RThe Volunteer Center - Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
Transcription
RThe Volunteer Center - Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
Holiday Guide TO GIVING 2014 R The Volunteer Center Guide available on our programs page VolunteerHoward.org Serving Howard County Making a Difference for over10Years! The Holiday Guide to Giving offers opportunities for you to make a difference in our community through donations of money, food, gifts, or your time and talent during the holiday season and beyond. This list is derived from non-profit and public agencies that serve Howard County and the region. When you contact the agency, please mention that you found the opportunity through the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County’s Holiday Guide to Giving 2014. The agency listing is alphabetical. If you are interested in collecting food to help a family in need enjoy a special meal at holiday time, look for ❋ notations below agency requests indicating that they can identify such families. If you are interested in helping in a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, the following agencies need volunteers. Please keep in mind that these organizations need help every day, and that opportunities to volunteer on these specific days fill up quickly. Beans and Bread — a soup kitchen in Southpoint Baltimore — 410-732-1892 vincentbaltimore.org/volunteer Franciscan Center — a soup kitchen in Baltimore — 410-467-5340 fcbmore.org/get-involved-volunteer The Shepherd’s Table — a soup kitchen in Silver Spring — 301-585-6463 shepherdstable.org/volunteer A American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Volunteer requests: Volunteers (age 15+) needed to greet blood donors and serve refreshments after their donation at local blood drives and blood donor centers in the Howard County area. By volunteering with the American Red Cross you will contribute to your community's blood supply and help change lives, starting with your own! Contact Terry Karloff at 410-764-4602 or [email protected] Website: www.redcrossblood.org/gcp The Arc of Howard County Achieving full community life for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities one person at a time. Volunteer requests: Musicians, singers or dancers are needed to share holiday music with adults in our day program. Also needed: an arts and crafts teacher to lead day program individuals in making holiday crafts or cards. Donation requests: Tablets, small hand-held percussion instruments. Contact Lisa Kawata at 410-730-0638 or [email protected] Website: www.archoward.org 1 Athelas Institute Provides a variety of quality educational rehabilitative, residential, and employment options for adults with intellectual disabilities in a supportive environment to maximize opportunities for individual growth. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed on Sat., Nov. 15th for lawn and leaf clean up at our group homes from 1:30 - 4pm and holiday decorating at our group homes on Sat., Dec. 6th from 1:40 - 4pm. Donation requests: 2 Televisions, 4 karaoke machines, 2 keyboards, 4 stereo CD/radio players, 2 DVD players, a new exercise or slightly used exercise bike, a full size air hockey table, pool ball set, and pool cues along with board games for Therapeutic Recreation. A Graco Paint Sprayer is also needed. Our pantry is in need of non-perishable food and canned goods, and 18 turkeys for our group homes. Contact Pat Owens at 410-964-1241 Ext. 128 or [email protected] Website: www.athelasinstitute.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. B Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake Strives to help children reach their fullest potential through professionally supported, oneto-one mentoring relationships, including a full range of youth mentoring programs with measurable impact. Donation requests: Seeking companies and individuals interested in sponsoring families in need for the holidays by providing donations of food baskets, toys, clothing, and/or gift cards to large retail and grocery stores. If you are interested in other volunteer opportunities please visit www.biglittle.org. Contact Susan Hagis at 410 243-4000 ext. 211 or [email protected] Website: www.biglittle.org Bridges to Housing Stability To prevent homelessness by providing effective services and compelling advocacy that result in housing stability for Howard County Households. Volunteer requests: Assistance with Thanksgiving Basket loading and delivery Fri., Nov. 21st, and help with client holiday party on Sun., Dec. 14th 2 - 4pm. Donation requests: Small toys/activity books/crafts for holiday gift bags for children (all ages); retail gift cards for families. Contact Jen Broderick at (410) 312-5760 ext 117 or [email protected] Website: www.bridges2hs.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. 2 C Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center Provides philanthropic support of Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Volunteer requests: Transportation needed to take patients to their doctor appointments. Donation requests: Gift cards and general contributions. Contact Damon Bradley at 410-740-7570 or [email protected] Website: www.hcgh.