Food Donations. There is an ongoing, urgent need for various fresh food items for the Fish of Laurel, Inc.'s Elizabeth House kitchen. In order to make lunches for the homeless guests, bread, deli meat, fresh produce [fruit and vegetables] and canned or boxed drinks are needed. For more information and to make a donation, please call either Elizabeth House 301-776-9296 or Steve Sternheimer at 410-992-5669 or E-mail ssstern2003@yahoo.com

All year round, the Fourth of July Committee seeks volunteers to help with planning the popular American celebration in Laurel. The group meets at 7:00 p.m., on the second Wednesday every month [except August and December] at the Laurel Municipal Center [Meeting Room #2], 8103 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel. Committee members and volunteers help plan, organize and perform fund raising activities such as a golf tournament, basket/purse Bingo, yard sales and other events. For more information call 301-725-5300 ext. 444.

Friends of Patuxent has several volunteer opportunities that support the research and wildlife management at the Patuxent Research Refuge. For more information about volunteering or any of the following events, call 301-497-5959.

Fuel Fund of Maryland is seeking volunteer energy educators for its Watt Watcher program. For information and other volunteer opportunities, call 410-821-3022. Donations that are used to pay low-income residents' utility bills are also welcome.

Gilchrist Hospice Care needs volunteers to assist terminally-ill patients and their families and caregivers. To inquire about volunteer opportunities call 443-849-8200 or e-mail lmulligan@gilchristhospice.org For a glimpse at what's involved in training for a volunteer position, click HERE for training schedules, then click on "October 2009 - September 2010" under the "Volunteer Training Schedules" heading.

The Girl Scouts need volunteers. For more information, click HERE. To volunteer via E-mail. Receive the monthly e-newsletter with current opportunities by e-mailing volunteer services.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. has many volunteer opportunities. For a description of available positions click HERE. For more information or to inquire about a job, call 410-323-9400 or e-mail info@genesisjobs.org

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center has a long list of things volunteers can do to help. Click HERE. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Bonnie Hudak at 410-531-6006 or bonita@grassrootscrisis.org

Guiding Eyes For The Blind offers rewarding volunteer opportunities for puppy raisers for puppies that will become guide dogs for the blind. Contact information for offices in Maryland: click HERE or phone 410-960-7427. Read Laura Jackson's article in the 22 April 2010 The Gazette.

Heartland Hospice needs volunteers for both administrative office and bereavement assignments. Call 240-264-1692.

Hope Lodge [American Cancer Society], a place where cancer patients and their caregivers - that live a long distance from their cancer treatment centers - can stay FREE during their treatments. Click the links below for the Hope Lodge story. Contact a local Hope Lodge for volunteer opportunities.

• Hope Lodge Examiner.com article and video
• Hope Lodge - general information
• Hope Lodge - Baltimore
• American Cancer Society

Hospice of the Chesapeake volunteers support and offer companionship to patients, families and caregivers. Duties can include two- to three-hour weekly visits to help with letter writing, reading, transportation to medical appointments and other needs and errands. To volunteer or for more information call volunteer coordinator, Julie Medlin 301-499-4500 or e-mail jmedlin@hospicechesapeake.org to volunteer in Prince George's County or Kathy Bourgard at 443-837-1549, e-mail kbourgard@hospicechesapeake.org in Anne Arundel County. Kathy also coordinates the teen volunteer programs. Online volunteer application.

Howard County General Hospital has many volunteer opportunities. Click HERE for a brief introduction and links to a list of volunteer positions and how to apply.

The Howard County Library offers a variety of year-round volunteer opportunities. Click for an online application

Howard County Office on Aging posts volunteer opportunities in their quarterly volunteer newsletter. There are a variety office and event positions available, with flexibility for any schedule. Call 410-313-1426 or E-mail.

The Institute for Interactive Instruction, Inc. (Healthy Mentoring Matters) needs volunteer mentors, at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. Volunteer mentors will interact with, support, encourage and advise mentees between 4 and 18 years old. Mentees are children of prisoners. These are long-term mentoring positions. Mentors work weekly for at least one year. Contact the Institute for Interactive Instruction, Inc. at 301-776-4294.

Invasive Weed Removal in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas. Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive plants that eventually overrun local indigenous plant species. For a PDF of 2010 calendar and activities, click HERE and then click on “Read More” under the “Volunteer Opportunities for Invasive Weed Removal” heading.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary has volunteer opportunities for adults and children. Collect water samples, clear trails, weigh turtles and much more. Contact Lindsay Hollister at 410-741-9330 or via E-mail.

