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April 2024

Thank you, Earth...and Volunteers! April is Earth Month AND National Volunteer Month. The two certainly do go together!

From the first Earth Day 54 years ago, we have become more aware of our responsibility to care for our planet. The above photo of the C&O Canal National Historical Park at Potomac, MD, is an awesome reminder of the Earth's gifts to us. Today, we celebrate the entire month of April. This year's global theme is Planet vs. Plastics. See below for some great Earth Month local volunteer opportunities.

National Volunteer Month focuses on honoring and encouraging volunteers! Below, we feature some of the everyday heroes at the Volunteer Center. To them, and all of you: Thank you, thank you and thank you for all you do! We appreciate you!

—From the Volunteer Center Staff

There are many ways to participate in Earth Month volunteer activities. Here are just some of the service opportunities on the Volunteer Center April calendar. Most are SSL-eligible (but be sure to read the fine print about parental approval/involvement). Some activities have limited capacity, so click the links for more information and volunteer today!

Sponsored by the C&O Canal Association

• Saturday, April 13—C&O Canal and Potomac Riverside Cleanup at multiple locations (including Fletchers, Carderock, Anglers, Great Falls Tavern and Pennyfield, Violettes and Rileys Lock).

Sponsored by Montgomery Parks

• Monday, April 1—Day off of School Park Cleanup at Wheaton Claridge Local Park.
• Saturday, April 6—Earth Month Park Cleanup at Matthew Henson State Park Unit 2.

Also—Earth Month | Weed Warrior Workday (and some Trash Cleanup) 

• Sunday, April 7—McKenney Hills Neighborhood Park. 
• Saturday, April 13—Seek Lane Neighborhood Park or Parklawn Community Garden.
• Saturday, April 20—Cabin John Local Park.
• Sunday, April 21—Long Branch Stream Valley Unit 1.

Sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools

• Monday, April 22—Earth Day SSL Opportunity at Loiederman Middle School (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with transportation, breakfast and lunch provided).

The Volunteer Center has a very small staff, and we are so grateful for the people who lend us a hand day to day. We asked some of these volunteers to write a few words about what volunteering means to them. Thank you, team! And thanks also to Amy, Carley and Tina.

Florence Jewell

As an advisor, mentor, or tax preparer, I love helping others, learning from these experiences and being a part of something positive to advance people in our community.  

Navneeta Chandra 

I started volunteering right after my retirement from the Federal government after having worked in the private and public sectors for over 35 years. The primary reason being that I wanted to give back to the community. For me, it is a win-win situation. Not only am I doing something that benefits my community, but also it allows me to continue to have a purpose in life that is work-related. I like the flexibility in volunteering time, which at this stage in my life, is very important. At the same time, I can stay connected with the workforce, something that is also important to me.

Nicole Butler

I love volunteering! It brings me so much joy! I love helping wherever I can. My job gave me the opportunity to help the community, so after retiring in September 2022, I jumped into volunteering with both feet. It gives me so much satisfaction in my day. 

Janis Tabor

Years ago, I did the “What Color is Your Parachute” test, leading me to nonprofit management and government contracting jobs that allowed me to “be of service.” I began my second act with a vague goal of “helping kids.” I found the perfect volunteer role and dedicated months to preparing for it—but it was not meant to be. That was hard—yet part of the road that brought me to now. With the help of 50+ counseling provided by the Volunteer Center, I got back on my way and now have multiple volunteer gigs. I love them all and am so glad to be of service in new and old ways.

Tiffany De Vore

As a photographer, I have come to realize that it is more than just taking photos. It is about documenting history. No matter how big or small the event, I believe that documenting how you and/or others serve your community helps to build strong ties and displays to the rest of the world what your community represents.

Lisa Alderoty

I volunteer because it gives me purpose, and as both a former nurse and teacher, I’ve always loved helping people.

Sandy Smith hosts Make A Difference, a show about how volunteers make a difference every day in Montgomery County. In the March episode, Sandy talks with Dr. Gilberto Zelaya, the community engagement/ public relations officer from the Montgomery County Board of Elections, about volunteer opportunities for students in grades 6-12. Called "Future Vote," this program aims to increase current and future voter knowledge, educate and strengthen ties related to civic participation for Montgomery County’s youth and families by actively providing an opportunity for civic duty, community involvement and emphasizing the importance of preserving participatory democracy. The Board hires students to serve as Election Day Aides at polling places around the County. Yes—this opportunity is SSL-eligible! Training is provided. Visit MontgomeryServes for more information and registration instructions.

You can view the interview here. The full Make a Difference series is available on Montgomery County Cable TV.

New opportunities are posted often on the Volunteer Center website—MontgomeryServes—and there are many ways to search. You can try different combinations of filters to find the best volunteer fit for you. And share exciting links and opportunities with others.

Here is a set of quick links for more information:

Search for Volunteer Opportunities

Student Service Learning - SSL

50+ Volunteer Network

Volunteer Opportunities for Groups

Search by Organization

Court - Ordered Service

Days of Service (including MLK Day and much more)