Volunteer Opportunities Abound In Greater Severna Park Area

“I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need.”

These were the words of former President Jimmy Carter when he was asked about the common thread among his many forms of service during an interview with Habitat for Humanity. The legacy the 39th president left, in part, was one of volunteerism.

In the greater Severna Park, Arnold and Millersville area, there are countless opportunities to volunteer, whether through schools, sports leagues, churches or nonprofits. Below is a list of just a dozen local organizations that welcome the gifts of time and talents from community volunteers.

SPAN

For 35 years, the faith-based, nondenominational ministry known as SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) has tirelessly provided food and financial assistance to people in need right from the heart of Severna Park. SPAN considers its volunteers the backbone of the organization; men and women of all ages give their time to interview clients, pick up food donations, stock pantry shelves, assist with special programs, and serve on committees. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, email spanhelps@yahoo.com.

Friends Of Kinder Farm Park

Beloved for its annual community events including the Easter egg hunt, fall festival and Jingle Bell Hayride, the Friends of Kinder Farm Park is an advocacy group that supports Millersville-based Kinder Farm Park through fundraising and volunteer activities. In addition to an ongoing need for volunteers at these and other annual events, the Friends group has available opportunities for community members to serve in the areas of farmhouse greeters, woodshop team members, board of directors, garden caretakers, and administrative assistance with the newsletter and photo contest. Learn more at www.kinderfarmpark.org.

Orphan Grain Train

With 27 branch locations nationwide, including a Maryland branch based in Millersville, Orphan Grain Train is a Christian volunteer network that ships donated food, clothing, medical and other needed items to people in 71 countries around the world. Volunteers are needed to sort and pack donations or load shipping containers. For more information, call 410-417-9674 or go to www.ogt.org/branches/md.

NAMI Anne Arundel County

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Anne Arundel County is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness, and together they advocate for better lives for individuals who have a mental illness. NAMI Anne Arundel County serves county residents with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education. Volunteers are essential to NAMI’s mission, and opportunities to serve include the areas of communications, advocacy, education, fundraising, administration and more. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at www.namiaac.org.

HOPE For All

For over 20 years, the Christian ministry of HOPE For All has provided furniture, household items and clothing for community members who lack the financial means to meet basic needs. The organization is a resource for people transitioning from homelessness. Volunteers make their mission possible, and serve in roles including pickup and delivery, sorting donated clothing and household items, helping with client intake, assisting with monthly yard sales, and more. Discover how to help those in need with your time and talents at www.hopeforall.us.

The Blue Ribbon Project

Founded in 2013 by Taylor Pyles, an adult survivor of physical abuse, The Blue Ribbon Project has adopted a mission to prevent all forms of child abuse and provide critical support to victims of abuse and neglect. Its Backpacks of Love program supports local children entering foster care by providing them with essential items they need during a difficult transition. The Blue Ribbon Project also offers support groups for adults, a free closet where children entering foster care can “shop” for clothes, and more. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis to sort donations, build Backpacks of Love, assist with events and fundraisers, and help with other activities. Learn more at www.blueribbonproject.org.

Walk The Walk Foundation

Through its Backpacks for Kids, Christmas for Children, and Diapers for Babies programs, the faith-based Walk the Walk Foundation aims to bless children in need in Anne Arundel County by empowering individuals to serve through their time, talents and treasures. Walk the Walk is always looking for volunteers to collect, organize and distribute supplies, especially with its diaper program. Volunteers are also encouraged to host diaper drives to help meet this essential need for area families. Learn more and sign up to serve at www.wtwf.org.

Partners In Care

Dedicated to helping older adults live and thrive independently in their own homes, Partners In Care employs a service exchange and time banking model through which members can volunteer their time and talents to help one another. Services include transportation, handyman repairs, person-centered support and social engagement. To learn more about volunteering with Partners In Care, go to www.partnersincare.org.

Anne Arundel County CASA

Anne Arundel County Court Appointed Special Advocates Inc. (AACCASA) serves children from birth to age 21 who have been abused or neglected and are in foster care. CASAs are specially trained volunteers who are appointed by the court to help a child to make informed recommendations that help a judge decide what is best for a child. Volunteers complete thorough training and make a minimum one-year commitment. The organization aspires to provide CASAs to 100% of the children in care in the county; currently, the organization is providing advocates to about 75% of children in foster care.

To learn more about volunteering to help a child in foster care, go to www.aacasa.org.

GiGi’s Playhouse

A nationwide organization with an Annapolis location, GiGi’s Playhouse has a vision to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities. Run by volunteers, GiGi’s Playhouse offers individuals of all ages with Down syndrome free therapeutic, educational and research-driven programs. There are dozens of opportunities to volunteer, ranging from program leader to literacy and math tutors, media, marketing, fundraising, cleaning, event assistance and more. Find a complete list at www.gigisplayhouse.org/annapolis.

Arundel House Of Hope

Located in Glen Burnie, Arundel House of Hope has provided emergency, transitional and permanent affordable housing and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County for over 30 years. There are numerous opportunities for both individuals and groups to volunteer with Arundel House of Hope, including providing case management, facilitating support groups and social activities, teaching a skills class, preparing meals, completing yard work and home repairs, mentoring, administrative tasks, and more. To find an opportunity that fits your availability and talents, email info@arundelhoh.org.

Anne Arundel County SPCA

If you’re compelled to help furry and feathered friends in need, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (AACSPCA) has an active and vibrant volunteer program. The AACSPCA provides shelter and humane care for homeless animals and advocates for animal welfare. Volunteers foster animals in their homes, take shelter dogs for walks, socialize with cats, and show affection to small animals including rabbits, hamsters and the occasional ferret as well. Volunteers are needed for AACSPCA’s many adoption events as well. To learn more about helping animals in need, go to www.aacspca.org.