Volunteer Opportunities
CASA of Caroline, Inc.
Want to help a child find a safe, permanent home? Consider volunteering with CASA of Caroline Inc. A CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate who works with children that have been placed in foster Care. CASA is the only agency that enables a volunteer to work directly with a foster child caught in the system. Caroline County has too many children living in foster care, not because they have done anything wrong, but because they’ve been abused. These children get lost in the complexities of the system. Children need a voice and someone who can promote and protect their best interests. CASA volunteers make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Many children are still in need, still waiting for the abuse to stop, still hoping to find a safe home. Help make a difference – one child at a time. Speak up for a child in court. Training classes are starting soon. Call 410-479-8301 or visit www.carolinecasa.org.
St. Martin’s Ministries
St. Martin’s Ministries offers wonderful volunteer opportunities in various capacities at St. Martin’s Barn and St. Martin’s House in Ridgely. St. Martin’s Barn is in need of assistance in the food pantry, thrift shop and office. St. Martin’s House is seeking volunteers to assist with transportation, childcare and office duties. Detailed volunteer information and applications are available online at www.stmartinsministries.org. For more information, contact Kim Hopkins at 410-634-2537.
Habitat for Humanity Choptank
Habitat for Humanity Choptank builds safe and affordable homes in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. You can help by lending a hand on our construction sites or working at the ReStore in donations processing, cleanliness assistance, or customer assistance. Visit habitatchoptank.org or call 410-476-3204 to get involved.
Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group
The Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group is looking for volunteers to lead and/or assist the committees in planning various community events. The group is always looking for people who bring new and fresh ideas and are passionate about community engagement. For details, call 443-225-0819.
Cambridge Lighthouse Foundation
The nonprofit Cambridge Lighthouse Foundation organizes community volunteers to greet visitors to Dorchester County and the Choptank River Lighthouse. The task is more focused on local hospitality than on having specialized expertise in lighthouse operations or history. The foundation asks volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per month through the warmer months. Other tasks are available for those who prefer other types of volunteering, such as marketing or helping put on an annual gala. For information, email ChoptankLighthouse@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/ChoptankRiverLighthouse.
Eastern Shore Hospital Center Auxiliary
The Eastern Shore Hospital Center Auxiliary provides direct benefit to the residents of the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. Membership is open to all individuals who are interested in advocating and supporting the center’s patients. For more informational on interesting and flexible volunteer job assignments, opportunities to learn new skills, annual training programs on pertinent health topics, fundraising events and community advocacy programs, contact Judy Slaughter, Director of ESHC Volunteer Services, at 410-221-2358.
Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester
Become a volunteer for the Nathan of Dorchester – a skipjack. Volunteers are needed as crew, docents, maintenance, and administrative personnel. Email Info@skipjack-nathan.org to find out more about this nonprofit volunteer organization or visit www.skipjack-nathan.org.
Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA)
As a nonprofit organization with a small staff, the success of many DCA programs is dependent upon the support of volunteers. Individuals, who have a heart for the arts, but not necessarily the funds to support them, can have major impact by participating as a volunteer. There are many tasks to do; special skills are not needed. DCA uses volunteers as hostesses at receptions; to help with the logistics of running programs and events; to serve as ushers at performances and more. Extra sets of hands would be greatly appreciated. If interested in becoming a volunteer, call 410-228-7782 or email receptionist@dorchesterarts.org.
Heritage Museums and Gardens
The Heritage Museums and Gardens in Cambridge is the home of the Dorchester County Historical Society. Volunteer opportunities abound and include greeters, docents, library assistants, collection management assistance, exhibit construction help, programming and events, gardening, housekeeping and more. Interested? Call 410-228-7953 or email dchs@verizon.net.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Join Refuge staff and volunteers for the annual survey of eagles on the refuge. This is part of a nationwide survey effort that has been monitoring eagle populations for over 30 years. Last year a total of 138 eagles were counted during the morning survey on the refuge. This year’s count will be held on Wednesday January 10, 2018. The rain date will be January 11, 2018. On the day of the survey, participants will meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center on Key Wallace Drive at 8 a.m. Binoculars are available for loan during the survey. For more information or to register to participate in the survey, contact Kathy Slaughter by email at kathypaul548@comcast.net or by phone at 410-463-0890.
Sumner Hall
Sumner Hall seeks passionate people to join the team of volunteers to help keep programs and events going. Positions include such things as preserving Sumner Hall (garden, building, fundraising, admin), Veterans’ Projects (care packages, outreach), Legacy Day Celebration, education initiatives, and much more. To learn more, visit garpost25.org/volunteers.
Rebuilding Together Kent County
Rebuilding Together Kent County is looking forward to [RE]Launching its Volunteer Program soon – with appropriate safety protocols in place. There are opportunities for all skill levels, both in construction and event assistance. Register at RebuildingTogetherKCMD.org/volunteer to get the latest news about upcoming projects.
