[ By Martha Thomas ]
You don’t have to be a wealthy philanthropist to contribute to the community. Nor do you need to have a cleared calendar to give of your time. There are plenty of ways to ensure that even small donations – of both money and time – can make a difference.
Start small, says Mickey Gomez, executive director of the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County. “Try different opportunities that don’t require a big commitment and see what resonates with you.”
The organization, which serves as a clearing house for various nonprofits throughout Howard County lists volunteer opportunities on its website. On a recent search, we found everything from positions as volunteer “greeters” at Red Cross blood drives to bilingual advocates to fighting invasive species by pulling weeds.
Often, enthusiastic volunteers take on too much and find themselves overwhelmed, says Gomez, and this isn’t good for anyone. Organizations “put resources into engaging volunteers,” she says. “If volunteers don’t show up, they can leave the agency in a bind.” Better to choose an activity you are comfortable committing to. “Identify your passion,” she suggests. “If you like helping people, or want to share a talent, there are plenty of opportunities.” Some people are happy doing data entry, while others relish an afternoon spent outdoors. The Volunteer Center has matched more than 6,000 volunteers with meaningful opportunities helping more than 200 nonprofit and governmental organizations since its founding in 2001. volunteerhoward.org
If you are looking to give money but don’t have a particular charity in mind and don’t know where to begin, the Columbia Foundation is a good place to start. Founded in 1969, the foundation matches donors with various needs in the community.
Gifts can be big or small, says Debbie Daskaloff, development officer. “We want people to see the impact of their giving,” she says. Donors can contribute to the designated funds, or set up an endowment of their own. The foundation administers close to 300 individual funds set up by families and businesses and has assets of more than $14 million, Daskaloff says. columbiafoundation.org
There are dozens of organizations in Howard County that can use your help. Look for places that align with your concerns and values, be they education, health care, faith-based or economic concerns. Here are a few suggestions as a starting point:
• National Family Resiliency Center. The goal of the organization is to guide families – regardless of composition – and support children during transitions so that all emerge healthy and hopeful for the future. divorceabc.com
• Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. The center, at the Medical Pavilion at Howard County, helps cancer patients and their families by providing information and support while helping to build self-esteem. The center receives the proceeds from local Blossoms of Hope festivities. cgh.org/cmcrc
• The Arc of Howard County. The mission of this organization is to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve full lives in the community – one person at a time. archoward.org
• Domestic Violence Center of Howard County. Founded in 1978, the DVC is committed to eliminating domestic violence in Howard County. The organization helps all members of the family affected by violence. dvcenter.org
