assistants (including gallery installation, data entry, auction check-out, gift wrapping, etc.) Performance Ushers Reception Busers This is a great opportunity to get involved and support one of the signature art events in Howard County while having fun at the same time! The Celebration is a multifaceted event, showcasing and promoting the arts and raising funds in support of the arts, artists, and arts organizations in Howard County. Note: To signup a volunteer that does not meet the minimum age only the minimum age with adult age, parents/adults need to create a team which includes themselves and the volunteer(s) that are under age. The parent/adult can then “sign up with a team” for the opportunity selecting the team members who will volunteer. Click here for more information related to Family & Youth Group Volunteers.

Columbia, MD

3/28/20 5:00 PM

Engage with local volunteer organizations recruiting volunteers to meet community needs in an informal setting. Complete a simple service project. Explore different ways your time and talents can serve others. Learn about the value of Volunteering in our community.

Columbia, MD

4/16/20 5:00 PM

The BikeAbout is a popular event drawing several hundred bicyclists annually. The route takes advantage of Columbia’s extensive and beautiful pathways while uncovering historic and natural places of interest. Signage and guides at key stops make this not only a bike ride but a tour that helps area residents find history where they live. Every year our free event draws about 300 participants to learn more about the history, arts, and culture of our community.   This year, BikeAbout will be Saturday, May 9, 2020. Traffic volunteers will assist with traffic control and directions, and they will act as directional guides along the 6-mile route. Flexible shifts lasting 1 to 3 hours, depending on the location, are available between 8:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Traffic volunteers are stationed along the pathway system, sidewalks, and traffic intersections to ensure participants stop and wait for car traffic to pass. Volunteers do not stop vehicles. Knowledge of pathways in the Village of Wilde Lake, Harper's Choice, and in Town Center or the ability to identify locations using a pathway map is a plus. Attending a training session is required. A free T-shirt will be provided for those volunteering to help.  

Columbia, MD

5/9/20 8:45 AM

Camp Inclusion is a summer day camp in Howard County designed for students with and without special needs ages. Every summer, we recruit high school and college aged students looking for volunteer hours & experiences to serve as our camp volunteers. We will be offering two programs this year, one for elementary aged children (5-11) and one for young adults (12-21) Volunteers must be between the ages of 16 and 21 and experience working with children is preferred but not required. Individuals under 16 are encouraged to register for the program as a Peer Camper. Elementary Camp Inclusion operates the week of June 29-July 2 and July 6-10. The young adult program operates the weeks of July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug 3-7, and Aug 10-14. See application at the link below for the times of each program. We require that volunteers dedicate at least 5 days during this time to be considered for a volunteer position, preferably five consecutive days in a given week. To Express Interest in volunteering for a session(s), click on one of the dates below in the session(s) of your choice and Express Interest. The system will pull in all days for that session. Application deadline July 16, 2020. Volunteer training will be held on Friday, July 17th. After expressing interest, please fill out the application at the link below. Once application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email. Camp Inclusion Volunteer Information and Application Thank you for volunteering at Camp Inclusion! If you have any questions you may contact the Opportunity coordinator by clicking on the link in the Express Interest Box below.

Glenelg, MD

6/29/20 8:00 AM + more

Radio/Dial-in readers needed every day to read The Washington Post, USA Today, Time and Washingtonian magazines and other current local and national publications. In addition, volunteers read grocery and shopping ads, magazines, TV listings and audio described theater listings. Minimum 2 hour a week commitment. A short audition is required of all applicants.The Washington Ear studios are located in Silver Spring. Office help and data entry people also needed.

Silver Spring, MD

Through10/31/20

Volunteer Transportation Specialists deliver life-saving blood products from American Red Cross distribution facilities to hospitals. When you deliver blood, platelets or other blood products to a hospital, you’re delivering hope to a person when they need it most. Volunteers needed days, evenings and late nights! Deliver Blood. Save Lives. Reach out or visit www.redcross.org/deliver to learn more and apply!

Baltimore, MD

Through1/15/21

Neighbor Ride is a 14 year-old nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the health and quality of life for Howard County’s older residents by providing low-cost, volunteer-driven transportation for health care appointments, cultural and social activities, faith services, shopping and other personal needs. Neighbor Ride offers this service so seniors, age 60 and over, can remain active, independent and connected to the community. We are currently seeking individuals to aid in actively carrying out our mission by serving on our Board of Directors. Board members serve a minimum two year term engaged in providing strategic direction around development, marketing, and financial governance for the organization. Interested individuals are asked to submit their resumes via email to:director@neighborride.org. To learn more about Neighbor Ride, visit us online at www.neighborride.org. Video: Neighbor Ride - Connecting Our Community

Columbia, MD

Through5/11/20

If helping those in need is your passion, then being a Community Companion is an ideal volunteer opportunity for you! Community Companions provide compassionate non-medical support services (e.g. transportation and companionship) to the members of HCGH’s Member Care Support Network, who are recovering from a health crisis such as a hospitalization. Ideal volunteer qualities include: Following through with commitments Respect for privacy Comfortable with providing compassionate support Trusted and accountable character The Member Care Support Network provides free emotional and social support services to care for individuals with a health condition. Individuals must be 18 years or older and live or worship in Howard County to receive assistance from the network. Learn more and apply online or call 410-720-8781

Columbia, MD

Through5/11/20

Brooke Grove’s landscape includes a large number of gardens and extensive grounds. Assistance is needed to help weed garden areas and maintain the grounds, walkways and roadways. If you like being outdoors, this is the perfect volunteer job for you! This volunteer role is seasonal and only available May - September, weekdays 8am - 4pm. You must attend Volunteer Orientation before being scheduled: it is offered the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8pm. To register, email volunteers@bgf.org.

Sandy Spring, MD

Through5/11/20