Kiva Loans This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization connects local lenders with hard-working entrepreneurs all over the world. Kiva created the first person-to-person micro-lending website. Volunteers can loan as little $25. To read Kiva's mission statement and to lend financial support to an entrepreneur, click HERE. Act locally; help globally!

Komen Maryland Race For the Cure, October 3 at Hunt Valley. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Maryland organization is looking for volunteers. For more information or to apply, contact Rachel Carlberg at rcarlberg@komenmd.org

Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services[LARS] needs volunteers for office work, assistance in the food pantry, work on fundraising events and for other client-oriented work. The Laurel organization has been instrumental in helping local citizens who are in need of housing, food and assistance with social services. For an online list of volunteer opportunities or for more information, call Nancy Graham at 301-776-0442.

LARS has Moved – April 27 LARS moved to 350 Municipal Square, Laurel. Their temporary mailing address is P O Box 640, Laurel, MD 20725. Their phone number will remain the same as posted above. Thanks to the City of Laurel, LARS' temporary home is rent free until they are able to move back into the 311 Laurel Avenue building which is now undergoing renovations.

Laurel Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association [LCPAAA] The LCPAAA was established to foster a better relationship between the Laurel Police Department and the citizens. They support and enhance the City of Laurel's Police Department and are a visible presence at community functions and special events. Volunteer opportunities available for adults 55 and older. For more information, contact Captain Robert Althoff at 301-498-0092.

Be a part of history! Laurel Historical Society needs museum docents to greet visitors, interpret the museum exhibits in the building and a volunteer assistant manager to work in the gift shop at 817 Main Street, Laurel. Training is provided. Call 301-776-5229.

Laurel Library volunteer opportunities and information – Click HERE or call 301-776-6790.

Laurel Mill Playhouse, Laurel's own live theater on Main Street, has roles for volunteers. Adults and students can volunteer in the office or help construct a set; prepare costumes or design publicity posters. Students can record community service hours while getting first-hand experience behind the scenes. Call 301-617-9906 or e-mail LMP@laurelmillplayhouse.org For online volunteer information

Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers to staff the Glass Place Gift Shop at the hospital. Location: 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel. Shifts vary. Call Kathy Lewis 240-456-4764.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society encourages volunteers to help in the fight against leukemia and blood cancers. Click the link above for more information and an online registration form or call 1-800-955-4572.

Loan Closet of Howard County receives donated medical equipment that can be loaned to those in need on a temporary basis. To donate medical equipment contact the Way Station Phone: 410-740-1643

Lupus Foundation of America Greater Washington Chapter has opportunities for volunteers who want to participate in a walk to raise money for research and raise awareness about Lupus, assist at health fairs, work in the Lupus Foundation office, use their ASL or Spanish to communicate with others or work on a committee. For more information. If interested, call 202-349-1167 or e-mail info@lupusgw.org

Lupus Mid-Atlantic always needs volunteers to help make a difference in the lives of persons with Lupus. Some volunteer opportunities include: preparing mailings, office work, public speaking/education, graphic design/photography and fundraising events. For additional information or position inquiries, call Dick Watson at 410-337-9000 or 1-800-777-0934; e-mail dwatson@lupusmd.org For additional volunteer information.

Make A Wish Foundation is looking for Prince George's County volunteers would can meet with and help families discover a child's most heartfelt wish. Applicants must be at least 21, undergo a background check and complete a training class. Call 301-962-9474 or e-mail.

The Maryland Food Bank is always seeking volunteers to help in their distribution center. According to MFB's Audra Harrison, “The Maryland Food Bank relies on our volunteers to help us feed hungry Marylanders. With the ongoing economic recession, we’re finding the demand for our services increasing almost 30% in the last year.” To volunteer or for more information, call volunteer coordinator Vanessa Reed at 410-737-8282 x232 or e-mail reed@mdfoodbank.org

Maryland Writers Association [MWA] volunteer opportunities for writers. Click HERE.

Matter of Trust needs unique donations in the effort to confine and absorb the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, among other environmental situations and green energy. Read about local action HERE.

Mentor, Encourage, Lift and Love, Inc. [MELL] Volunteers needed for their second Saturday new parent mentoring sessions at the Laurel Presbyterian Church. Volunteers will set up and clean up nursery and meeting areas. Other volunteers are needed to share their parenting experience. Community service hour credits for teens. For more information, call 410-903-9015 or e-mail info@mentorencourageliftandlove.org

Mentoring to Manhood [M2M] is looking for caring adults who are willing to mentor and tutor young men. Whether a volunteer can offer one hour a week or one day a week, their time is needed and greatly appreciated. A few moments can make a big change for a lifetime. For more information, click HERE or call 301-213-9463.

