More than ever, people are looking for ways to help the community and each other.
While the pandemic is limiting volunteering to activities where social distancing and other safety protocols can be practiced, there are still plenty of opportunities to make a big difference in Rockville. Opportunities with the SSL label below are eligible for Student Service Learning credit hours.
Community members looking to keep our city streams clean and our city weed free can apply to adopt a stream (www.rockvillemd.gov/636/Adopt-a-Stream) or join the city’s Weed Warriors (www.rockvillemd.gov/639/Weed-Warriors). SSL
Prefer to go it alone? Volunteer to complete a self-guided litter cleanup to help keep Rockville trash free, as part of CleanUp Rockville. Choose one of Rockville’s 66 parks or stream valleys to clean. Participants must provide their own equipment. Register at www.rockvillemd.gov/registration with course #18457. SSL
The Rockville Senior Center coordinates volunteers to shovel snow or rake leaves for seniors and can connect you with neighbors near you. To volunteer or to request snow-shoveling or leaf-raking assistance, contact Jerry Jones at [email protected] or 240-314-8819 or visit www.rockvillemd.gov/snowshoveling. For more information about Rockville Senior Services, call 240-314-8800 or email [email protected]. SSL
Rockville Community Ambassadors are volunteers that represent the City of Rockville in the community and at special events, serving as community connectors, providing support to residents while creating awareness of events and opportunities within their community. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/2288/City-Ambassador. SSL
Want to get a bit more involved? Adult residents can provide the Mayor and Council with informed opinions, ideas and expertise to help shape the city by serving on a city board or commission. Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/boardscommissions.
So What Else, a Rockville nonprofit, is one of several organizations in our community helping families affected by food insecurity. So What Else operates a food bank Monday-Friday as part of its COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan, distributing about 50,000 meals every day. You can volunteer to help in the food pantry, as a delivery driver or by hosting a neighborhood food drive. The pantry is also looking for volunteers fluent in both Spanish and English to provide translation services for Spanish-speaking clients. Donations are also welcome. Learn more at sowhatelse.org.
If you are short on time, but have the means, you can help Rockville residents experiencing financial crisis by donating at www.rockvillemd.gov/donate.
The Senior Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to eligible individuals age 60 and older so they can participate in programs, trips and join the Rockville Senior Center. During the COVID-19 emergency, all donations are going toward purchasing food and essential items for the 60-plus community.
Find more opportunities for volunteering or giving in Rockville at www.rockvillemd.gov/volunteer. For opportunities around the county, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter.