Volunteers Needed in Anne Arundel

Each week, the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County announces current opportunities available to help others.

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 info@volunteerannearundel.org or 410-897-9207. Check our Website: www.VolunteerAnneArundel.org. A few current volunteer opportunities are listed below.

AMVETS

AMVETS is one of the nation’s leading veteran’s service organizations by providing legislative initiatives that give individual assistance in attaining earned benefits from VA and protecting veterans’ benefits on the national scale. AMVETS also has programs to assist a array of veterans’ issues including AMVETS Career Centers to veterans seeking employment after the military. Intern will take in a non-profit atmosphere, specifically a 501( c)3 and 501( c)19. Intern will gain knowledge and skills in Sequel database building, and would be primarily responsible to Membership Director for variety of data entry requirements primarily in support of AMVETS’ membership database. For more information contact: Lisa Huepenbecker at lisah@amvets.org or 301-683-4066.

Annapolis Language Bank

Volunteers with a second language capability extend a warm welcome to area visitors who might have difficulty communicating in English. Volunteers also are called upon by Public Safety officials, health organizations, hospitals, the Red Cross, State, County and the City of Annapolis, and other organizations. Volunteers are listed in the Language Bank by language in alphabetical order. If you or someone you know has a second language capability and is not currently listed as a Language Bank volunteer, we would urge a telephone call to the Office of Public Information, City of Annapolis, (410) 263-1183 or E-mail: info@annapolis.gov. See web site at: http://www.annapolis.gov/Residents/LanguageBank.aspx.

Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Inc.

The Arts Council is a non-profit foundation which encourages and invests in the visual arts, performing arts, and historic preservation for the people of Anne Arundel County. Volunteers, 18 and older, are needed to help in the office with answering phones and computer input for membership database. Contact April Nyman at 410-222-7949 or april.nyman@annearundelartscouncil.org. Website: www.annearundelartscouncilorg.

• 7:00–11:00 pm, Sat., Feb. 9, 2013, 15^th Annual Mardi Gras Gala: Volunteers, participants, and sponsors are being sought for this gala annual fundraising event at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel. There will be an open bar, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. Proceeds support visual and performing arts and historic preservation for the people of Anne Arundel County. For more information, contact: artsfdn@aol.com or 410-222-7949.

The Colonial Players

The Mission of the organization is to provide facilities, education, training, and encouragement to all members of the community who are interested in participating in the dramatic arts and further to educate the community to the appreciation of the dramatic arts by providing a variety of dramatic entertainment. Colonial Players of Annapolis has volunteer opportunities for a variety of interests.  Box office, ushering , set painting and construction, stage crew, costumes, handling properties, helping with lights and sound, Stage Managing, arranging parties and other social events, promoting shows and the theater, and much more. For more information about volunteering, visit www.thecolonialplayers.org, email hr@thecolonialplayers.org or call 410-268-7373.

Maryland State Police 17^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge-Sat., Jan. 26, 2013

This annual fundraiser at Sandy Point, Annapolis, supports Maryland Special Olympics athletes. Volunteers are needed between the hours of 7:00 am–5:00 pm for: Set-up & Breakdown, Registration/customer service; Food & beverage distribution; Plunger crowd control; and for a wide variety of other positions. There are opportunities for everyone. You, your family members, friends and co-workers, (minimum age is 16 years old for individuals– chaperoned volunteer groups 12 years old and older) are needed to volunteer for this very rewarding and exciting event. All registered volunteers will receive an event item and lunch. Volunteers are also needed for the “Super Sunday Sweep” from 11am–4Pm, Jan. 27, 2013 at Sandy Point State Park to help return the Park to its natural condition by removing items left behind by Plungers. The Super Sunday Sweep is a great individual or group activity! For more information, and to register online to help on either or both days, visit: www.plungemd.com; if you are unable to complete online registration, contact Ashley Newnan at anewnan@somd.org (put PLUNGE VOLUNTEER in the subject line ).

Newseum (Washington, DC)

Volunteers, age 16 and up, are needed to assist Newseum staff in many vital roles at the museum in Washington, DC. Volunteers are needed to assist Newseum staff in the following areas: Visitor services; Public programs and educational workshops; Collections management and artifact processing; Research and/or writing; Word processing, mailings and other administrative functions; and, testing/evaluating ongoing programs. To learn more about the volunteer program, fill out an online volunteer form at www.newseum.org or contact the Newseum’s senior manager of operations staffing and training, Donna J. Baker, at 202-292-6513 or dbaker@newseum.org. 

Operation Military Kids

Operation: Military Kids is the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment. This initiative was officially launched in April 2005. In 2009 over 150,000 youth participated in experiences conducted by state OMK teams in 49 states and DC. Maryland Partners include but are not limited to Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Girl Scouts, National Guard Youth and Family Programs, Army Reserve Child, Youth, and School Services, University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Columbia Association of Howard County. The program has volunteer opportunities that include workshop facilitators, community outreach contacts, activity coordinators and fundraisers. For more information contact Jayne Fitzgerald at jefitz@umd.edu. See web site:  www.operationmilitarykids.org

SPCA of Anne Arundel County

Volunteers, age 18 and up (or 13-17 with parental accompaniment), are needed to walk dogs, socialize cats, provide foster care for “in-need” animals, help with adoption shows, bathe and brush dogs or help with any other available opportunities. Regular volunteers walk dogs, play with cats, provide foster care for “in-need” animals, help with adoption shows, bathe and brush dogs, assist potential adopters, and help with events. Training sessions are held once each month. The SPCA does not offer opportunities to fulfill court-ordered community service. Call 410-268-4388 or E-mail volunteer@aacspca.org.  Website: www.aacspca.org.

Wish List of Items needed for the shelter: premium dog, puppy, cat and kitten food; six-foot nylon leashes and adjustable nylon puppy and adult collars; covered cat beds (not foam);grooming brushes, combs, nail trimmers and clippers and more. The shelter is open for donations on Mon., Tues., Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 9 am – 4 pm , and Wed. and Thurs from 9 am – 7 pm. Contact 410-268-4388.

YMCA of Central Maryland, Anne Arundel Family Center

Volunteers, 18 and older, are needed as instructors in after school youth activities (share your skill or hobby with a young person) for children ages 5-11 at various schools throughout the County anytime from 3:00-5:00 PM , any days Monday through Friday. Volunteers are also needed before and after school to work with elementary school children providing enrichment activities including homework assistance, reading, making snacks, and doing arts and crafts projects. Volunteers need not have prior training as they will work with trained, paid instructors. Volunteers working with youth must complete a background screening and fingerprinting process. Call 410-760-4363 for more information about volunteering. See web site at: www.ymaryland.org.