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"What is the essence of life? To serve others and do good. "
-- Aristotle (384-322 BC)
October
2014 
Keep up with the latest Volunteer Center news and opportunities! 
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Check out who has been spotlighted this week!  

Read more here


 Sister Jenna

 
 Tell us how you are making a difference.  Submit your own Spotlight on our website. 
Oct 19 - World of Montgomery Festival - 12:00 to 5:00 PM at Westfield Wheaton. Come celebrate the diverse cultures that make up Montgomery County. Free event with music, food, dance and hands-on projects for children. 

Oct 19 - 50+ Expo - 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Free event with informative government, nonprofit and business exhibitors, health screenings, flu and pneumonia shots, and a live band. NEW this year, free technology seminars. This expo is presented as a community service by The Beacon. 

  
Make a Difference 
Make a Difference highlights the contributions of stellar County volunteers and organizations that contribute positively to Montgomery County.
MAD Video
Click here for recent episodes. 
 
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CSW2014Celebrate Community Service Week 
October 18 - 26, 2014 


 

Sign up now for a wide range of projects throughout the County -- cleaning a stream, helping at an autumn celebration, help with home repairs, and so much more.

This year we are highlighting ways we, as a community, can eliminate hunger. Work with colleagues, family and other groups to sign up for a food-related or other service project of your choice. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for projects you can support ... new projects are being added daily!

VOLUNTEERS 
 
Click here to see the full list of projects and sign up now!  

 

Questions?

[email protected]

 or 240-777-2600

 

hunger
Help Make Montgomery County a Hunger-Free Zone
Hunger related nonprofits, businesses, faith communities and government agencies are launching a unified and long-term campaign to raise community awareness about the huge and growing problem of hunger in our community and how we can work together to address the problem.

Did you know that while Maryland is the wealthiest state in the nation in terms of median income according to the 2010 census, the number of County residents who live in "food insecure" households, uncertain where their next meals is coming from, is going up. In 2012 almost 70,000 County residents received monthly Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a 12% increase from 2011 and a 151% increase from 2008. 

Fight Hunger During Community Service Week!  

- Shop at one of the grocery stores hosting a food drive during Community Service Week and donate for Manna Food Center and our other community food banks.


- Help build a Community Garden in Germantown

- Join growingSOUL and Help Cook Meals

- Sign up for Nourish Now's Cookapalooza to Prepare Food 

Learn more about the drive to make Montgomery County a Hunger Free Zone and how you can help year-round at:
habitatAgency Spotlight:
 
Habitat for Humanity


 

Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland (HFHMM) serves low income residents in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in their quest for safe, decent and affordable housing.   HFHMM supports the notion that good, stable housing matters for neighborhoods and that better quality of living builds stronger citizens and families.  To that end, we have a proven and sustainable solution to the affordable housing crisis in our area. 

 

Through the homeownership model, we partner with low-income families to give them a hand up and not a hand out as they seek to obtain affordable housing.  First, we build new homes and rehab foreclosed properties with the families. Secondly, we work with current homeowners to weatherize or repair their homes, removing blight and alleviating critical health, life and safety issues.  As explained by Habitat for Humanity International, "A home is not affordable if it is not energy efficient, healthy and safe throughout the life cycle of the home."  Our work helps low-income homeowners to experience lower utility bills, reduced health impacts from poor housing conditions, and the opportunity to focus on thriving instead of merely surviving.   

 
HFHMM's greatest need is for committed, long term volunteers willing to serve in our retail outlet ReStore and take on leadership roles. High school students, occasional volunteers and groups are also greatly needed in the ReStore. ReStore opportunities are available year round, Monday through Saturday. Volunteers are a vital part of the ReStore and help with everything from setting up floor displays to providing excellent customer service.  Our current ReStore is in Gaithersburg and -- exciting news! -- we will be opening another location in Silver Spring on November 15th and will need lots of volunteers there as well! Volunteers, and especially volunteer groups, are also often needed to assist with construction projects. Finally, volunteers with specialized professional skills are needed to serve on our many advisory committees. HFHMM's volunteer website, https://habitatmm.volunteerconnect.com, allows volunteers to search and sign up for many opportunities in advance.
 
Our volunteers value volunteering with us in large part because of the many skills they learn, both on site and in the ReStore. ReStore volunteers learn concrete, marketable retail skills including customer service skills. Construction volunteers often learn how to use new tools, and committee members learn how to put their professional talents to use in a non-profit environment. All volunteers learn more about the need for affordable housing in their community and the diverse ways in which HFHMM seeks to meet that need. Long time ReStore volunteer Rich Burnes shares, "I look forward to the comraderie of the team every time I come." As (staff member) Marcus would say, I'm livin' the dream!" 

