In the spirit of the season, volunteers from Community Works came together in three different projects to support other non-profit organizations and the services they each provide to Garrett County residents.
Supporting the Dove Center
To kick-off the Christmas season, volunteers gathered at the Garrett County Fairgrounds to prepare for the Annual Festival of Trees. The Festival raises-money for the Dove Center, Garrett County’s domestic violence and sexual assault services program.
Every year, volunteers assemble cookie decorating kits for kids who visit Santa’s bakery at the Festival. Community Works leader Lisa Nichols said “our volunteers joined with many other elves that day to make about 800 cookie packs for kids. It was great working together with so many other volunteers to make quick work of a large task.” Volunteer Cindy Hendershot added “I volunteer to aid the community and to meet other people. I enjoyed working on the cookie kits because it was well-organized and I happened to sit with other retired teachers.”
Supporting the House of Hope
Several weeks later, on a very cold and snowy Saturday, Community Works volunteers set up a table at the door of Shop ‘n Save in McHenry, to seek donations of supplies for the House of Hope’s pantries in Deer Park and Grantsville.
At the end of the day, donations filled seven large cartons with shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, all kinds of household cleaning supplies, and eight 50-gallon bags of toilet paper, paper towels and other paper goods. Volunteer Kamlesh Gillespie said “I’m very glad that in these difficult times, people are still so generous and want to support those in need. Thanks also to Shop ‘n Save for providing space for us!”
Linda Carr, Executive Director of the House of Hope said “we’re so grateful for these donations. Cleaning, paper and personal care products are expensive, and every item we can assist with makes it easier for our clients. Thank you to everyone who donated, and to the volunteers from Community Works.”
Supporting the 360 Access Hub
In another project, last week Community Works volunteers assisted the 360 Access Hub, a new community food pantry in Oakland, by organizing and stocking its shelves with food and supplies. The Hub distributes healthy grocery boxes and also connects people with workforce, health and other resources. Volunteer Leah Rigby said “I like volunteering with CWorks because I get to see the immediate impact of the work we do. I’m also just so excited to watch it grow and serve our community!”
Community Works leader Eleanor Adcock added: “we’ve supported the Hub many times since its inception. We’re thrilled to partner with Community Action, the Garrett County Health Department and Maryland Physicians Care to help make this community resource a reality.”
What’s Next?
Community Works will have additional projects in the new year. It has over 100 volunteers so far. Anyone interested in volunteering can register and receive updates on upcoming oppotunities at https://tinyurl.com/CWGCVolunteer. More information about Community Works Garrett County is at https://www.facebook.com/CWorksGC/. Email communityworksgarrett@gmail.com with suggestions for new projects that would benefit the community, or with any questions.
Community Works Garrett County is the first Maryland chapter of the national Community Works program.