Compass Regional Hospice
Compass Regional Hospice relies on volunteers in Queen Anne’s, Kent and Caroline counties to assist with administrative tasks, help with events, visit patients and provide grief support. Volunteers also operate Estate Treasures, an upscale resale shop in Chester that raises funds for Compass Regional Hospice. For more information, call 443-262-4112 or visit www.compassregionalhospice.org.
Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theatre
The historic theatre welcomes volunteers as ushers, bartenders and in many other capacities. No experience is necessary and training is provided. For more information, call 410-810-2060.
Historical Society of Kent County
Volunteers for many different types of activities are needed at the Historical Society of Kent County, including: The Little Shop on the Corner, Docents for the Geddes-Piper House; The Fall House Tour, Event coordinators; Window Displays; Bakers; and Teachers. Call the Historical Society at 410-778-3499 or email Karen at admin@kentcountyhistory.org.
Compass Regional Hospice
Volunteer opportunities exist in Chester at Estate Treasures, an upscale resale shop supporting patient care through Compass Regional Hospice. Support Compass Regional Hospice’s mission with a fun and dynamic volunteer experience. The shop is located at 18 Kent Town Market in Chester. Contact Robyn Affron at raffron@compassregionalhospice.org for details.
Friends of Old Wye Mill
Interest in history, old machinery and early trades of Maryland? Here is your chance to help promote, maintain and run one of the oldest grist mills in the country. Learn the ancient and honored trade of the Miller. Leave a message at 410-827-3850 or email oldwyemill@atlanticbbn.net. Students will also be assisted with service learning hours, too.
Chesapeake Cats and Dogs
CCAD is looking for volunteers to keep its Adoption Center open on weekends for your choice of a 2- or 4-hour shift. A few evening shifts are available (1 to 2 hours) for feeding, light cleaning and socializing with the cats. Dog Fosters are always needed to provide temporary homes for dogs until they are adopted. Cat cuddlers, as well as help with fundraising events are always encouraged! For more information, visit www.ccadcatanddogrescue.org or call 410-643-9955.
CASA of the Mid-Shore
CASA of the Mid-Shore is accepting applications from residents of Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, and Kent counties, who are interested in becoming volunteers. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are citizens from all walks of life appointed by the court to help children who are under the protection of the court due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or their parents’ inability to safely care for them. All prospective volunteers are screened and interviewed before being accepted into the Pre-Service Training program, which is scheduled to start in mid-January 2022. Contact the CASA office at 410-822-2866 ext. 6 or visit www.casamidshore.org for more information.
ShoreRivers
Community members across the Eastern Shore are getting involved in ShoreRivers’ mission of clean and healthy waterways through dedicated participation in volunteer programs. Upcoming projects include monitoring and harvesting underwater grasses and monitoring bacteria as well as building reef ball for oysters. Visit shorerivers.org/volunteer.
The Beachcombing Center
The Beachcombing Center recently opened on Tilghman. The mission is beachcoming education, preserving a public international collection and increasing awareness about coastal erosion and marine debris. Volunteers are needed to help with inventory, display/exhibits, fundraising, membership, bookkeeping, and more. For more information, contact Mary McCarthy at info@thebeachcombingcenter.org or visit www.beachcombingcenter.org.
Oxford Community Center
The OCC is looking for volunteers who are willing to help with decorating, set up and break down of events, office admin support, bar tending, and tech support. OCC was created to be an inviting space for programs and events that foster friendships, memories, education and fun. To get involved, visit oxfordcc.org/support.
ACE Mentor Program of Maryland’s Eastern Shore
The ACE Mentor Program provides career direction for high school students in Architecture, Construction and Engineering. The program, which is available at Easton High School, St. Michaels High School and Sts. Peter and Paul High School also provides local internships and scholarships for those interested in pursuing these career fields. Are you interested in volunteering and creating excitement about the industry and the opportunities available to our youth? If so, contact Andy Cheezum at 410-822-6000 ext. 126 or visit www.facebook.com/easternshoreace.
Tilghman Watermen’s Museum
Additional volunteers are needed in the beautifully restored new facility to share the history of Tilghman Island and its traditions. Qualifications: a love of the area and a desire to share that with others. Assist visitors in a primarily self-guided tour of the Museum’s Exhibits. Three hour shifts weekends from June through November. Contact: Jay Shotel at 410-886-2297 or jrshotel@gmail.com or visit tilghmanmuseum.org.
Talbot Historical Society
The Talbot Historical Society (THS), located at 30 South Washington Street in downtown Easton, is seeking volunteers to be docents at its new museum or galleries, and volunteers to staff the Tharpe Antiques shop. Training is provided for each job. Contact 410-822-0773 or office@hstc.org to receive additional details.
Habitat for Humanity Choptank
Learn about how you can make a difference in Dorchester and Talbot counties by volunteering with Habitat Choptank in construction, on a committee, at the ReStore or with a special project. For more information or to attend a volunteer session, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.
