In addition, County Executive Ike Leggett recognized the sponsors and partners who make the event possible: Michelle Freeman of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, which sponsors the event along with the Fund for Montgomery; Imagination Stage, which hosts the celebration; Comcast, which creates videos highlighting awardee's service; and WUSA9 news anchor Andrea Roane, who emceed the event.

Visit the Volunteer Center online to learn more about all of the evening's honorees.

LPF was founded in 2011 to bridge the gap between excess sports equipment often found in affluent schools/youth programs and the lack of sports equipment in Title I schools, low-income after-school programs, and volunteer-run sports leagues. Since its inception, the organization has donated more than $2 million worth of new and gently used sports equipment to 450-plus programs in the Washington and Baltimore area.

LPF relies heavily on volunteers to collect sports equipment from their schools, offices, recreation centers, neighbors, teammates, family, and friends. To aid in the process, LPF can provide marketing materials and collection bins. Most volunteers drop off their collections at one of the organization's warehouses (in Silver Spring and Baltimore) and then stay to inventory/sort those donations, but a pickup can be scheduled if needed.

Volunteers are also needed to sort and inventory the many soccer balls, baseball bats, basketballs, cleats, and other equipment donations LPF receives daily. A basic knowledge of sports generally makes this process easier, but is not required. 

Volunteering with LPF is very flexible. It can be as hands-on or not as you prefer and can be tailored to fit your schedule. Some volunteers come in for a two-hour warehouse shift and others volunteers collect equipment at multiple sites, haul donations to the warehouse, and then stay for a few hours to sort. LPF is preapproved by MCPS for SSL credit hours and does not have an age minimum.

To volunteer with LPF, and help make sure every kid has the chance to get off the sidelines and into the game, complete the organization's online volunteer form and then sign up for shifts on its volunteer calendar. If you have questions about volunteering or running a collection drive, visit LPF's website or email info@levelingtheplayingfield.org.

If your goals for the warmer months include volunteering, be sure to check out the many opportunities available to serve the community this summer. Search the Volunteer Center website for the keyword "summer"  to find dozens of volunteer positions at camps, schools, nonprofit offices, recreation centers, and more. Here are just a few:

Montgomery County's Therapeutic Recreation Program needs counselors and other assistants to help children with disabilities participate in summer camps, clinics, and fun center activities at locations throughout the county. Requires a one-week minimum commitment and training. (There is a small fee for training.) Minimum age: 14. Email Marco D'Ottavi or call 240-777-6891.

Montgomery County Public Schools Summer Program seeks middle school and high school student volunteers to assist younger children with math and literacy skills at several elementary schools across the county, July 9-Aug. 10. Half-day and full-day shifts available, depending on location.  Application deadline: May 18. Email Jennifer Herman.

Montgomery Parks is recruiting volunteer summer camp counselors to serve at nature centers in Boyds, Wheaton, Rockville, and Bethesda. Volunteers must commit to at least one week of full- or half-day camp. Minimum age: 14. Training provided. Email Lynn Vismara or apply online. 

Share Our Strength, which provides nutritious meals throughout the summer to children who rely on school lunches during the academic year, needs volunteers to help serve lunch (and, if possible, also lead a learning activity) weekdays at its summer meal sites in Silver Spring. Minimum age: 18; younger volunteers accepted when accompanied by an adult. Email Tiffany Haynes or call 410-456-6778.

There are 15 award categories, including lifetime achievement, youth service, emerging leader, individual service, member of the board, and nonprofit volunteer program, all recognizing service completed in 2017 (except lifetime service award).

• Retired or planning for retirement and thinking about your next step?
• An empty-nester or at a stage in life where you have additional time and a desire to be more engaged?
• Searching for a way to make a significant contribution of time and talent to serve your community?
• Have always thought you'd like to volunteer but don't know where to start?

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center's 50+ Volunteer Network can help you find volunteer opportunities that fit your particular combination of skills, interests, and availability. The program's advisers will help you determine not just what you can do, but what you want to do, and will then suggest some possibilities for you to choose from.  Then, once you decide which opportunities you want to pursue, advisers will connect you with the agencies and continue to provide follow-up services as needed. For more information, email the 50+ Volunteer Network managers.

Visit the event website to find and learn more about participating organizations sorted by their missions, location, name, or keyword. Then, return between 12 noon on May 17 and 12 noon on May 18 to give to those you'd like to support. If you're afraid you'll forget to come back at the right time, you can click one button to have it added to your calendar and/or simply schedule an advance giving donation.

Do More 24 is organized by the United Way of the National Capital Area.

You can also stay connected through these links: