Community Involvement

Volunteering can be one of the most fulfilling ways for people to share their time and/or talents. Opportunities to volunteer are so abundant in our county that it would be impossible to list them all here. Fortunately, there are online search engines that can help place you with an organization in need at both www.volunteerannearundel.org and www.volunteermatch.org.

A few popular possibilities include:

Boys and Girls Clubs (Ft. Meade area)

This group helps youth receive tutoring, computer education, sports training, and mentoring for children in public housing communities. For more information, call 410-263-2542 x06 or visit www.bgcaa.com.

BWI Airport Ambassador Program (Linthicum)

Volunteers offer guidance regarding airport services, tourism, public transportation, directions, and hotel reservations once a week at the airport Welcome Center. Training is provided. Call 410-767-6296 or visit www.mdwelcome.org or www.visitmaryland.org.

Christian Assistance Program (Odenton, MD)

This group runs both a food and clothing pantry twice a week at two local churches. For more information on volunteering at the food pantry, contact the First Evangelical Lutheran Church on Piney Orchard Parkway at 410- 551-9189 or www.felcodenton.org. For the clothing pantry, contact Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church on Murray Road at 410-674-2272 or www.nicholsbethel.org.

Habitat for Humanity (County-wide)

This group provides homeownership to low-income families currently living in substandard or inadequate conditions through financial and volunteer support in the construction of simple affordable homes. For more information, call 410-384-9212 x118 or visit www.arundelhabitat.org.

Maryland Environmental Trust (Crownsville, MD)

The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) protects Maryland 's natural environment--farmland and forest land, wildlife habitat, waterfront, significant natural areas, historic sites, and properties with scenic features. Volunteers can assist with various conservation projects. Call the Volunteer Coordinator at 410-514-7915 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/met/.

Meals on Wheels (County-wide)

Volunteers are needed to prepare, package, & deliver meals to the homebound Monday through Friday during the lunch hour. For more information, call 410-431-5257 or visit www.mealsonwheelsmd.org.

PTA (Local Schools)

You don’t have to be a parent or a teacher to volunteer with your local school’s PTA. For more information on the PTA, visit www.mdpta.org. For volunteer opportunities in your community, call your local public school. A list of schools and their phone numbers can be found at www.aacps.org.

Public Library (County-wide)

The various branches of the Anne Arundel County Public Library are often looking for volunteers to assist staff with a variety of library activities such as unpacking of books, book repair, filing and computer orientation. These positions usually require the ability to bend, lift boxes and books, use a hand held scanning device, and to stand for periods of time. If interested, please contact your local library. The West County Area Library can be reached at 410-222-6277. For the Maryland City at Russett Branch, call 301-725-2390.

Sarah’s House (Fort Meade, MD)

Sarah's House is an emergency shelter and transitional housing program serving women, children and men who are homeless. Operating under a unique partnership between Catholic Charities, the U. S. Army and Anne Arundel County, volunteers may assist with after-school tutoring/summer day program, front desk, childcare and employment outreach. Groups may choose to host a family activity, serve a meal or organize donations. Volunteer orientations are generally held on a weekly basis. Arrangements can be made by contacting Bruce Clopein, Volunteer Resource Manager, at Sarah's House, (410) 551-7722 or visit www.cc-md.org/emergency/sarahs-house.html.

Volunteers in Police Service (County-wide)

The VIPS Program is designed to involve civilian volunteers in non-enforcement roles within the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Members of the VIPS Program perform such tasks as clerical assistance, computer programming, crime analysis, data processing, graphic arts, photography and other tasks as the need arises. Applicants must be age 18 or older, have a Maryland Driver’s License with a good driving record, and be capable of performing a minimum of 16 hours of volunteer service per month. For more information call the Crime Prevention Unit at 410-222-0042. Ask to speak to the Administrator of the Volunteers In Police Service Program.

Civic Organizations

Numerous civic organizations are active in West County, and they always welcome new involvement. For current listings, contact

American Legion

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
8068 Quarterfield Road Severn MD 21144
410-969-8028

Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

AUSA supports America 's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA represents every American Soldier by being the voice for all components of America 's Army, fostering public support of the Army's role in national security, and providing professional education and information programs. Chapters provide recreational and educational opportunities to Soldiers and their families.

PO Box 1636 Ft. Meade MD 20755
301-677-4864 (SGM Jim Gilbert)

Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club

The Enlisted Spouses' Club of Fort Meade is an independent private organization located at Fort Meade , Maryland . The purpose of the organization is to promote social and cultural activities for its members, and to support worthwhile services and community welfare projects. Membership is extended to the spouses of active enlisted personnel E-1 through E-9 stationed or residing in the Fort Meade area. Membership is also extended to spouses of retired, reserve, National Guard, and widows/widowers of personnel E-1 through E-9. All branches are welcome!

