Volunteer
Well over 500 people typically participate in some manner to our Holiday Homeless Drive. The core is our youth and their families. This includes organizations in schools, churches, synagogues, and local communities, as well as many individuals who simply show up at our collection sites and want to help. On Christmas Eve, many of those people who have worked to help make the Drive possible go out with us on either the day or evening deliveries, often spending precious moments with the men and women who so desperately need your help.
One of the most inspirational components of our annual drive is the commitment of the young children such as those at the School of the Incarnation in Gambrills, Maryland. The backpack program has become a major part of teaching their students the Christian values that are such an important part of their overall mission. In the past few years the students of the School of the Incarnation have purchased and stuffed nearly 1,000 backpacks a year. Other schools and churches such as Severn, Severna Park Middle School, Key, Indian Creek, St. Mary’s, St. Andrew’s by the Bay, and St. Joseph in Odenton have also participated and are becoming more involved. Our hope is that more and more schools, at every level, will become an integral part of Giving Back.
2023 Update - Please be sure to view the 2023 Planning & Events Tab for updated information. As well as the Ways to Support details below. Thank you!
2023 Ways to Support
Group & Individual Activities – please reach out to your local schools, church, civic clubs,
communities, employers, families, etc.…
Sponsor a Backpack program– For a $25 donation a new backpack filled with all new items: thermal underwear, sweatshirt, socks, hat, and gloves are provided to an individual living on the streets. We have received supplies to fill 3,000 backpacks for 2023. Any additional funds received will be used to purchase boots, shower shoes, blankets, underwear, and other shelter requests, but as of now, we have not met that financial commitment. Click here to donate…Thank you!
Company Financial Donation – Please contact your HR dept. regarding matching charity donations. Ask your frequented local shops to consider making a financial contribution. We are an all-volunteer 501c3 community organization.
Toiletry Drive – Items most requested are travel size: soap, shampoo, men’s and women’s deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, Chap Stick, lotion, powder, and women’s sanitary products. We have been donated 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer. Sorting and packing will take place at Severna Park Middle School on December 16th. Solicit all your friends. Setup a donation box for your community. Print donation solicitation flyer. Toiletry donations will be accepted up to Dec. 18th. Additional local drop off locations will be posted soon. Please email Mary Dove with questions or to setup a toiletry drive. Click here for toiletry packing day registration.
Coat/Clothing Drive – We need new or gently used warm coats/clothing for all ages, sizes, gender, delivered to Collection site by 12/22. Contact your local shops/employer to become a collection site, set up a box to collect coats, socks or toiletries.
Collection Sites – Severna Park, Gambrills, Odenton, Ellicott City We need new and gently used clothes (all ages and sizes) and personal articles, baby items, disposable diapers, formula, toys, linens, blankets and non-perishable food. Several collection sites are posted under the 2023 Planning & Events tab. As more become available we will post them to the site and FB. Want to become a collection site? Email Jeanette
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Ellicott City (LDS) - So thankful for this space! Our main operations will take place here. We will have various activities and dates in December. Many volunteers are needed daily to sort, organize and pack the trucks. For dates, times and to register: click here.
Cakes – Calling all bakers, please consider making a cake or two! Nothing says love like fresh home-baked goods. To signup and review delivery details, please: click here
Cookies – 200 dozen, again calling all bakers! No fancy packaging is needed, cookies are evenly mixed and packaged in trays. For more details and to help: sign up is coming soon.
Scarves – Groups/Families are needed to help cut material to make homemade scarves. to provide warmth through the chilly winter months. We will purchase very limited fabric this year due to rising expenses on other supplies. The pattern is simple and easy for everyone to complete. Please contact Karen Clayton for more details. Completed scarves must be returned to Karen by Dec. 18th.
Cards –Grab the paper and crayons! You know how an unexpected card makes you feel. It is an emotional connection, special, a personal touch. We want everyone to feel the Christmas/Holiday hope through a card. Homemade are best and we can’t get too many. Cards must be delivered to the LDS Church by December 18th.
Truck and Truck Drives – The high demand of online delivery services is affecting truck rental. So, we need box trucks! Contact Jeanette if you can help. I know we can pull together a small fleet. Once we have trucks….we will need drivers.
Christmas Eve Deliveries – Please see the 2023 Planning and Events tab. More information coming soon.
Night Street Backpack Deliveries – Please see the 2023 Planning and Events tab. More information coming soon.
Please, Please, please… Get the word out!!! Talk to your school, church, civic organizations, church, community association, neighbors, and family about the many opportunities to help our neighbors in need.
Please share developments, activities and success, so we can support one another!
www.homelessdrive.org and on Facebook: Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy
Facebook: @givingbackll