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. Columbia Association Youth & Teen Center Enhances the quality of life for youth living in Howard County, by offering a safe place to hang out and a variety of enrichment programs and leadership development. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed to assist with the collection, sorting, set-up and distribution of donated items received from from the YTC Teen Outreach Committee’s annual clothing drive. Collection boxes are located in the 10 village community association buildings, Columbia Art Center, Youth and Teen Center at The Barn and Eggspectation restaurant through Fri., Nov. 29th. Donated items will be distributed to community members in need on Sat., Jan. 18th from 9am - 2pm, and on Sun., Jan. 19th from 11am - 2pm at The Barn, located at 5853 Robert Oliver Place in the Oakland Mills Village Center. Donation requests: New and gently used clothes, shoes and accessories, including but not limited to ties, belts, hosiery, hats, gloves, pocketbooks and jewelry. Donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries are also being collected at the Youth and Teen Center for distribution to low income seniors in Howard County via Food on the 15th. Contact Safire Windley at 410-992-3726 or [email protected] Website: www.ColumbiaAssociation.org/Teens ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. Community Action Council - Howard County Provides programs and services to low-income residents of Howard County in order to alleviate the effects of poverty; to promote self-sufficiency as a means of interrupting the cycle of poverty; and to stimulate increased awareness of, and responsiveness to, the needs of the low-income population on the part of the larger community. Volunteer requests: Drivers are needed to help distribute Thanksgiving meals on Tue., Nov. 25th. Donation requests: For Howard County Head Start: Monetary donation of $10.00 dollars feeds a Head Start child for one week, gift cards (Target, Walmart, grocery stores etc.), hats, gloves, coats (3T to 5T), new and gently used books. For Howard County Food Bank: Diapers, wipes, baby food, condiments, tuna, meal makers, pasta, pasta sauce, baked beans, hot and cold cereal, ravioli, low sodium canned vegetables, no-syrup canned fruits, coffee, tea, honey. Contact Ashley Groves at 410-313-0703 or [email protected] Website: www.cac-hc.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. 3 E Epilepsy Foundation Leads the fight to stop seizures, overcome the challenges caused by epilepsy and find better treatments and cures. We are the national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of more than two million people living with epilepsy in the U.S. and their loved ones. We serve people with epilepsy nationally and locally with nearly 50 affiliates across the country. Volunteer requests: In need of office help from Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm each day and our annual walk which will be held on Sat., Apr. 11th in Washington, DC. Visit our website for more details. Contact Dina Contreras at 301-459-3700 or [email protected] Website: www.walkforepilepsy.org F Factory Athletics Foundation Promotes the importance of education and helps improve the quality of life for at-risk children in Howard County and across America through the opportunities provided by participating in sports. Gives underprivileged children an opportunity to change their lives for the better by enhancing their baseball, softball and volleyball experiences through player development camps, national tournaments, showcases and college recruiting programs with Baseball Factory. Provides scholarships to select candidates based on need. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed for a Giving Tuesday event on Tue., Dec. 2nd. For more information about this opportunity and additional volunteer needs, please contact us! Donation requests: Monetary donations for scholarships, major store chains sporting goods gift cards, and gently used sports equipment - youth & teen sized baseball, softball, volleyball and football items. Please do not include any items with holes, rips, mud, dirt, missing parts, pieces, or any sports under garments. Collection site: Factory Athletics Headquarters in Columbia, MD: 9212 Berger Road, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21046, Mon. – Fri. from 10am - 4:30pm or by appointment. Equipment Donations will be collected from Oct. 15th through Dec. 20th. Contact Anita Broccolino at 410-715-5080 ext 121 or [email protected] Website: www.factoryfoundation.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. 4 Fidos For Freedom, Inc Strives to increase the independence, self-esteem, and confidence of people with mobility and hearing impairments and provide unconditional love to residents in healthcare facilities through the use of specially trained service dogs, hearing dogs, and therapy dogs. Fidos also provides community education on disability awareness through demonstrations and information booths at schools, churches and businesses. Donation requests: Monetary donations to pay for the food and vet care expenses and equipment for our service dogs in training to be mobility assistance dogs or hearing assistance dogs for our clients with disabilities in the Baltimore/Washington area. All training and care of the dogs is done by our volunteers in their homes to minimize costs. However it costs us $2,500.00/year for food