Questions?  Email Caitlin Atkins, Volunteer Manager, or call 301-990-0014 X 18.
VitalLiving
  50+: Vital Living Through Volunteering

 

Free Workshop at Silver Spring Library
 
MC Libraries horiz

Date: Monday, October 6, 2014
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with Q & A to follow
During the workshop, presenters, representing non-profits and other local private and public-sector organizations, will share information on a number of ways people 50 years of age and older can find volunteer opportunities. Such opportunities include the Montgomery County Volunteer Center and the award-winning Pro Bono Consultant Program where professional skills on short-term projects can be shared.  Other topics include how volunteers can help nonprofits and how to get involved on a nonprofit Board.
 
The program is sponsored by Montgomery County Vital Living Network and Montgomery County Public Libraries in partnership with the Jewish Council on Aging and the Montgomery County Volunteer Center RSVP Program

To request a sign language interpreter or other deaf/hard of hearing services for library-sponsored programs, email [email protected], preferably with at least three business days notice.

No registration is required but seating is limited. For more information about the program, contact  Kathleen Meaney Stobie at the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, 240-777-2612. 
electiondayteam  Election Day Team

 Join the Election Day Team: Stipend Given to High School Juniors & Seniors Serving as Judges

 

The Montgomery County Board of Elections Future Vote Initiative is seeking high school juniors and seniors to serve as election judges for the upcoming 2014 gubernatorial elections. Students that serve as judges earn $180. Applications are due Friday, November 1, 2014.

 For more information and to request an application, email Dr. Gilberto Zelaya.

  homelessresourceday Homeless Resource Day
Date:  Thursday, November 13, 2014 
Time:  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location:  The Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

 

Montgomery County's Homeless Resource Day serves 300+ households that are experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County.  The day is a one-day one-stop opportunity for residents to access medical services, free legal information and advice, credit counseling, haircuts and manicures, as well as receive winter coats and other giveaway items.  


 
To make this large-scale event a success requires 300 volunteers.  All who are able to help with Homeless Resource Day are welcome.

 

For more information and to sign up to volunteer:

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HRD 

Click on Volunteering and then Volunteer Registration

 

Questions? Contact Gloria Huggins at [email protected] or 240-777-4565

probonoteamPro Bono Consultant Program
PBC Logo

 Montgomery County Volunteer Center's Pro Bono Consultant Team has been out and about in the community presenting at places such as the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County's Community Kickoff  and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Retirement Readiness Support Group.  On October 22nd, they are headed to Ingleside at King Farms to inform the residents of volunteer opportunities.

 

Your organization can be next! The team is ready and  available to come speak to your organization or group as well, tailoring the presentation on the Pro Bono Consultant Program, volunteering or other volunteer related needs and interests of your group.  


 
Consultants needed ...

The program currently needs volunteer consultants with expertise in graphic design, accounting, grant writing, website support, and event planning to fill current open projects.


 
Please contact  Deborah Missal at [email protected]


onetimeoctoberFeatured Volunteer Opportunities

Date-Specific Volunteer Opportunities   calendar icon

Check the Calendar for more opportunities!

 

SSL Icon
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours.  Many are still great opportunities for adults too!

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October 4 or 11 -  Giant Canned Food Drive Rockville - Need volunteers who can help run Canned Food Drives at Giant Supermarket located on 625 Hungerford Dr, Rockville, MD 20850. The drives take place on October 4 and 11 (Saturdays) from noon - 4:00 PM. Volunteers will assist us in soliciting donations and managing the collection table. Help us spread awareness for issues about food waste and hunger. Contact: Nourish Now Volunteer Manager or 301-330-0222

 

SSL IconOctober 4 - Horse Trials Assistants, Sandy Spring - This horse trials event is an essential fundraiser for our organization, Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club. Volunteers will assist with running the horse trials (for example, helping with jumps in the ring or scoring horses on the cross-country course) and cleaning up afterward, and they can work for part or all of the day. Contact: Melissa Newsome, Volunteer Coordinator or 410-977-8610

 

SSL IconOctober 5 - Germantown Oktoberfest - The Germantown Oktoberfest was created by a few Germantown residents 30 years ago to share the rich history of the town and its German founders, to share community spirit in a wholesome family environment and to aide those in need through designating a charitable cause for donation each year. Many volunteers are needed! Some physical tasks required such as delivering messages, trash container emptying, and light lifting. Contact: Robert Longo

 

SSL IconOctober 5 - Takoma Park Street Festival - Join the fun at this annual community event and help direct vendors to their booth locations and help them unload their vehicles. Contact: Laura Barclay or 301-891-6789

 

October 5 - Victims Rights Foundation 18th Annual Gala - Volunteers are needed to host 18th annual gala. Volunteers should arrive at the Gaithersburg Marriott at 5:00 PM on Sunday July 27, 2014. Contact: W. Gregory Wims or 301-212-4141

 

SSL IconOctober 11 -   Light the Night Walk -- Rockville Town Square

Light The Night is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual evening fundraising Walk. Friends, families, and survivors celebrate and commemorate all those who have been touched by blood cancers. Participants carry illuminated balloons on this 2 mile Walk in solidarity with the cause.  Volunteers hand out T shirts and food as well as  guide more than 3,000 Walkers.   