Montgomery Housing Partnership needs volunteers who want to help their Montgomery County neighbors. "Neighbors helping neighbors is a long-standing MHP tradition. MHP is actively seeking volunteers to assist with community fairs, the backpack program, toy drives and overall organizational support in our office. One-time volunteer days can also be arranged for larger groups of volunteers. We also work with student volunteers and provide Student Service Learning hours." [Credit: MHP web site.] Call 301-622-2400 x38 for information about current positions.

Montpelier Mansion wants volunteers to give tours, work with children, and help with office work, gardening and festivals. Working with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, The Friends of Montpelier volunteer organization not only recruit and coordinate the volunteers, the organization helps to furnish the mansion through donations, tour fees and fundraising events. For information about volunteer opportunities or TFM membership, call 301-377-7817.

National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI]

Anne Arundel County office needs volunteers “to advocate for improved services -- to teach, mentor and facilitate classes and support groups -- to reach out to the community -- to help with our publications -- and to support us financially.” Call 443-569-3498 or e-mail namiannarundel@nami.org [Credit: web site]

Howard County office is actively seeking volunteers. The organization has many opportunities, such as support group facilitators, office assistants, fund raisers, event planners and advocates for survivors with mental illness. Call 410-772-9300. NAMI Howard County in the news! Click HERE.

September 25, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Family Health Expo at Murray Hill Middle School, 9989 Winter Sun Road, Laurel. Call Vanita at 410-772-9300 before July 28 for more information and to volunteer.

Montgomery County office has volunteer opportunities. Clerical, maintenance, support group facilitation and much more. Visit the web site for an online application or call 301-949-5852.

For NAMI Family to Family graduates: Individuals who would like to be facilitators for an upcoming Family to Family course, a facilitator training course is being held at the Maritime Institute [692 Maritime Blvd, Linthicum Heights, MD] on July 16 - 18. The course is free and meals are included. Attendees need to be able to transport themselves to and from the training site. For more information about this worthwhile training and future facilitating opportunities, contact Susan Helsel before July 6. Call 410-772-9300.

Media Opportunities:

Megan Baker of Glamour magazine is working on an article about women living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder and also women who have a sister living with any of those illnesses. She's looking to speak with women in their 20s or early 30s who fit these profiles. For this story she is focusing on these specific illnesses only. If you are interested in sharing your story of living with mental illness for consideration, please send your name, phone number and a short description (250 words or less) to Megan at Megan_Baker@condenast.com

Scott Sell, a reporter with News 21 at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, is working on a story about depression among older adults, as well as the rising rates of suicide among the elderly in the wake of the aging Baby Boomer population. Scott would like to speak with adults 65 and older who have been diagnosed with clinical depression and are managing their illness successfully. If you would like to share your story for consideration, please send Scott a short summary (250 words or less) of your experiences and include your contact information. He can be reached at scott.a.sell@gmail.com

National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland seeks adults with schizophrenia and their families in a groundbreaking study in the field of genetic research. Participants are only required to have 1 or 2 outpatient visits. No medications are given. Compensation is provided and travel assistance is also available. For more information call 1-866-444-8806 [TTY 1-866-411-1010]. Se habla espa?ol. Link to study details. For more about schizophrenia, see previous Examiner.com article and video

National Military Family Association needs volunteers who want to help the families of our men and women in the armed forces. Click HERE for information and suggested needs and services.

Neighbor Ride. Volunteer drivers have flexible schedules, seven days a week, as they assist Howard County seniors with daily or periodic travel needs. Fuel reimbursement option available. For more information or to volunteer, contact Rosemary Noble at 410-884-7433 or via E-mail.

No Buddy Gets Left Behind Operation Bagdad Pups is a SPCAI [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International] program that brings home the pets that American servicemen and women adopt during their tour of duty in the Middle East. Click the link above for more information or to make a donation. Read the On Patrol article about the program HERE [after the web page opens, choose page 46].

Novica Artisan Loans help artisans around the world improve and expand their business. Novica's microfinance program connects customers and other interested people and organizations with these entrepreneurs. In addition to making interest-free loans to an artisan, people can purchase their products online. For a list of current loans in progress, click HERE.