Helping hands - October 29

October 28, 9:16 PMLaurel Community Volunteer ExaminerCarol Plotnick

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Helping hands is a weekly Laurel Community Volunteer Examiner column. The following list of volunteer opportunities is provided as a service to the community. To increase interest in the column and to help area volunteers and recipients, please mention the Laurel Community Volunteer Examiner when you contact an organization listed here. Thank you!

Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma [ASTT] is seeking volunteers for various positions. They need interpreters for non-English speaking survivors; Community Events Befrienders; information researchers, online support [via blog/web site links, etc.] and support volunteers who will assist in the office with such tasks as data entry, assembling information packets and mailing the organization's newsletter. For more information, call the volunteer coordinator at 410-464-9006 or e-mail volunteer_coordinator@astt.org

American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program. Volunteers drive cancer patients to and from treatment and doctor appointments. Flexible schedules available. Call 1-800-ACS-2345.

The American Red Cross Needs You! For more information, click the link below for the Red Cross office nearest you.

• American Red Cross of the National Capital Area needs volunteers who can perform humanitarian services in Fairfax County, VA; Washington, D.C.; Montgomery County, MD; Prince George's County, MD; and in the military communities at Fort Belvoir, VA and Andrews AFB and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Maryland.

• American Red Cross of Central Maryland serves residents of Howard and Anne Arundel Counties in Maryland. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and have access to transportation.

Anne Arundel County Public Library branches often have openings for volunteers. Duties include assisting library staff with "unpacking of books, book repair, filing and computer orientation. These positions usually require the ability to bend, lift boxes and books, use a hand held scanning device, and to stand for periods of time. Training for volunteers is provided by staff and other volunteers." To volunteer or for more information, contact the Maryland City at Russett Branch Library at 301-725-2390. [Source: AACPL web site.]

The Aspect Foundation connects volunteer families with high school students from nearly 50 countries. Host families share their homes and activities with the students. For more information call 301-568-1143. [Graphic credit: David Siqueira | stock.xchng stock photos]

ASSE International Student Exchange needs volunteers who can serve as area representatives in the short-term exchange programs with international high school-age children. Representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, as well as interview international students. Call 301-877-0592.

Better BedRest needs telephone volunteers who have had a pregnancy bedrest experience or connection to bedrest. Training provided. To volunteer or for more information, call the 24-hour helpline 410-740-7662 or e-mail Diane@betterbedrest.org Application to download.

Cancer Support Foundation, Inc. welcomes volunteers to help Maryland cancer patients and their caregivers. For information about volunteer opportunities call 410-964-9563 or e-mail cancerhelp@ymail.com CSFI produces the free Maryland Resource Guide for Cancer Survivors & Their Families booklet. Find out more about this valuable resource HERE.

Capital College, 11301 Springfield Road, Laurel participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs web site "The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution."

Veterans who want to return to pursue further education should contact both the Capital College at 1-800-950-1992 and the VA [click on Yellow Ribbon Program link below].

• Yellow Ribbon Program [eligibility and application procedures]

• Post-9/11Veterans Education Assistance Act

• Capital College [admissions information]

Community Advocates for Family & Youth [CAFY] needs volunteers for their community outreach and court education programs. Training is provided. Call 301-390-4092. List of volunteer positions.

Community Crisis Services, Inc. is accepting applications for volunteer telephone suicide/crisis counselors. No experience is necessary and training is provided. You must be 18 and attend all 32 hours of training and willing to volunteer three hours per week for one year. For info, call 301-864-7095. Online volunteer application.

Computer Seniors of America are looking for teens - 15 to 18 years old - to assist computer instructors in teaching computer skills to seniors in the Laurel area. These are long-term volunteer positions. Teens can work afternoons or evenings, Monday-Friday. Hours are flexible. Contact Victor McGonigal at 410-336-5878 or e-mail director@computerseniors.org

Court Appointed Special Advocates [CASA] - The Prince George's office wants resourceful volunteers to "Speak Up for a Child" who has been abused or neglected and living in foster care. The volunteer advocate works ten hours per month with the child and collaborates with social workers, parents and judges to secure the welfare of a child. Day or evening sessions provided by CASA. Download registration form. Call 301-209-0491.

DAV [Disabled American Veterans] volunteer opportunities include driving disabled veterans to and from treatments and doctor appointments, working at a local VA hospital, and lending a helping hand to local veterans. Flexible hours and programs available. For young college-bound volunteers, Local Volunteer Assistance Program [LVAP] volunteer hours are eligible toward applications for the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship. Eligible volunteers under the age of 21 can earn up to $15,000 toward college tuition.

Volunteer drivers.

Volunteer at a VA.

Fidos For Freedom, Inc. trains and provides service dogs to people with disabilities or who are hard of hearing. The organization is seeking dog-loving volunteers to help raise puppies in the Laurel area. In addition, Fidos For Freedom may also have openings for volunteer dog trainers, office staff and openings in their therapy dog and junior volunteer programs. Call 410-880-4178 or 301-570-7570.

