Six Easy Ways to Volunteer this Summer
June 21, 2024 | Tips and Resources
By Alli Berger
It’s that time of year again! The school year is ending, camps are starting, and all of our routines are changing. Maybe this is the perfect time to do some volunteering! It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming commitment. Here are six easy and meaningful ways to give back this summer in Baltimore—there’s something here for volunteers of all ages.
- Donate leftover school supplies.
Let me guess, half of your child’s school supplies came home untouched? Consider donating to students who need them for next year. Visit our website to learn which items are needed and how to drop them off with us. Supplies will be distributed through school partnerships.
- Pick up a service project kit.
Our Service to Go projects are a simple and fun way to give back from your own space, on your own schedule. Invite some friends over or gather the family to put together laundry kits or children’s oral hygiene kits. Click here to learn more and order your supplies.
- Walk dogs at Baltimore Humane Society.
Enjoy the summer sunshine while spending time with furry friends. Help out one time, or on a recurring basis that fits your schedule. Fill out this form to let us know you’re interested, and we’ll connect you from there. Volunteers must be 18 years or older for this opportunity.
- Get crafty at Art with a Heart.
Help with visual arts classes, community art projects, and finishing art pieces at Art with a Heart, which provides access to visual and creative arts to various Baltimore City populations. Teens and groups are welcome! Fill out this form to let us know you’re interested, and we’ll connect you to AWAH to get started on a one-time or recurring basis.
- Use your special skills at Asylee Women Enterprise.
Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE), which supports asylum seekers, survivors of human trafficking, and other forced migrants as they rebuild their lives, has some specific, skills-based volunteer needs for the summer and beyond.
- Calling all zen friends: AWE is looking for a twice-monthly yoga teacher. Learn more here!
- Teachers and subs (or retired teachers/subs): Could you be available to cover an ESL class when needed? No need to speak a foreign language! Lesson plans will be provided. Click here to learn more.
- Donate bagged lunches.
Food is always a need in our community, but even more so in the summer when schools aren’t providing breakfast or lunch. The whole family can help with making bagged meals at home. Include:
- A sandwich: PB&J or lunch meat
- A piece of fruit or fruit cup & spoon
- A snack item, individually packaged
- A bottle of water
Make sure to label lunch bags with their contents. Click here to sign up to donate the meals at our drop off locations on July 1, August 5, or August 12 through our Bunches of Lunches initiative. Want to donate on a different day? Email Kate Kirby at kkirby@thejewishnetwork.org to deliver directly to a nonprofit partner.
Looking for more ideas on ways to volunteer? Check out our volunteer portal and we’ll get you matched with an opportunity that’s perfect for you.