Providence Center needs volunteers in art, transportation
Providence Center needs volunteers at its sites in Anne Arundel County for data entry at the Transportation Department in Arnold and to teach reading classes from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays.
Art enthusiasts can assist in an art or woodworking class. Help is also needed in the horticulture programs, and to teach seniors or visit with them to share stories.
Providence Center will hold a benefit dance Feb. 23 with doors opening at 2 p.m. at Blob's Park in Jessup. The Fabulous Hubcaps will perform. Admission is $20 or free for volunteers. People are needed to set up tables, clean up, sell raffle tickets, walk people to their reserved tables and fill in as needed. Times are p.m. to 6 p.m., 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. or whatever time is convenient for the volunteer.
Providence Center is a nonprofit corporation that provides employment, vocational, recreational, retirement, medical day care and transportation services to more than 450 people each day. The center operates at seven sites in the county and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Information: 410-315-8303 or visit www.providencecenter.com.
Crownsville Hospital seeks event sponsors
Volunteer Services of Crownsville Hospital Center is seeking groups, businesses and individuals to sponsor cooking and ceramic classes, birthday parties, bingo and other activities.
Musicians also are being sought, as are donations of art supplies and gardening items. Information: 410-729-6517.
Hospice of the Chesapeake to hold information night
Hospice of the Chesapeake will offer a volunteer information night from 7 to 9 Feb. 18. The hospice staff will discuss volunteer opportunities and answer questions. Refreshments will be served.
The hospice provides medical, nursing, social work and spiritual and bereavement care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones in Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.
Hospice of the Chesapeake is at 8424 Veterans Highway, Millersville. Information: 410-987- 2003.
Department of Aging announces opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are available for retirees and senior citizens through the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging. Volunteers receive Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) orientation, on-site training and supervision, and liability insurance.
Opportunities include:
Elementary reading tutors: County schools need responsible seniors to help pupils review and practice early reading skills. Volunteers work one-on-one or with pairs of pupils, using lesson plans and materials under the supervision of reading teachers. Volunteers are needed in Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Maryland City, Annapolis and South County.
Thrift shop staff: Sort, price, display and sell articles of gently used clothing and small wares. Shops in Severna Park and Pasadena provide this service to raise funds for community projects.
Department of Aging, Annapolis office: Volunteers are needed with office skills and computer knowledge. Duties include copying, collating, organizing, filing, faxing and data entry. The office is on Riva Road.
Information: 410-222-4464.
Volunteer opportunities available around county
Volunteer opportunities available to county residents through the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County include:
Red Cross: A blood appeal has been issued and all blood types are needed. Call 800-448-3543 to donate blood.
Red Cross, Central Maryland chapter: Volunteers ages 14 and older are needed (some must be 18 and older) to help with blood drives. Also needed are volunteers who are Red Cross-certified to teach health and safety services courses in standard first aid; adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation; CPR; baby-sitting; and lifeguard training. Training will be provided. A commitment of two days a month is requested for blood drive volunteers; a typical drive lasts four or five hours. Information: Terry Karloff, 410-764-4602 or 800-272-0094.
Anne Arundel County Fire Department: Volunteers with four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed to provide transportation for medical personnel, emergency workers or dialysis patients during winter storms. Information: 410-222-8040.
Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble: Footworks, a nonprofit organization, welcomes donations of expertise, money or equipment. Volunteers 18 or older with financial or fund-raising experience are needed to help with grants, financial reports and other efforts. Footworks also needs office volunteers for two to four hours a week. Internet research, data processing and other tasks could also be done at home. Information: Megan Downes, 410-897-9299, office@foot- works.org or www.footworks.org.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind: The nonprofit organization serves the bay region by pairing guide dogs with blind people. Volunteer puppy raisers are needed to provide the love, support and direction that the puppies need to prepare them for formal training as guide dogs. Volunteer raisers take puppies into their homes for 14 to 18 months and teach them manners and social skills. Guiding Eyes provides training and support for puppy raisers, who must attend local classes and puppy evaluations. Veterinary services and supplies (except food) are provided. Classes are held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at Free State Mall on Route 450 in Bowie. Information: 301-262-3795 or www.- guidingeyes.org.
Korean American Anne Arundel (KAAA) Service Center: The KAAA works to improve the health and lives of the Korean community in Anne Arundel County. Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed to help non-English speakers take advantage of county services. Volunteers also are needed to help with office duties at the organization's Glen Burnie office. Information: 410-863-0800 or 410-733-8624.