 Contact: Emily Seeger or 703-399-2924

 

SSL IconOctober 12 - City of Gaithersburg - Oktoberfest in the Kentlands  - The expanded festival now covers Kentlands Village Green, the grounds of Kentlands Mansion, Main Street and Market Square, all connected by marked walking paths and a festival-wide trolley route. Student volunteers are needed to set-up, meet and greet festival goers, assist in the information booths and teach people about the new Oktoberfest App. Contact: Sheila Bouley or 301-258-6350

 

SSL IconOctober 12 - Grant Avenue Market - Need volunteers to help direct vendors and help them unload their vehicles at the Grant Avenue Market  in Takoma Park.

Contact: Laura Barclay or 301-891-6789

 

SSL IconOctober 12 - Crop Walk 2014 - Help us support our local Damascus Help and Church World services who offer food to the needy both locally and worldwide by walking and raising funds for these organizations. The walk will take place at Damascus Regional Park, on Kings Valley Rd in Damascus. Contact: Bettianne Quinn or 301-253-2130

 

SSL Icon October 18 - 26 -Community Service Week Projects

A variety of different projects throughout the County; most are SSL-approved.  Click to view the projects and sign up!


 OngoingSelected Ongoing Opportunities Helping Hands
SSL Icon
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours.  Many are still great opportunities for adults too!
 


 

SSL IconOngoing in October - "Eye Spy" Halloween Train Volunteer, Cabin John Regional Park - Friendly, costumed helpers are needed to hand out goodies and help with activities at our fun and Not So Scary Eye Spy Halloween train ride in Cabin John Regional Park, this October! Contact: Lynn Vismara or 301-495-2504

 

SSL IconOngoing in October - Haunted Train and Creep Carousel, Wheaton Regional Park - Ghosts, witches, grim reapers and scary characters are needed to give our train riders the creeps, as they go through the haunted woods on Wheaton Regional Park's Haunted Train Ride! Volunteers will dress up and wait at pre-arranged areas for the train to go by and give the riders the scare of their lives! Volunteers (16 and older) are needed in the evenings.

Contact: Lynn Vismara or 301-495-2504

 

SSL Icon  - Holy Cross Germantown Hospital - Brand NEW hospital in Germantown in need of many volunteers, including Concierge/Wayfinder, Gift Shop Staff, and Nursing Unit Patient Support.  Great UpCounty opportunity!

Check out their Volunteer Open House on Monday, October 20th.

Contact:  Ann November-Moss or 301-754-7306


 

Food Shopper/Driver to Capital Area Food Bank - As a Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) partner, Catholic Charities can receive free produce and dairy products once a week from the NE, DC Food Bank location. They need a volunteer with a van to pick up food at the Food Bank one day a week and deliver, unload, and help to put the food on the shelves or frig/freezer at Catholic Charities in Silver Spring.  Contact:  Tiffany Tan at 301-942-1790


 

Help Our Elderly Clients in Rockville with Fall Clean up Projects 

Community Ministries of Rockville has a few frail elderly clients who are in single family homes with small properties but have no one to help them rake leaves, clean out gutters, or prepare their property for the change of seasons. This is a great opportunity for a group or groups looking for a November project. Also looking for groups who want to be "on call" for snow shoveling for these elderly clients this winter. Contact: Andrea Kempner-Wink or  301-637-0172

 

Adoption Events Assistant - Regularly schedule adoption events all around Montgomery County. We're seeking volunteers to interact with the public, assist with transporting the animals to/from the event, handling animals at the event, and talking about MCHS to the community. Contact: Kathy Dillon  or 240-252-2555

 

SSL IconMuseum Garden Helpers - The Menare Foundation seeks volunteers to work in our Button Farm Living History Center Museum Garden. Volunteers weed, tend plants, sow seed and harvest crops, most of which are heirloom varieties. We will provide tools, but volunteers should bring sunscreen and dress appropriately for outdoor work. All skill levels from novice to Master Gardeners wanted. Contact: Anthony Cohen or 301-916-7090


   

Do you have a great volunteer story to tell? Share your story with a paragraph and a photo. Tell how you're making an impact in your community! Stories will be displayed throughout our website. 
Click here to read some Success Stories.

  

Search for more volunteer opportunities here!

The best place to start searching for volunteer opportunities is the Center's website www.montgomeryserves.orgIf the information on our website doesn't answer your questions, or you need help finding volunteer opportunities or exploring volunteering options,  contact us via email at [email protected].