United Way of Central Maryland Invites Central Marylanders to Give Back this Summer 

Volunteer opportunities for individuals and families focus on community and back to school 

BALTIMORE, MD (July, 2021) – United Way of Central Maryland is committed to providing what’s needed, where it’s needed in the greater Baltimore region, and this summer, they are looking for “do-gooders” in the community to pitch in. The organization is recruiting volunteers for a number of family-friendly projects in July and August, as well as activities leading up to students’ return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year.  

“United Way of Central Maryland and its volunteers tackle a number of community projects throughout the year,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “These summer volunteer opportunities provide an excellent chance for families to spend time together while giving back to the communities we serve. Community support is more important than ever before as we begin to reopen and prepare for students to go back to school in person full time this school year.” 

Family-Friendly volunteer events taking place this summer include:  

Gardening and Animal Care in Baltimore City – July 17 

  • Families are invited to visit the Filbert Community Garden to harvest vegetables, weed the garden and even feed some animals Gardening and Animal Care in Baltimore City 

Gardening and Animal Care in Anne Arundel County – July 20 

  • Volunteers will visit Langton Greens Farm where there is an ongoing need for help planting, harvesting and packaging produce, maintaining garden spaces, the farm property and providing care for livestock  

Gardening at a Youth Garden in Howard County – August 13 

  • The Community Ecology Institute will set the scene for Howard County residents to join the Freetown Farm team in taking care of its youth garden. Volunteers will weed, water, plant, build trellising and fencing while snacking on tasty produce that is ready for harvest. 

Garden maintenance and rock painting in Harford CountyGarden maintenance and rock painting in Harford County – August 19 

  • Harford Family House is looking for area families to help tend its vegetable garden and add decorative items to the space.   

Harvesting in Baltimore County Harvesting in Baltimore County – August 21 

  • Join the team at First Fruit Farms to help harvest fruits and vegetables for the organization to share with local food banks, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other food providers. 

United Way of Central Maryland also is encouraging supporters to choose from a number of programs to help students and teachers prepare for their return to the classroom – after two difficult and unprecedented school years. 

Back-to-School programs and projects, all of which conclude August 20, include: 

School Store Registry – ongoing  

  • Stock the organization’s school store by purchasing supplies from its Back-to-School registry.   

Run a Supply Drive – ongoing   

  • Collect much-needed items to get students back to the classroom. United Way of Central Maryland is looking for new supplies only. Upon registration, supporters will receive more information about the items that are most needed.   

Back to Building : Volunteer Opportunity – July 26-27 

  • Some students haven’t been inside their school building in more than a year. Many of these buildings can use some extra love. Volunteers can choose from several sites throughout central Maryland to paint, landscape and beautify the school for returning students.   

Create Bookmarks (virtual) – ongoing   

  • Create, decorate, and color bookmarks for children to use in their new books. United Way of Central Maryland will provide templates as needed.    

Record a Story (virtual) – ongoing  

  • Bring literature to local children by reading a story on video and submitting it for use during the school year. All that is needed is a book suitable for children and a video recording device. After registration, storytellers will receive additional information, including how to submit videos.    

Create Welcome Back Posters (virtual) – ongoing  

  • Welcome students back on the first day of school! Create a poster on a 4x6 or 5x7 sheet of paper. These posters will be placed on student lockers to help get them excited for the school year.    

Teachers’ Lounge Registry – ongoing  

  • This has been a difficult year for teachers, too. United Way of Central Maryland is working to create an inviting space for teachers to use during instructional breaks. Purchase something for our amazing teachers from the Teachers' Lounge Registry and help welcome them back to school.   

“After two challenging years – the likes of which we’ve never before experienced – we are excited for students to attend in-person classes again later this year,” Baker added. “United Way of Central Maryland is working to provide students with the best possible start in 2021 and these back-to-school programs will help immensely in fulfilling that goal.” 

United Way of Central Maryland hosts volunteer opportunities throughout the region all year long. For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities visit www.uwcm.org.  

United Way of Central Maryland promotes equity, creates opportunity, and improves lives by increasing access to basic needs such as health, housing, employment, and education. Learn more at uwcm.org. 

###