Volunteer
You Deliver ConnectionYou can help keep Maryland’s aging and homebound communities nourished, safe, and connected.
Being a Meals on Wheels volunteer can help make the difference between a homebound senior who chooses to age in place, and one who has no choice.
But, did you know that volunteering is also good for you? We often hear from our volunteers that they receive as much as they give. We’ve also learned that volunteering makes you feel mentally and physically healthier.
Volunteerism is the cornerstone of Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. In 2019, our 2,300+ volunteers gave more than 43,000 hours of their time and drove more than 300,000 miles—a contribution estimated at more than $2 million!
We Need You!
Priority Volunteer Needs (November 2023):
Both recurring and flexible opportunities are available. Opportunities for high school students are available!
Greatest meal delivery needs exist in the following areas:
- Baltimore City/County- delivery near Nottingham, Frankford, Bolton Hill & Downtown
- Columbia
- Dundalk
- Severna Park
- Silver Spring
- Westminster
Additional volunteer needs include:
- Packing meals at our Haven Street (515 South Haven Street, Baltimore) location.
- Grocery shopping for a client. This opportunity allows for a flexible schedule. Areas of greatest need are Baltimore City, Essex, and Dundalk
New Volunteer Initiatives Going on Now!
Sign up for a meal delivery route using MOW Scheduler. View instructions for using MOW Schedule here.
What does volunteering at Meals on Wheels look like?
Watch our volunteers in action!
Please note that our volunteer application is for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland only. If you are not a Maryland resident, please visit Meals on Wheels America for volunteer opportunities nearest you.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are plenty of ways to volunteer your time with Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland! We welcome volunteers ages 14+.
Click on any of the following opportunities to learn more. Once you’ve decided you want to help, please first complete a Volunteer Application. This step must be completed before you are able to volunteer in any capacity. Please contact us at volunteer@mowcm.org or 443-573-0925 if you have any questions.
Meal Packing
Since mid-March 2020, we have produced, packed, and delivered more than FOUR MILLION meals to Maryland’s aging and homebound communities. That tremendous effort is possible because of our dedicated volunteers. Meal packing shifts are available six days a week. The minimum age for this opportunity is 14.
Our greatest need for volunteers are:
- Packing meals at our main office at 515 S. Haven St. in Baltimore. Shifts are available six days a week.
- Packing meals at our Weinberg Place Distribution Site (Baltimore, MD 21215) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am-11am. A weekly packing commitment is preferred.
This opportunity requires volunteers to stand for 3 hours, participate in activities that require lifting, reaching, and bending continuously, and work on a fast paced box packing line.
Complete a volunteer application, then sign up for a meal packing shift at our Haven Street office here.
We welcome teens (ages 14-18) who want to give back and earn community service hours. Learn more >>
Meal Delivery
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals from Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 1:30pm. Currently, our greatest areas of need are in Baltimore City (21206 and 21217), Essex, Dundalk, Towson, Columbia, and Silver Spring.
Volunteers are needed to commit to weekly or bi-weekly meal deliveries. For those unable to commit to the same day each week and who have more flexibility, Substitutes Delivery Volunteers are also needed.
Following strict COVID-19 protocols, meal delivery volunteers take meals to the door of each home and report any concerns or changes in a client’s condition to the client services team. Drivers must be 18+ years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and their own vehicle.
For this opportunity, we request that volunteers are at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Grocery Assistance Program (GAP)
Grocery shop for a homebound client in your area.
- One-on-one relationship
- Matched based on geographic location
- Flexible scheduling
- Shop with a Meals on Wheels-issued credit card or EBT (food stamps) card
- 9 to 12 month commitment
You are required to pass a background check . For this opportunity, we request that volunteers are at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Complete a volunteer application >>
Current GAP Volunteers: Submit a Shopping Report here >>
Call Connections
Through Call Connections, homebound clients are paired with volunteers for weekly phone calls that serve as both check-ins and friendly conversation. As of August 2020, over 1,800 clients are receiving calls from volunteers, reducing the physical, mental, and emotional health tolls that may be caused by social isolation.
You are required to pass both a background check. For this opportunity, we request that volunteers are at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Kibble Connection Pet Food Delivery
Kibble Connection volunteers (a.k.a. “Kibblers”) help ensure that Meals on Wheels clients and their pets maintain good nutrition. Kibble Connection is possible through a unique partnership between Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland and the Maryland SPCA. The Maryland SPCA collects donations of pet food from the public for Kibble Connection, and our volunteers deliver it to Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland clients.
- Deliver pet food 4x a year
- Need to be able to lift 30lbs.
- Pick up pet food from the Maryland SPCA in Hampden (other locations may apply)
- One year commitment
You are required to pass both a background check. For this opportunity, we request that volunteers are at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Friendly Volunteer Companion (not currently available)
Following social distancing practices and for the safety of our clients and volunteers, this opportunity is not currently available. Until we are able to safely gather together again, volunteering as a Call Star with the Call Connections program is another wonderful way to connect with a Maryland senior!
