Be Joyful and Volunteer

Devoting your time to others can bring many joys and rewards, as well as community service credit toward graduation if you are younger. In Bowie and nearby, volunteer opportunities abound. Below are just some of them. If you know of others we've missed, please add them in the comments.

Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

The center, Bowie’s main location for the performing arts, seeks volunteer ushers for its many productions. Also, the center needs volunteers to assist with general cleanup tasks. Adjacent to , students are encouraged to volunteer and receive community service credit.

Contact Mary Nusser at 301-805-6880.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Bowie city government, volunteer around town

With a growing senior population, it’s becoming more difficult for some folks to maintain their homes and keep from sliding into violating city property codes. This is a city government program where volunteers make minor home repairs and help homeowners with yard work and maintenance. Volunteer applications are online at the above link.
Contact the city’s Community Services Department at 301-809-3013.   

Providence Center, multiple , Millersville and Pasadena
The center provides services to developmentally disabled adults and has immediate openings for volunteers (including mature high school students) and offers flexible scheduling.

• In Arnold, the center needs pottery and , woodworking aides and friendly visitors.
• In Millersville, the center needs aides; and crafts, woodshop and pottery assistants.
• The Pasadena location needs a senior program assistant.

Contact Aimee Bullen at 410-766-2212, ext. 110, or abullen@providencecenter.com.

Cats R Us Inc., shelters in Arnold and Annapolis
Volunteers, age 8 and older, are needed to assist with cleaning the shelters, to attend adoption shows at PetSmart in Annapolis, to make cat/kitten home deliveries, or to sit and spend time with wonderful cats. An adult should accompany volunteers younger than age 16. For information, contact 410-263-1719 or mskittymeow3@juno.com.

Bello Machre, throughout Anne Arundel County
This organization provides loving homes and support to people with developmental disabilities. Volunteers are needed to help with the following:

• Decorate homes on Dec. 6 and 7 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to make them festive for the holiday season. An ideal community service project for family, friends, and community groups.
• Judge homes in a decorating contest on Dec. 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Help with pastry pickups at Starbucks on Dec. 20, 22, 27 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to deliver them to Bello Machre’s main office.

For more information on these opportunities, contact Evette at 443-702-3064 or volunteer@bellomachre.org.

Rob’s Barber Shop Community Foundation
Volunteers, minimum age 16, are needed for administrative tasks and volunteer barbers and hairstylist are also needed to serve homeless and other needy persons in Odenton and surrounding areas. Call Robert Cradle at 410-519-2622 or rcr365@aol.com.