Fish of Howard County, Inc. has a variety of volunteer opportunities. Their volunteers have helped people in their community for over 36 years. From answering the telephone to delivering groceries to someone who is homebound, there are a lot of ways to serve others. For more information, call 410-964-8660 or visit online. Web site.

Fish of Laurel, Inc. at Elizabeth House, is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been serving people in need in the Laurel area for many years. Helping hands are always welcome! Some of the opportunities available are preparing ready-to-heat casseroles for the evening meals for the hungry, donating food to the food pantry and kitchen, telephone volunteers [respond to requests for food or assistance], maintenance, and fundraising. Information about Fish of Laurel, Inc./Elizabeth House. To volunteer call 301-776-9296 or e-mail webmaster@fishoflaurel.org

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, call 410-821-3022.

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 are seeking volunteers. Call 1-800-834-1702 or e-mail ldavis@gscnc.org

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 Child Care Resource Center offers FREE assistance for parents trying to locate state-licensed child care centers, child care providers, pre-schools and school-grade programs. The Center is open weekdays only from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: 3300 North Ridge Road, Suite 380, Ellicott City. For more information, call 410-313-1930.

The Howard County Library offers a variety of year-round volunteer opportunities. For more information and a link to an online application Volunteer positions include the following:

• Customer Service Aides sort and shelve library materials and check in returned books.

• Through Project Literacy, volunteer tutors work one-on-one with adults.

• Homebound Volunteers deliver library materials and provide personal service to Howard County residents confined at home.

• Teen volunteers can participate in the Summer Reading Program. Ages 13 and up work with library staff in the reading program, on craft activities and on other duties, as assigned.

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. Online application For more information.

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.

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 is looking for 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 Mill Playhouse, Laurel's own live theater on Main Street, has a 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.

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.

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

Marylanders Plant Trees program - Governor Martin O'Malley recently reminded citizens that the state has a goal to plant 50,000 by the end of 2010. 22,000 have been planted since the program began just over a year ago. With a lot of work yet to be done, the Governor asked for everyone to help plant more trees, Fall being an excellent time for planting.

Sponsored by the Marylanders Plant Trees program and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a $25.00 coupon is available towards the purchase of a $50 ore greater tree from more than 70 participating nurseries. Click HERE and then click on the "Coupon for $25 Off the purchase of one tree" button.

Anyone who plants a tree and registers it, will be eligible for a monthly drawing. Citizens can win overnight stays at the Rocky Gap Resort, yacht tours of the Chesapeake Bay, locally-grown Christmas trees and Maryland State park passes.

To make planting trees in Maryland even easier, citizens can also visit the Tree-mendous Maryland web site and via their Gift of Trees program the organization will plant trees for them. The program is another way to memorialize, honor or celebrate the life of a loved one. For questions or more information about Gift of Trees, call 410-260-8510.

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

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. Watch a video:

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 seeking volunteers. The organization has opportunities for support group facilitators, office assistants and advocates for survivors with mental illness. Call 410-772-9300.

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.

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

On Our Own of Howard County welcomes volunteer instructors who can teach basic adult education, budgeting, computer skills, job skills, current events, arts and crafts, and other topics. Call 410-772-7905; e-mail wesley@ooohci.org For more information.

On Our Own of Prince George's County is looking for volunteers. For information about the latest openings and online application.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Network [PanCAN] needs volunteers who can help at area health fairs. PanCAN is currently receiving three to five requests per week for their presence at community events. Most of these health fairs occur in the middle of the business day, usually around lunchtime. For anyone able to get away for a long lunch, this is an excellent opportunity to help. To volunteer for health fairs or to inquire about other PanCAN volunteer positions, please contact Mary Zapor (mzapor@pancanvolunteer.org). [Credit: 19 October 2009 PanCAN e-zine]

Partners in Care Inc. is active in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Frederick Counties. The organization uses time banking to serve residents, particularly the disabled and elderly. "Time banking," also known as service exchange, involves one volunteer member doing work for someone in exchange for someone doing something for the volunteer. For example, a member picks up groceries for someone in exchange for having a computer fixed. For more information and types of services provided Online volunteer member application Partners In Care can also be reached at 410-544-4800 or 1-800-227-5500 or e-mail annemyers@partnersincare.org

At the Patuxent Research Refuge, volunteers are not an endangered species and opportunities are available from time to time. For a list of assignments, a link to current opportunities and who to contact, click HERE. [Photo Credit: Carol L Plotnick | Chrysalis Publications, LLC]

Patuxent Riverkeeper, with the assistance of its volunteers, strives to provide stewarardship over the Patuxent River watershed. Volunteers can participate in the following programs: Citizen Water Quality Monitoring, Patuxent Roughnecks, Annual Patuxent Cleanup and Riparian Tree Planting. For more information.

