Clean a Creek or a Beach or a Stream
As a result of the recent storms and the Conowingo Dam release, our local creeks, streams and beaches are overrun with debris. Mixed in with the branches and tree trunks is all kinds of trash from plastic bottles to tires and styrofoam to tables.
The bay needs lots of help on this but YOU CAN HELP. No appointment necessary. All you need is a trash bag and some gloves. If you have some spare time this week or weekend, please go to a nearby waterway and do what you can to clean up. Gloves and closed toes shoes are recommended, a net would also be helpful. Every little bit makes a difference. Fill a trash bag or two and know that your efforts are appreciated!
Be Ready
Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has announced its Fall 2018 dates for Basic CERT Training. Volunteer to become a trained member of your community in emergency response. The training will be held on Friday, September 28 from 6pm-9pm, Sat., September 29 from 8am-5pm, and Sun., September 30, 2018 from 8am-3pm at the Fire Training Academy in Millersville. A disaster simulation will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 8am-12pm at the same location. Everyone completing the course receives a nationally recognized certification and the opportunity to join Anne Arundel-Annapolis CERT as a member. Visit www.aaacert.org for more information and for a registration link. For questions and to volunteer as a victim on October 6, contact bjmorgenstern@comcast.net.
Havana Nights
The Arundel Lodge is looking for event support for the 2018 Havana Nights annual fundraising event to be held on Saturday, September 15 at the Byzantium, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis. Volunteer help is needed for tasks one week prior to the event, event set up, and during the event. They especially welcome volunteers who have general administrative skills or event experience, or are customer service oriented, as well as volunteers who are supportive of the mission to improve the lives of children, adults (including Veterans) and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
The time commitment is a few hrs 1 week prior to Sept 15 and/or 3-5 hrs the day of event between 10 am and 11 pm. Volunteers can help with loading and unloading event supplies, event setup, decorating, running activities such as raffle or silent auction, registration, break down and clean up. Contact Deborah to volunteer: dwienhold@arundellodge.org or 443-433-5943.
Out of the Darkness
The Annapolis Out of the Darkness Walk will be Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, 10 am – 2 pm, starting from Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. This event of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. They are looking for volunteers for setup, registration, route support, and clean-up for Community Walk fundraiser in Annapolis. Email Traci Moxson at annapolisootd@gmail.com to signup.
Mentor a Homeless Child
Train to be a mentor for youth and homeless youth. Housing plays a pivotal role in the well-being of children and families. Stable housing is a critical factor for positive child and youth development. Unfortunately, the number of homeless families with children has increased in recent years due to the lack of affordable housing. On top of that, the current economic recession and the housing crisis further increase the likelihood of homelessness among children and youth. Those at i5 City want to reach Homeless and those at risk of becoming Homeless by having a Mobile Shower unit and a Mobile Food Pantry to bring into the community every week. They started a Mobile Drop-in/ After school program in January to start reaching the youth that is at risk of becoming homeless. We notice that having a mentor that can actually be with each youth to better help the youth navigate each day to make positive life decisions and make a stronger impact to change a young adult life. They will be doing Trainings every 4 months to do new intakes. These Trainings will explain what Homeless Youth is and how to identify Homeless and at-risk homeless youth, Human Trafficking awareness, Boundaries, Self Care, Opioid and First Aid.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor and committing only 4 hours a week to be that positive voice for the young adult’s life please come to the training and we will let you know how you can get involved. i5 partners with many other agencies to make a change in our community. Please email Derric at derric@i5serve.com, if you have any questions and together you can make an impact and change our lower-income community. The trainings are on 8/11/2018 from 9:30am to 2pm and 8/18/2018 from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Food will be provided at the training. www.i5serve.com
Back-to-School Backpacks
This is the 20th year of the Back to School program in A.A. County. The Dept. of Social Services in partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools matches donors to children from low-income families in local elementary schools to provide the backpacks and school supplies they need to start the school year. Donors are needed (individuals, groups, and businesses) and will receive information on the child/children they are helping with a list of needed supplies for their grade. School supplies are placed inside backpacks and delivered to elementary schools during August, so each child has what they need on the 1st day of school. Contact 410-269-4462 or community.programs@maryland.gov for details about donating supplies, money or otherwise assisting in providing backpacks to school children in need. For a donor application and more information, go to: www.aacounty.org/departments/social-services/index.html.
Volunteers are also needed to deliver backpacks and school supplies. August 20-31st. Contact james.maybin@maryland.gov to help with delivery.
P.S. – When you do find out about a great volunteer opportunity from us, please tell our non-profit partner that we sent you. Better yet, drop a quick note to info@aacvc.org and tell us how it went.
Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center | info@aacvc.org
Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center 