Take the family to join millions of Americans volunteering on Make A Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 22.
There are many ways residents of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County can join the effort sponsored this year by TEGNA Media in collaboration with Points of Light and Arby’s Foundation, in the nation’s largest annual single-day of community service.
The Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County is recruiting and referring volunteers for many volunteer activities taking place through the month of Octdober. The activities and projects are listed in the 2016 Make a Difference Day Volunteer Guide. If you cannot participate on Saturday, Oct. 22, there are other projects listed in the guide.
Ways to volunteer
A few of the activities taking place in Anne Arundel County this year include:
Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services
Holiday Sharing Program, now until the end of December. Holiday Sharing matches donors to seniors and/or families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donors shop for food, clothing, and toys for the holiday and personally deliver to the household. For questions call 410-269-4462 or [email protected] Or visit the website (dhr.maryland.gov/local-offices/anne-arundel-county) and click on Holiday Sharing.
Assistance League of the Chesapeake
Assistance League of the Chesapeake is conducting a Children’s Book Drive on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in support of “Make a Difference Day.” The Assistance League has arranged with several Annapolis area car dealers and athletic clubs to place book collection boxes on their premises in support of the book drive. Last year, over 1,500 books were collected and distributed to schools. The collected books will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
For details email [email protected] or visit the website (alchesapeake.org).
Bello Machre
Bello Machre will be looking to do a yard cleanup at several of their homes Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016. This is a great opportunity for families, teams, school clubs and businesses to make a difference together. If volunteers would like to participate, but have another day that works best, they are encouraged to schedule something that matches their availability. Locations to be determined. For more information and to volunteer, Contact Sarah Tentilucci at 443.702.3064 or [email protected] Or visit the website (bellomachre.org).
City of Annapolis, Department of Recreation and Parks
On Oct. 22, 2016, the Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department invites community members to participate by volunteering for the City’s fall GreenScape project. To learn more e-mail Marisa at [email protected] or call 410-263-7958.
Harvest for the Hungry
Through Oct. 28, 2016, the Anne Arundel County Schools in cooperation with The Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center and the Anne Arundel County Food and Resource Bank are collecting nonperishable food items (no glass, please). If you do not have a school location convenient to drop off nonperishable food items, take them to 2666 Riva Road, First Floor Lobby, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Consider making a cash donation online to the 2016 Harvest for the Hungry Campaign at www.aacps.org/harvest. Every dollar collected is the equivalent to 8 pounds of food! You may also send checks made out to “21st Century Education Foundation” with “Harvest for the Hungry” on the memo line, to Teresa Tudor, Sr. Manager of School & Family Partnerships office at the Board of Education, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more info, contact [email protected]
Historic Annapolis Foundation
Historic Annapolis Foundation is partnering with Maryland Public Television and PNC to put on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to Historic Annapolis, a children’s show on PBS. This event will be held at the Paca House and Garden on Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. There will be a clothing and food drive, representatives from the Annapolis Fire and Police Departments, United States Postal Service, AAC Public Library, and the United States Naval Academy.
Activities will include writing letters to active military heroes, creating cards and drawings for seniors, face painting, crafts and much more. The event is free to the public. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and needed from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Janet Hall at 410-990-4514 or [email protected]
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
- Oct. 22 from 2-4 p.m., Jug Bay will offer an education program called “Little Jug Bay Buddas.” Introduce your child to mindfulness, meditation, and the art of zen-doodling against the beautiful Jug Bay sanctuary backdrop. Children will learn relaxation techniques, challenge their balance skills with yoga postures, build a nature altar, and create their own mala bracelet to take home. Ages: 5-10. Fee: $10, Registration required. Call 410-741-9330 or email [email protected] to register.
- Oct. 23, from 10 a.m–noon, Jug Bay will offer its Trails and Tails Hike. Enjoy the trails at Glendening Preserve on a hike for individuals and families with tail-wagging buddies. Leashes and waste bags will be needed. There are creeks along the trails, but depending on your pups, you need to come prepared. Registration is required and children should be in trail strollers or capable of maintaining an adult and canine pace. Call 410-741-9330 or email Melinda Fegler at [email protected] to register.
Severna Park Community Center
The Community Center is holding a “Monster Mash Pasta Bash” fundraiser in the Gym from 5–7 p.m., Oct. 22. Tickets may be purchased online (spcommunitycenter.org) or at the SPCC front desk. The event showcases pasta dishes from Bella Napoli, Café Mezzanote, Garry’s Grill, Ledo’s Pizza, Park Tavern, and Squisitos. Call 410-647- 5873 for details.
For more information about these projects and others, contact the Volunteer Center at 410-897-9207 or [email protected] The 2016 Make a Difference Day Volunteer Guide with contact and other information about the organizations with Make a Difference Day projects can be downloaded from the website, (aacvc.org/Resources).