Prince George's County Public Schools wants AVID Program tutors who can work with middle and high school students in English, math, science and social studies. Call 301-952-6247.

Prince George's Department of Parks and Recreation, Building Block youth volunteer training program is for teens. Starting in October and running through November, youth 13 through 17 will learn about what it means to volunteer, to help others and to make a real difference in their communities. Earn community credit hours, too. More info or call 301-446-3321.

The Red Devils always welcome volunteers to knit or crochet and donate chemo caps and scarves to local breast cancer patients. The organization also funds services to patients and their families such as house cleaning, transportation to doctor appointments, preparing meals and entertainment. To volunteer, call 877-643-0202.

Route 1 Day Resource Center, 8826 Washington Blvd, second floor, Jessup, needs volunteers to help prepare meals, serve the homeless visitors and to orient them to the other facilities in the Center - including the shower and laundry facilities. Affiliated with the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, the Route 1 Resource Center is open 3 days a week. Celebrating its first anniversary in July, 2009, Center services have expanded and now include a doctor, a nurse and a lawyer. Contact Anne Dunn via e-mail daycenter@verizon.net Phone: 301-776-9900. For more information about the Center. For volunteer information.

Scotchtown Hills Elementary School has an ongoing recycling program for cell phones and printer cartridges. Proceeds will be used to purchase physical education equipment for the school. Proceeds from the 2008 recycling program brought in $1,500. The school will accept any cell phone that has a battery. Cell phones and printer cartridges should be dropped off at the school's main office at 15950 Dorset Road, Laurel. Phone: 301-497-3994.

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. has volunteer opportunities in administration, events, field work, fundraising, newsletter production, volunteer coordination and at their phone bank. To download an application [then click on “volunteer application” under the “Volunteer” heading.] For more information call Lawrence Manning at 410-528-1555 or e-mail lmanning@sicklecelldisease.org

Sierra Club - Second Sundays every month, 1:00 p.m. Volunteers of all ages needed to help clean up along Riverfront Park in Laurel. Meet at the Municipal Swimming Pool, Ninth and Main Streets, Laurel. Call Brigitte 240-506-8976. For other Sierra Club volunteer opportunities and events, click on the links below:

• Maryland

• Anne Arundel County

• Howard County

• Montgomery County

• Prince George's County

Sistrs for Power, Inc. is recruiting volunteers. For more information call Kiianah Johnson at 202-702-4082 or e-mail info@sistrs.org

Stop the Silence is an international non-profit organization dedicated to stopping child sexual abuse and to promoting healing for the victims and survivors. To volunteer.

Voices United Against Sexual Violence, Inc. has several opportunities for volunteers to support and advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Call Bettina Hodges at 240-412-8344. For volunteer information.

Volunteer Center Serving Howard County - publications for volunteers

The four-page Volunteer Opportunities - Mentor - Tutor - Educate booklet is new this year. It contains tips on being a good mentor and lists Howard County organizations and agencies that use volunteer mentors. Interested volunteers are also encouraged to register with The Volunteer Center so that they will receive updates on volunteer positions and contact information and descriptions for new organizations which may not be listed in the 2009 brochure. Call for information 410-715-0845 or e-mail info@volunteerhoward.org

The latest update of the Volunteer Opportunities for Teens brochure is now available. This ten-page brochure contains frequently asked questions about the volunteer agency program; tips on how to contact an agency, what to say, what questions to ask; and five pages of agencies that work with volunteers. Click HERE to either download the PDF or view the brochure online.

The Washington Home is seeking "volunteers of just about every age, race, ethnic background, skill, and interest. Though we are thrilled to have volunteers with special talents - musicians, massage therapists, artists and computer experts - we need people who can simply be friendly companions." Since 1888, this non-profit 501(c)(3) hospice organization has been helping people in Prince George's county. To download a volunteer application [Credit: The Washington Home web site.]

Wishing Well, Inc. needs volunteers, sponsorships and donations. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization assists and supports American veterans. For more info, call 301-980-4262 or e-mail info@wishingwelloutreach.org

Woodland Job Corps Center [Maryland City] - The Speakers, Tutors, Achievement, Retention and Success [STARS] program is looking for adults to mentor or tutor economically challenged youth ages 16 to 24. Tutors help students with basic math and literacy skills in preparation for the GED or online high school diploma. Mentors help students with vocational and life skills development. Call Gloria Coliton 301-362-6045 or e-mail coliton.gloria@jobcorps.org

Writing Outside the Fence is seeking qualified, committed volunteer teachers. The program offers creative writing workshops for ex-offenders and their extended community through the Reentry Center in Baltimore City. Volunteer instructors are asked to commit to a month of weekly meetings (four consecutive meetings total per teacher) for Fall of 2009. The workshop meets Tuesdays from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Reentry Center at 2401 Liberty Heights Ave. in the Mondawmin Mall. For more info and to register, please contact Lucy Bucknell at 410-516-5348 or via email at lbucknell@jhu.edu