410-305-0852 (Denise Paulk)

Ft. Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club

The Fort Meade OWC brings together officers’ spouses in the Fort Meade area to benefit the military community. They boast a diverse membership, representing all of our nation's armed services. Every year the OWC hosts volunteer-run fundraisers to support military charities and serve as a force of support and advocacy. Membership in the Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club is open to spouses of active duty commissioned officers and warrant officers in all branches of the Armed Services, spouses of retired officers, warrant officers and reserve officers whose military status has not been changed by remarriage, and spouses of Department of Defense civilians (GS-9 and above).

301-576-8680 (Lianne Roberts)

Greater Odenton Improvement Association (GOIA)

The Greater Odenton Improvement Association makes a different by bringing together the civic interest, pride, and energy of the residents and businesses of Greater Odenton to further the economic, social, and environmental needs of the area; to provide a forum for educating the community regarding local issues; and to provide an effective voice for the community.
1425 Annapolis Road Odenton MD 21113
410-672-1429 (Vicki Willard)

Kiwanis Club of Odenton

Governed by the values of Kiwanis international, the Kiwanis Club of Odenton serves the serves the community and its citizens with an emphasis on families and children. In addition to direct-action service and community involvement, Kiwanis of Odenton members host several annual events to raise money for a myriad of worthy causes and charitable organizations.

1363 Becknel Ave Odenton MD 21113
410-674-4144 (Bill Cox)

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world. The Knights are dedicated to service under the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

1381 Becknel Ave. Odenton MD 21113
410-674-5637

Lion’s Club

Lions Clubs International (LCI) is a secular service organization engaged in volunteerism all over the world, with an active chapter here in Odenton. With a mission to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, and encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs, the club makes a point of involving themselves to give back to and develop this area.
410-674-9555 (Sheila Lo Castro).

Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1504

Though the Moose fraternal organization was founded in the late 1800s with the modest goal of offering men an opportunity to gather socially, it was reinvented during the first decade of the 20th century into an organizational dynamo of men and women who set out to build a city that would brighten the futures of thousands of children in need all across North America. Laurel Lodge’s many activities include a scholarship program, regular membership dinners, and a wide variety of community and lodge social activities.
Laurel MD 20724
410-792-2758

Masonic Lodge

Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It is dedicated to promoting improvement in the character of its members. A Mason is taught to be a good citizen. To be of good character. To care for those less fortunate, and to give back to his community. Beyond their commitment to individual growth and leadership, Masons are deeply involved in their communities. Through all forms of charitable giving and community service, Masons feel it is their obligation to contribute to the care and well-being of their fellow man. Maryland Masons continue this tradition by serving their communities with local scholarship programs, student assistance, volunteerism, educational support and other charitable activities.

1206 Stenlik Drive Odenton MD 21113
410-674-8689 (Mark Hartz)

Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW)

The Military Order is a patriotic nonpartisan organization, which holds that it is “nobler to serve than to be served.” The Order was established in 1919 to promote the welfare of our Nation. The Order provides an opportunity for Officers of all of the Federal Uniformed Services to unite in a strong program to promote National Security, Patriotism, Good Citizenship and Service to Country. The Order sponsors ongoing programs to help the Nation maintain a strong military posture, including the Order’s Youth Leadership Conferences (YLC), the Military Academies, and both the Junior and Senior ROTC programs to produce qualified military leaders.

301-677-1807 ( COL Gorham Black)

Odenton Heritage Society

In 1989, a small group of Odenton residents formed the Odenton Heritage Society to preserve the town's unique social, cultural and architectural history. Since then, the Society has become a vital part of the Odenton community. One of the Society's earliest achievements was to purchase and restore Odenton's first bank, Citizens State Bank, to use as a small museum. Activities include our annual Holiday Open House at the bank museum, a recognition dinner to honor membership and community preservation contributions, museum displays, traveling exhibits, historical publications, a newsletter and other special events.

PO Box 282 Odenton MD 21113
410-674-7515 (Roger White)

Odenton Volunteer Fire Company

The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to Fire and EMS service for the community of Odenton , Maryland , and surrounding areas in Anne Arundel County . The company is predominantly volunteer with over 150 members and growing. The Company operates largely with donations that are raised from several different fundraisers and community events throughout each year. The Company is a recognized and respected force in the community.
1425 Annapolis Road Odenton MD 21113
410-674-4444 (Bob Cox)

Rotary Club of West Anne Arundel County

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. The ideal of service is fostered; through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; and through service in one's personal, business, and community life. The Rotary Club meets every Friday at 7:30am at the Perry’s Restaurant in Odenton, MD.
1113 Odenton Road Odenton MD 21113
410-674-7445 (Kristi Korwek)

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States , with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.2 million members in approximately 8,100 Posts worldwide. Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense. The VFW is instrumental in scholarship programs, legislative advocacy, and encouraging volunteerism.
2597 Dorsey Road Glen Burnie MD 21061
301-621-9679 (Alex Buinickas)