Many Volunteer positions are available through the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County. If you do not see an opportunity below that fits your needs, contact the Volunteer Center at 410-897-9207 or send e-mail to info@volunteerannearundel.org. Check our Website: www.VolunteerAnneArundel.org. A few current volunteer opportunities are listed below.
Anne Arundel County Food and Resource Bank
Founded in 1988 their mission is to fight hunger by assuring that all county citizens in need have access to food and other necessities. Volunteers are needed to sort food and clothing for distribution 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and on occasional weekends (by appointment only) in Crownsville. Especially needed: volunteers with pick-up trucks during the day and help with phones, copying, other office duties (8:30 am – 2:30 pm), data base, computers, webmaster. Contact Bruce at 410-923-4255 or bruce@aafoodbank.org. Website: www.aafoodbank.org.
Anne Arundel County Public Library
Library Branches have differing needs for both on-going projects and short-term volunteer activities. Some examples include cleaning and re-casing books, CD and DVD collections, assembly of Story-Time projects, copying, data processing or other computer projects, and file maintenance. Volunteer shifts are often flexible and may include some evenings or weekends in addition to day-time hours. Some Branches can work with volunteers as young as 14 and may keep applications on file to call prospective volunteers when needs arise. Training is provided. See www.aacpl.net. Library HQ: jtrepp@aacpl.net. Check with the Branches about their current and up-coming volunteer opportunities: Broadneck Branch, 410-222-1905; Edgewater Branch, 410-222-1538; Linthicum Branch, 410-222-6266; Mountain Road Branch, 410-222-6699; West County Branch, 410-222-6277;North County Branch, 410-222-6270; Provinces Branch, 410-222-6280.
Best Buddies of Maryland
Best Buddies enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-on-one friendship and integrated employment. Volunteers, 18 and older, will be matched with an adult who has an intellectual disability. Matches are based on age, gender, proximity and similar interests. Once matched, the pair is asked to maintain weekly contact, via phone or email, and visit twice a month. Some monthly outings include going to concerts, dining out, watching movies and more. Volunteers are needed in Baltimore City and surrounding counties. For an application and more information contact: Jennifer Lehman at 410 327-9812 ext. 38 or jenniferlehman@bestbuddies.org. Web site: www.bestbuddies.org
Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Maryland
Want an excuse to be a kid again? Play catch? Fly kites? Most volunteers start because they want to give back and help a child. Soon, they discover being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the best experiences of their life! As a Big, you are simply a friend. We ensure your experience fits your lifestyle, and we have something for everyone. Busy people of all ages can get involved. You can choose the program that works best for you.
Volunteers spend time with a child (age 7-15) a few times per month, a few hours each time, over the course of one year. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides a monthly list of free or low-cost activities to give you ideas and are with you every step of the way. There are programs all across Anne Arundel County and beyond. Call (410) 243-4000 ext. 223 or E-mail: info@biglittle.org. Web: www.biglittle.org.
Bike Annapolis Ride for Shelter, Sept. 20, 2009
Volunteers are needed to help with the fourth annual Bike Annapolis Ride for Shelter fundraiser on Sun., Sept. 20, 2009 between 11:00 am–5:00 pm; all proceeds benefit the Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter. People are needed to assist at the Severna Park Park N Ride lot with registration, set up, kids’ activities and clean up and to help on the bike routes to direct people and serve water etc. on the day of the ride. For more information, contact Colby Wicker at 410-268-4251 or wicker@AnnapolisLightHouse.org, and visit web site: www.RideforShelter.com.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BGCAA) is a non-profit organization consisting of five clubs (Bates & Bywater in Annapolis, Freetown in Pasadena, and Meade Village and Van Bokkelen Elementary School in Severn) where youth come to receive tutoring, computer education, sports training, homework help, and mentoring. Every day, BGCAA strives to improve each Club member’s life by instilling self-esteem, courage, and positive values and has been “The Positive Place to Kids” in public housing communities and schools since 1988, severing over 4,000 youth from age 5 to 18. Volunteers are needed as tutors, mentors, assistants in computer labs, arts & crafts, sports coaching, as administrative help in the office, and more. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to request an application, please contact Latonia Kendrick at (410) 263-2542. Web site: www.bgcaa.com/
· Volunteers are invited to come in to learn about and help manage other programs offered at the Bywater Club. A particular need is someone who can share their interest in the arts. For more information contact Leonard Brown, Bywater Branch Program Director, at 410 269-7648 or by email at lenbrown@bgcaa.com.
Civil Air Patrol –Arundel Composite Squadron
The Civil Air Patrol does aeronautical training and has a cadet program for teen-agers. The Arundel Composite Squadron holds meetings at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays at the Glen Lutheran Church in Glen Burnie. For more information contact Tim Strickland at 410-960-1337 or e-mail: tmstrickland@comcast.net. Web site: http://arundel.mdwg.cap.gov/
Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is one of 10 such foundations in Maryland and one of over 600 across the United States. Its goal is to build a permanent source of charitable funds dedicated to addressing the needs of the Anne Arundel County community. The Foundation, located in Annapolis, uses volunteers as board members, on event committees, to help with mailings and more. Call 410-280-1102 or e-mail: info@cfaac.org for more information. Web site: www.cfaac.org.
H.O.P.E., Inc. (He Opens the Path to Everyone)
H.O.P.E., Inc. is an all volunteer non-profit Christian ministry serving families in need in the north AA County, Baltimore City areas and also the Appalachian region by collecting and distributing donated school supplies, household goods and furniture, and clothing. H.O.P.E. is currently looking for some assistance with updating and add ons to our web-site. For more information contact Leo Zerhusen at 410-859-1297 or 443-867-0977 or E-mail lzerhusen@peoplepc.com.
Maryland State Archives
Learn about Maryland history and the treasures preserved at the State Archives in Annapolis. Volunteers, 18 years of age and older, are needed Monday through Saturday, between 8:30 – 10:00 am and/or 3:00 – 4:30 pm to assist in access and understanding of the records of the State of Maryland. Volunteers scan, index or keyboard many historic records, assist patrons with genealogy, research 19th century African-American records, and colonial records. Training is provided. For more information, E-mail: archives@mdsa.net or phone: (800) 235-4045 or (410) 260-6400. Web site: www.msa.md.gov.