Kids Can Make a Difference
Thanksgiving can be just the second holiday you eat too much, like Halloween. But maybe this year, you’ll decide to get part of the thanks by doing part of the giving.
Just like our world, Chesapeake Country is full of things that need doing. Here’s a whole page of ways you can make a difference. Choose one where you get as much as you give, and you’ll be thankful, too, for a good time.
Department of Corrections
Make a Difference
Any Time. All kinds of people and places and creatures need help from somebody just like you. Many projects could use your family or friends, too — or even your pets.
Anne Arundel Food Bank
For people in need, a food bank is like a grocery, only free. Help sort food on Saturdays or evenings in Crownsville. Call Bruce: 410/923-4255.
Homework Club
Smart older kids can help other kids read, learn math, finish their homework and study for tests. The Homework Club meet Mondays thru Thursdays between 2:30 and 6:30 at Admiral Oaks Community in Annapolis. Call Kathie Cronin: 410/280-2712.
Lighthouse Shelter
People get hungry every day, not just Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cooks, servers and dishwashers are needed every day of the year at Light House Shelter in Annapolis, where homeless people find home comforts. Call Earl Smith: 410/263-1835.
Pets on Wheels
Is your animal companion very cute and very sweet? People who don’t have such a friend can be very lonely. Take your dog, cat, rabbit, donkey or turtle to make friends petless people at hospitals or nursing homes. You’ll need a grown-up to go, too. Call Becky Batta: 410/222-0738.
Sarah’s House
People come to live at Sarah’s House because they’ve no place of their own to call home. Often, they’ve had to leave their stuff behind. You and your friends can organize a drive for things they need. Call Bruce Clopein: 410/551-7722.
SPCA of Anne Arundel County
Volunteer to bathe, brush and walk dogs or play with cats. If your parents agree, you can even be a foster parent to animals waiting for adoption. Call Christina Lopez: 410/268-4388.
Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County
This short list is only the beginning. For many more ideas, including the one just right for you and your family, call Fay Mauro at the Volunteer Center: 410/897-9207 • [email protected]
Your Get-dirty, Make-a-Difference Calendar
Saturday, November 10
Bust Mud - Train to be a Chesapeake Bay Mudbuster and help protect Herring Bay waterways from mud pollution. Kids 11 and up work with Save Our Streams, Herring Bay Clean Water Initiative and Adopt-a-Stream. Learn how at 9:30am @ Deale library. rsvp: 800/448-5826.
Dig It! - Dig for artifacts and experience firsthand how archeology helps you learn about your surroundings. Take home a souvenir picture plus an archeologist’s home kit w/tips on identifying bottles and ceramics. 10-4pm @ William Paca House, Annapolis. Free w/admission, $8/adults, $5/kids: 410/267-7619.
Sunday, November 11
Waste Not - Investigate the kinds of problems that come from too much garbage. Learn what you can do about it. Ages 5-7. 2-3pm @ National Wildlife Visitor Center, Laurel. rsvp: 301/497-5887.
Sign Up by Monday, November 12
Make Room for Bald Eagles - Help make Chesapeake Country friendlier to bald eagles. The National Wildlife Federation needs you to help build a bridge and boardwalk to divert hiking trails away from nesting areas. Register today to work Nov. 18 10-3pm @ American Chestnut Land Trust, Port Republic. rsvp: 703/438-6236.