and well vet care to support each dog. We typically have the dogs in the training program for 2-3 years and currently have about 25 dogs in various stages of training. Also needed: new bags of VeRus small bite, large dog dry food or VeRus puppy dry food or bags of Eukanuba small bite adult food or Eukanuba small bite puppy food. We cannot use other brands or types. Contact Kay Somers at 301-490-4005 or [email protected] Website: www.FidosForFreedom.org FIRN Provides resources for foreign-born individuals to support them as they become productive, self-sufficient citizens of the community. Donation requests: Non-perishable food, clothing, presents, grocery store gift cards for our "Adopt a Family" program for the Thanksgiving and holiday season. Contact Roslyn Lindner at 443-276-3211 or [email protected] Website: http://www.firnonline.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. FISH of Howard County Provides emergency food, financial assistance, referral information, and emotional support to persons in Howard County. Donation requests: Monetary donations to support our programs which assist persons with limited incomes in payment of utility bills (electricity, water and heating fuel), housing expenses (rent and/or evictions) and unanticipated increases in cost of prescriptions and related health insurance issues. Contact Carroll Kitzmiller at 410-531-2687 or [email protected] Website: www.fishhowardcounty.com G Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center Provides supportive and professional 24-hour crisis intervention, suicide prevention, shelter, and outreach services to individuals and families experiencing a personal, situational, mental health, or shelter crisis. Donation requests: Wish list items include gift cards to supermarkets, Walmart, and Target; gifts for adults such as pajamas, sweats, and bath robes (clothing must be new with tags); and toys (not games, please) for boys and girls ages 2 through 15. Please check our website for a complete list of items needed year-round. Contact Kathie DiNoto at 410-531-6006 or [email protected] Website: www.grassrootscrisis.org 5 H Healthy Families Offers first time parents in Howard County the opportunity to access resources and support that promote an optimal level of health, safety and wellness for their family. Donation requests: Grocery gift cards, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby equipment. Contact Judy Templeton at 410-715-3716 or [email protected] Website: www.fcsmd.org HoCoPoLitSo Works to enlarge the audience for contemporary poetry and literature through live literary readings and recorded conversations. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed as event support for its 37th Evening of Irish Music & Poetry on Fri., Feb. 6th. Event features a reading by Emma Donoghue, an acclaimed Irish writer, followed by a concert of traditional Irish music by the Narrowbacks and stepdancers from the Culkin School. Proceeds from the event support community readings and workshops. Donation requests: Monetary donations and gifts for raffle baskets for 37th Evening of Irish Music & Poetry. Contact Pam Simonson at 443-518-4568 or [email protected] Website: www.HoCoPoLitSo.org The Holiday Project of the National Capital Area Organizes visits to people in nursing homes, hospitals and other residential institutions. We give our volunteers an opportunity to contribute to others and we create an opportunity for those we serve to contribute to us. We bring the spirit of a holiday to those who otherwise might not have a celebration. Volunteer requests: Volunteers to lead or participate in visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and long term care facilities. Donation requests: Gifts and cards that can be distributed to patients in facilities. Examples of appropriate gifts include calendars, small stuffed animals, sports memorabilia, and personal care items. No food donations please. Contact Robin Wiley at 703-370-0370 or [email protected] Website: www.holidayproject.info HopeWorks of Howard County Reduces the harm and effects of domestic violence and sexual assault while working towards their elimination in Howard County. Donation requests: Looking for donors to provide Thanksgiving baskets filled with food. Also in need of holiday gifts for clients and their families. Contact Peter Olthoff at 410-997-0304 or [email protected] Website: www.wearehopeworks.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. 6 Howard County Arts Council Nurtures local artists and arts organizations, furthering the public’s appreciation of the arts, and ensuring that the arts are accessible. In bringing the arts to life in our community, we hope to encourage people with diverse interests and backgrounds to explore and enjoy the arts! Volunteer requests: We love working with community volunteers! Volunteers are needed to help at our Annual Open House & Holiday Sale on Fri., Dec. 5th. In addition, the Arts Council needs volunteers to help in our office, at our gala on Mar. 28th (volunteer groups welcomed), and for other special projects. Donation requests: Items for our upcoming raffle (restaurant & entertainment gift cards; ticket vouchers; gift items), the proceeds from which support the Arts Council's grants and programs. Note that raffle contributions don't need to be art related. Contact Melissa Wyse at 410-313-2787 or [email protected] Website: www.hocoarts.org Howard County Conservancy Educates children and adults about our natural world, preserve the land and its legacy for future generations and model responsible stewardship of our environment. Donation requests: Monetary donations are needed to keep our 232-acre historic farm open and ready for the public and education groups year round. Additional items on our wish list include paper shredder, portable rolling coat rack, cordless rotary tool, large oriental-style rug (8'x10' min., gently used or new), and office chairs in like-new condition. For our current wish list, visit our Amazon Wish List at http://ow.ly/CauxQ . Contact Allison Anderson at 410-465-8877 or [email protected] Website: www.hcconservancy.org Howard County Office on Aging Provides coordinated volunteer assistance to persons living within the County, with the highest quality services and support to respect the dignity, individuality and cultural differences of people, their families, volunteers, staff and the communities we serve. To promote a full, dignified life for older people in Howard County, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of life and recognizing them as a vital force in the community. We seek to enrich the lives of older people across their life span. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed to wrap gifts or deliver gifts to the seniors. Want to be a PROJECT HOLIDAY elf? The Howard County Office on Aging PROJECT HOLIDAY 2014 is collecting donated new items for low-income seniors who have little to no family and reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in the community. You can help with wrapping gifts or delivering the gifts to the seniors. The gift wrapping event will be on Dec. 15th at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD. If you would like to help, please contact Ofelia Ross Ott at 410-313-6423 or [email protected]. Donation requests: New items for low-income seniors who have little to no family and reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in the community. • Needed items for Men & Women: socks, body lotion, body wash, soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, powder, toothpaste, toothbrush, undershirts • Wish List: sweaters, nightgowns, pajamas, puzzle books, slippers In addition to the above items, we are also looking for any holiday wrapping paper, holiday tote bags and supplies to wrap all of the donated gifts. Monetary donations also accepted. Drop off your donations at any Howard County Senior Center by Dec. 8th. Contact Darlene Vaselaros at 410-313-5951 or [email protected] Website: www.howardcountymd.gov 7 Howard County Office on Aging – Paws4 Comfort Provides coordinated volunteer assistance to persons living within the County, with the highest quality services and support to respect the dignity, individuality and cultural differences of people, their families, volunteers, staff and the communities we serve. To promote a full, dignified life for older people in Howard County, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of life and recognizing them as a vital force in the community. We seek to enrich the lives of older people across their life span. Donation requests: The Howard County Office on Aging's Paws4Comfort will be hosting its annual Holiday Party at a local nursing home and we are looking for small gift donations for the residents (calendars, socks, personal hygiene products, blankets, etc). We are also looking for people to donate or bake cookies/desserts for the celebration that will take place in December. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Contact Darlene Vaselaros at 410-313-5951 or [email protected] Website: www.howardcountymd.gov J Jewish Federation of Howard County Supports and serves the Howard County Jewish community, the State of Israel, and Jews throughout the world. The Federation is a dynamic, integrating resource for all Jewish organizations in Howard County. Donation requests: Gift cards to food stores, Target and Walmart, and gas cards for clients who are struggling to make ends meet. Cards can be mailed to the Jewish Federation of Howard County, 10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 400, Columbia, MD 21044 ATTN: Gift Card Drive. Contact Michelle Ostroff at 410-730-4976 x102 or [email protected] Website: www.JewishHowardCounty.org L The Little Things for Cancer Provides funds for services for cancer patients and their caregivers for the little things we often take for granted, such as prescription drug assistance, utility bill assistance, complementary therapies, transportation, child care, co-payments, house cleaning, meals, and so much more. Donation requests: Visa/MasterCard, grocery store, department or specialty store, restaurant, and gas station gift cards. Also seeking monetary and gift card donations to assist in providing support to Howard County families affected by cancer during the holiday season. Contact Wendy Letow at 443 228-8584 or [email protected] Website: www.tlt4c.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. 8 M MakingChange Develops and delivers financial education programs that empower individuals to achieve their own financial success stories through educational programs that encourage lasting behavioral change. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed for a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Our free tax preparation service for income-qualified individuals and families, offered through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, relies upon volunteer tax preparers (no prior tax experience required). This program is offered from January through April; volunteers receive the necessary training to pass the IRS certification tests. The Money Matters Fair & Youth Finance event is a single day event in March 2015 and requires volunteers to assist students as they navigate a financial simulation exercise. Our financial education group seminars and individual financial coaching sessions utilize volunteer instructors and coaches. Donation requests: Monetary donations at varying levels would support the following programs: $50 provides an individual coaching session; $200 funds a financial education group seminar; and $1,000 supports an 8-week workshop for 10 to 12 people focused on achieving their specific financial goals. Business sponsorships of our Money Matters Fair, which includes our annual Youth Finance event, at levels from $1,000 to $7,500, support our financial education programs throughout the year. Contact Mike Couch at 443-718-9350 or [email protected] Website: www.makingchangecenter.org Maryland Therapeutic Riding Improves quality of life and conquers physical, developmental, and emotional health challenges through human and horse interaction. Volunteer requests: Our greatest need for volunteers is in the early morning, 7 - 9am, when we feed and turnout our horses. No horse experience is necessary, training is provided! Contact Julianne Mills at 410-923-6800 or [email protected] Website: www.horsesthatheal.org Metropolitan Washington Ear Provides a comprehensive array of reading and information services for blind, visually impaired and physically disabled people who cannot effectively read print. Volunteer requests: Volunteers are needed to make recordings of current publications. Donation requests: Our services are free, so we always welcome donations to help with expenses. Contact Rene Schecker at 301-681-66636 or [email protected] Website: www.washear.org 9 N NAMI Howard County Improves the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families through education, advocacy and support, and increases awareness of mental illness throughout the community. Volunteer requests: Volunteers are needed to help with gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble for 2 hour time slots on Sat., Dec. 20th between 9am - 3pm; Sun., Dec. 21st between 9am - 3pm; and Tue., Dec. 23rd between 2 - 9pm. Donation requests: Monetary donations are needed to support our year-round In Our Own Voice presentations in the schools and throughout the community. The In Our Own Voice presentation demonstrates how individuals with severe mental illness experience recovery. Each program presenter has been trained to translate the story of his or her own struggle and success. Store gift cards would be a nice way to demonstrate our thanks to our support group facilitators who donate their time every week; all year long. Contact Beverley Francis-Gibson at 410-772-9300 or [email protected] Website: www.nami.org/sites/NAMIHowardCounty National Family Resiliency Center, Inc Helps children and adults preserve a sense of family, foster healthy relationships, and adjust constructively to change throughout the life cycle, especially during time of separation, divorce and other transitions. Helps co-parents focus on the needs of their children. Donation requests: Small battery operated tea light candles, paper cups, paper plates, napkins (used for children's programs) and grocery gift cards for single parent families. Contact Kathy Helt at 410-740-9553 or [email protected] Website: www.nfrchelp.org Neighbor Ride Enhances the health and quality of life for Howard County's seniors by providing affordable, volunteer-based supplemental transportation. Volunteer requests: Neighbor Ride is a volunteer-based nonprofit committed to helping Howard County seniors stay active and independent by providing transportation for medical appointments, social outings, religious services, fitness activities, educational pursuits, shopping and other personal needs. Volunteers are truly the "driving force" behind Neighbor Ride; and new drivers are especially needed now as demand for our service continues to grow. Volunteering as a Neighbor Ride Driver is an incredibly flexible and rewarding service opportunity. Daytime, evening and weekend volunteers are needed and drivers may choose to provide the rides that are convenient to their homes, offices and daily routines. No set schedule is required. Parents are also welcome to bring their children along when volunteering for a wonderful inter generational experience. Contact Colleen Konstanzer at 410-884-7433 or [email protected] Website: www.neighborride.org/ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NeighborRide 10 P Project Linus, Howard County Provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers”. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed to make blankets or sew lables on blankets. Donation requests: New, handmade blankets; monetary contributions; giftcards for Jo-Ann Fabric, Michaels, or Walmart; acrylic yarn (worsted weight) in bright colors;and fabric, especially fleece, in bright, child-friendly patterns or colors. Contact Arlene Kutz at 410-730-8865 or [email protected] Website: www.projectlinus.org S The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs. Volunteer requests: We need volunteers to help staff our kettles and Angle Tree at The Mall in Columbia. Donation requests: Non-perishable food items, school supplies for kids, clothing for kids. Adopt an "Angel" child or senior citizen and purchase items on their wish list. Contact Windy Chavis at 443-656-3376 or [email protected] Website: www.SalvationArmyCM.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. Success in Style Helps men and women, with limited income, find employment by providing interview attire. Volunteer requests: Volunteers needed to process donations from holiday clothing drives. Donation requests: New items requested for men: dark dress socks, white t-shirts, briefs, boxers. New items requested for women: bras, hosiery (black, brown, tan, beige ONLY). Gently used, in very good condition, items for men: 2-piece business suits; business dress shirts (white & blue); business dress shoes. Gently used, in very good condition, items for women: 2-piece business suits (current/classic styles); professional blouses (crisp white preferred); business appropriate shoes. Please visit our website for a list of needed accessories. Contact Kathy Botsford at 443-486-2478 or [email protected] Website: www.successinstyle.org 11 T Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center (TRRC) Provides Equine-facilitated therapy for riders with and without challenges, especially involved with Special Olympics Equestrian training for the State Summer Games, wounded soldiers, children and adults with specific developmental delays in an inclusive, bucolic environment. Volunteer requests: Ongoing lesson and therapy assistants to help lead horse and riders and barn hands. Donation requests: 2 winter/fall horse turnout blankets, gifts and nonperishable food for holiday party, paper towels, plastic utensils for snack table, paper plates, napkins, hot/cold cups, snacks for snack table: chips, cookies, fruit for after-school nibbling, hot chocolate (individual packets), and new or gently used warm riding clothes and gloves for winter riding. Much needed: Monetary donations to sponsor a child in therapy $69/half hour with licensed physical or occupational therapist. Contact Katja Fort Rhoden at 703-898-4552 or [email protected] Website: www.trrcmd.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. U The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Seeks to change lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, as they fight cancer and embrace survivorship. Donation requests: For the sixth year, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is hosting a gift drive for local young cancer patients and their families. Suggested gifts include: DVDs, video games, magazines, art supplies, fleece blankets, robes, soft socks, restaurant/department store/grocery gift cards, winter hats, gas gift cards, and gifts for children ages 1-12. Gifts can be dropped off at our Columbia office: 6770 Oak Hall Lane, Unit 116, Columbia, MD 21045, Mon. - Fri., 9am - 5pm. There will be a well-marked collection box in the lobby of the building from Nov. 20th - Dec 5th. We will also accept donations online and at our Baltimore office during regular business hours at 921 E. Fort Ave, Suite 325, Baltimore, MD 21230. Contact Kim LaBarge at 410-964-0202 x 117 or [email protected] Website: www.ulmanfund.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. 12 V Voices for Children, Howard County's Court Appointed Special Advocate Program Trains and supervises volunteers to be court appointed special advocates for abused/neglected foster children in Howard County, in an effort to ensure children have a safe and permanent home. Donation requests: Small denomination gift cards (to Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, etc.) to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions for youth in the foster care system. Contact Erica Byrne at 410-740-0933 or [email protected] Website: www.voicesforchildren.org ❋Agency can identify families in need of Thanksgiving/holiday food donations. W Winter Growth, Inc Provides community based services for older and disabled adults that support them in achieving their highest potential for independence, dignity, and life satisfaction. Volunteer requests: Come have fun with us at Winter Growth! Share your interests, talents, and skills to enrich the lives of our older adults! Volunteers can chat one on one sharing life stories, play a musical instrument to a small group, do manicures, or assist in our day to day programs. Donation requests: 60" flat screen tv, comfortable office chairs, Wii games, label maker, glucometer, electronic blood pressure machine, twin sheets and quilts, trays for bed bound residents, towels, silverware, scarves, sweaters, gloves, sock slippers, socks, costume jewelry, men’s watches, big print books, sports memorabilia, pens, stationery, small picture frames, bags/purses, coffee mugs/travel cups, toiletries including body wash, colored pencils, water bottles. Contact Cyndi Rogers at 410-964-9616 or [email protected] Website: www.wintergrowthinc.org 13