Friends of the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center
Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (TCCAC) is initiating a group, “Friends of the TCCAC,” to help provide fundraising support, event planning, volunteer support, and to raise public awareness about the role the TCCAC plays in the community. TCCAC provides services to Talbot County children and families victimized by sexual abuse. Becoming a friend of the TCCAC is a way to support the hope and healing services at the Center. Persons interested in joining the Friends of the TCCAC should call 410-820-7141.
Talbot Mentors
Be a friend to a child. Be a mentor. An hour or two of time each week can mean a world of difference to a child. Staff provides ongoing support and activities to ensure successful relationships. View video at tinyurl.com/TM-film. Contact Talbot Mentors at 410-770-5999 or www.talbotmentors.org.
Talbot Humane
Talbot Humane is an open admission animal shelter and adoption center, serving the community’s most vulnerable animals for over 80 years. TH is always looking for new, active, animal-loving volunteers to help provide care to the over 1,200 animals, including dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, pigs, and chickens. Volunteers help walk and socialize shelter dogs, care for cats at the shelter and the Cat Adoption Center at PetSmart in Easton, run off-site community events, and help with a whole host of other things. Visit www.talbothumane.org for more information or stop in to pick up an application.
St. Michaels Museum
Openings for a few walking tour guides – a 45-minute short tour and a 90-minute walking tour. A written guide and coaching from veteran guides will make it easy to get started. Individuals should be outgoing and interested in people and history. Current guides report: “It is fun and rewarding.” For details, call Chip Britt at 410-745-0530.
The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen
Part of the mission of Komen Maryland is providing free breast health educational programs and materials across the Eastern Shore. Volunteers are currently needed on the Mid-Shore to offer ‘Breast Health Basics’ to businesses, schools and groups. An application, phone interview and brief training session is required. Information and an online application are available at www.komenmd.org. Or, contact Lori Yates at lyates@komenmd.org or 410-253-9492.
Habitat for Humanity Choptank
Habitat for Humanity Choptank builds safe and affordable homes in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. You can help by lending a hand on our construction sites or working at the ReStore in donations processing, cleanliness assistance, or customer assistance. Visit habitatchoptank.org or call 410-476-3204 to get involved.
Friends of Old Wye Mill
Interest in history, old machinery and early trades of Maryland? Here is your chance to help promote, maintain and run one of the oldest grist mills in the country. Learn the ancient and honored trade of the Miller. Leave a message at 410-827-3850 or email oldwyemill@atlanticbbn.net. Students will also be assisted with service learning hours, too.
Talbot Hospice
Talbot Hospice volunteers support our patients and families in a variety of ways. Currently, there are needs for greeters, companions, gardeners, receptionists, drivers and other areas. The 16-hour training takes place twice annually. For more info, visit www.talbothospice.org/volunteer or call 410-822-6681.
Tilghman Area Youth Association (TAYA)
Share your knowledge and talent with local children by leading interesting afterschool classes in a fun environment. Each weekday, TAYA provides a one-hour enrichment class along with time for exercise, play, and homework. TAYA also needs tutors to provide free tutoring to students during this afterschool time. TAYA provides healthy snacks to the kids and dinner in our community, and often need help with food transportation. TAYA also seeks volunteers to organize community events and fundraisers and assist with community gardening efforts. Call 410-253-0967.
Serving the Mid-Shore
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore
Want versus need. Balancing a checkbook. Do you wish someone had taught you these things as a youth? Now there is someone. YOU. All you need is enthusiasm to share your knowledge and life experience. JA provides training, curriculum, and a ready-to-learn classroom of students. Contact info@easternshoreja.org or call 410-742-8112 to volunteer.
Pets on Wheels of Delmarva, Inc.
Does your dog need a job? Want to make a difference? Pets on Wheels of Delmarva’s mission is: “To provide companionship and comfort by sharing our pets with residents of nursing homes, care facilities, schools, and libraries.” Pets do not need to be formally obedience trained, but must be friendly and well mannered. For more information, visit www.petsonwheelsofdelmarva.org or call Marie Dempsey at 410-364-5329.
SCORE, Mid-Shore Chapter
Share business expertise with start-up small businesses or growing small businesses across the Mid- and Lower-Shore of Maryland. SCORE (a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration) is America’s premier, non-profit business mentoring organization that provides free and confidential business advice to the small business community. To become a SCORE volunteer business advisor, contact John C. Franke, chapter chairman, at 1-877-572-0735. For further information, visit www.score.org.
CASA of the Mid-Shore
CASA of the Mid-Shore is seeking applications from individuals interested in becoming Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for abused and neglected children in our communities. A CASA’s role is to support the child throughout the court proceedings; establish a relationship with the child to better understand his or her particular needs and desires; communicate to the court what is in a child’s best interest; and provide continuous attention to the child’s situation to ensure the child’s needs are identified and necessary services are put into place quickly. Contact 410-822-2866 x6 or jc@casamidshore.org to learn more.