FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Fay Mauro

410-897-9207

DATE: December 15, 2008

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

THIS INCLUDES YOUR AREA  AND OTHERS

PLEASE DELETE WHAT YOU DO NOT NEED

Many Volunteer positions are available through the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County. If you do not see an opportunity below that fits your needs, contact the Volunteer Center at 410-897-9207 or send e-mail to info@volunteerannearundel.org. Check our Website: www.VolunteerAnneArundel.org. A few current volunteer opportunities are listed below.

Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center

The AA Conflict Resolution Center (AACRC–the County’s community mediation center) is currently looking for volunteers to help with data entry and general office duties as well as the speakers bureau and committees. Call 410-266-9033 or E-mail suerose@aacrc-md.us.  Web site: www.aacrc-md.us

·         5:00 pm, Sun., Mar. 1, 2009, Second Annapolis Idol Fundraiser: The AACRC is seeking entries from local artists who believe they have the personality and singing skills to be our second Annapolis Idol. Contestants should send a CD containing a sample of their vocal abilities to Annapolis Idol, Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center, 2666 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. CDs are not returnable, and should be accompanied by the entry form which can be downloaded from the AACRC web site at aacrc-md.us. Contestants must be at least 18 years of age by event date. They must be able to perform a Top 40/mainstream pop song live to music they select and coordinate with our professional DJ. Entries must be received by January 16, 2009 and finalists will be notified by email or phone by February 1. Finalists must be available to appear at the March 1 event. For more info contact annapolisidol@yahoo.com, visit the web site at aacrc-md-us, or call 410-266-9033.

Bates (Wiley H.) Senior Residence (Community Preservation & Dev. Corp.–CPDC)

This senior residence is operated in Annapolis by CPDC, a nonprofit organization that creates and preserves financially sound, socially responsible affordable housing for low and moderate income individuals and families.  A variety of community programs are developed in cooperation with residents to strengthen the community and to increase opportunities for growth. There is an immediate need for volunteers or volunteer groups to teach and assist residents in the use of computers in the computer lab. For more information, contact Donna Chavers at 410-263-1866 Ext. 2 or e-mail dchavers@cpdc.org.  See web site: www.cpdc.org.

Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Maryland

Want an excuse to be a kid again?  Play catch?  Fly kites? Most volunteers start because they want to give back and help a child.  Soon, they discover being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the best experiences of their life! As a Big, you are simply a friend.  We ensure your experience fits your lifestyle, and we have something for everyone.  Busy people of all ages can get involved.  You can choose the program that works best for you.  Volunteers spend time with a child (age 7-15) a few times per month, a few hours each time, over the course of one year.  Big Brothers Big Sisters provides a monthly list of free or low-cost activities to give you ideas and are with you every step of the way. There are programs all across Anne Arundel County and beyond.  Call (410) 243-4000 ext. 223 or E-mail: info@biglittle.org. Web: www.biglittle.org.

Salvation Army

Volunteers are needed for the Salvation Army’s 2008 Christmas Programs. Donations of meals for sorters of Angel Tree gifts, sponsorship of Angel Trees, and donations of non-perishable food are also being sought. Contact Roberta Ahmed at 410-263-4091 for more information and to volunteer.

Chesapeake Children’s Museum

This “Hands-on” Museum for children and families has many volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

·         3:00–6:00 pm, Wed., Dec. 31, 2008, New Year’s Eve Celebration: Volunteers are needed from set up at 12 noon until clean-up at 10 pm and for facilitating crafts and activities between 3-6 pm for children, primarily between the ages of 4–10 years; the event is being held in the Annapolis Recreation Center. For more information call 410-990-1993 or E-mail: info@theccm.org.

HAVEN (HIV/AIDS Volunteer Enrichment Network)

Make a difference!  Be a friend to someone living with HIV near you.  The HIV/AIDS Volunteer Enrichment Network (HAVEN) seeks daytime volunteers to help take people to/from doctor’s appointments, and evening volunteers for support group transportation.  Volunteers are also needed for the buddy services program, for special events, office support, and more. HAVEN is also in need of Board members having a passion for providing services to the marginalized and discriminated-against. Such candidates should have some experience with non-profits, fundraising & marketing experience, and have some time and talent to provide resources.  Call Program Director Iyatunde Lark-Rivers at 410-224-AIDS [2437]; or email HAVENinc@aol.com; Web: www.Havenannapolis.org.

Institute for Interactive Instruction/ Healthy Mentoring Matters Program

Mentoring Matters is a community-based mentoring program in Laurel/Prince Georges’ County in which children of incarcerated parents are matched with an adult mentor for a one-on-one friendship-oriented mentoring relationship.  Healthy Mentoring Matters is seeking loving, caring and committed adults to become juvenile life coaches to our young Prince George's County residents between the ages of four and 18. For more information, contact Dana Bankins at 301-776-4294. See website: www.iiiinc.org

Providence Center 

Providence Center is a nonprofit that provides employment, vocational, recreational, retirement, medical day care, and transportation services to developmentally disabled adults.  There are immediate openings for volunteers, including mature high school students, in: 1) Arnold as Pottery & Horticultural Assistants, Activity Center & Baldwin Industries Woodworking Aides, and Friendly Visitors; 2) Millersville as Activity Center & Arts Class Aides, Crafts, Woodshop, & Pottery Assistants; and 3) Pasadena as Senior Program Assistant. Times during the week are flexible. Opportunities are available to complete service learning requirements.  Contact Aimee Bullen at 410-766-2212 X110 or abullen@providencecenter.com. See Website: www.providencecenter.com.

Sarah’s House

Sarah's House is a supportive housing program for homeless women, children, and men in Anne Arundel County providing case management, childcare, transportation and employment services at Ft. Meade.  Volunteer orientations are offered most Friday evenings 7:00pm-8:30pm at Sarah’s House.  Volunteers can work directly with guests or behind the scenes. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and groups of all faiths and ages, especially during the holidays. For more information contact Bruce Clopein at 410-519-5085, or bclopein@catholiccharities-md.org

Toys for Tots Campaign–U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

The local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots is a toy drive for the underprivileged children in Anne Arundel (and Howard) Counties.  With many Marines serving on foreign shores, now more than ever, the Toys for Tots program needs the assistance of members of the community to help make this year’s campaign better than ever.  Along with BankAnnapolis, a substantial number of other businesses have already committed to being a drop-off location.  For more information on the program and a list of sponsoring businesses across the county, go to www.toysfortotsannearundel-howard.org, E-mail Pete at info@toysfortotsannearundel-howard.org, or Pervi at request@toysfortotsannearundel-howard.org, or call 410-987-3811.

·         10:00 am–4:00 pm, Sat., Dec. 20, 2008, Toy Sorting: Volunteers are needed to sort toys and to prepare them for distribution to needy children. The work will be done at 501 McCormick Dr., Suite T, in Glen Burnie. For more information and to volunteer, contact Maggie at 410-897-9207 or maggie@volunteerannearundel.org.

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