- Visit with a client in your area
- One-on-one relationship
- Matched based on interests,
compatibility, and location - Visit 2x a month, 1-2 hours
- Call 2x a month, 30 minutes
- Flexible scheduling
- 1-year commitment
Not ready to sign up just yet? Attending a Volunteer Information Session is great way to learn more about Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland’s history, programs, and funding. *Please complete a volunteer application prior to registering for the info session.
Once you’ve decided you want to help, please first complete a Volunteer Application. This step must be completed before you are able to volunteer in any capacity. Please contact us at volunteer@mowcm.org or 443-573-0925 if you have any questions.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Take teamwork to a whole new level when your group volunteers at Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland!
We welcome groups to volunteer with us and offer several ways to get involved. Your team will build and strengthen bonds by working together in ways you never expected. Some groups who have already gotten involved include:
Vectorworks
BGE
RSM US LLP
Fort Meade Junior Sailor’s Association
KCI Technologies, Inc.
Shore United Bank
Under Armour
Magothy United Methodist Church
Christian Fellowship Church of God
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
J. Crew Harbor East
McCormick
Union Church
Moishe House
Scout Troops and Youth Teams
To get started, contact the Volunteer Services Team at (443) 573-0925 or volunteer@mowcm.org.
Click on any of the following opportunities to learn more.
Pack Meals
Since mid-March 2020, we have produced, packed, and delivered more than FOUR MILLION meals to Maryland’s aging and homebound communities. That tremendous effort is possible because of our dedicated volunteers. Meal packing shifts are available six days a week, Monday-Saturday.
Our greatest need for volunteers are:
- Packing meals at our main office at 515 S. Haven St. in Baltimore. Shifts are available six days a week. Volunteers needed most Monday-Friday for 8am-12pm, and Tuesday-Thursday 2pm-5pm.
- Packing meals at our Weinberg Place Distribution Site (Baltimore, MD 21215) Monday-Friday 9am-11am.
- This opportunity requires volunteers to stand for 3 hours, participate in activities that require lifting, reaching, and bending continuously, and work on a fast paced box packing line.
Email volunteer@mowcm.org for more information.
Lunch Bunch Meal Delivery
A Lunch Bunch is a group that adopts a route and delivers meals during their lunch hour. Scheduling is flexible… every other week or once a month! A convenient rotating schedule makes it easier for members of the “bunch” to consistently volunteer.
Email volunteer@mowcm.org for more information.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a wonderful way to get your friends, family, and co-workers involved in supporting Meals on Wheels’ work to keep Maryland seniors and the homebound population nourished, safe, and connected! It’s easy to start your own fundraiser or to contribute to an existing one.
Click here to begin. Meals on Wheels’ peer-to-peer fundraising platform is managed through Classy.org. Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Groups can also host a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at their locations. Some examples are a chili cook-off, trivia night, 5K fun run, or a jeans day.
Team Building Projects
Team building projects are items that individuals make for our Meals on Wheels clients. Check out these ideas for service projects >>
Email volunteer@mowcm.org for more information.
Service Days for Larger Groups
Special projects are determined on a case-by-case basis, and we will work with you to find one that best fits your team and our clients. For example, we’ve hosted groups like Subaru and M&T Bank who packed meals, delivered meals, and completed a service project all in one day!
Groups interested in delivering meals just for one day should contact Volunteer Services in advance. We can accommodate approximately 3-20 volunteers to be sent on deliveries throughout our service area. Volunteers must pass a background check.
Email volunteer@mowcm.org for more information.
To participate in these volunteer opportunities, please contact Volunteer Support Services at volunteer@mowcm.org or call (443) 573-0925.
Take a look at our group volunteers in action!
Service Projects
Nothing feels as good as giving back!
Meals on Wheels offers several ways for you to volunteer your time in the comfort of your own home. Our clients simply adore receiving treats, heartfelt notes, and special crafts with their meal boxes. It really makes their days!
Click on any of the following opportunities to learn more.
All Season's Greetings
Handwritten cards are always very appreciated by our clients and can be seasonal or just supportive! Notes encouraging clients to have a great day are always a nice addition to the meals. Use stickers or drawings to add some creativity!
Bundles of Love
Place in individual bags (ziplocks, paper bags with handles, etc.): small candies, puzzle games (crosswords, etc.), canned soup, tea or hot chocolate packets, pencils, a greeting card
Bigger Bundles
Attach a handwritten card to these high-need items: Ensure Nutrition Drinks, Depends Adult Diapers, pre-packaged toilet paper rolls, new socks or gloves
Healthy and Homebound Kits
Place in individual ziplock bags: new/unopened travel size toiletries, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, disposable face masks, facial tissues
Caring Crafts
Create small items like potpourri, magnets, sewed handwarmers, small artwork, or ornaments. Please bag individually in a ziplock.
Blizzard Bags (Winter)
Place in individual bags (ziplocks, paper bags with handles, etc.): new mittens/gloves, handwarmers, fuzzy socks/slippers, shelf stable foods
Cozy Covers (Winter)
Place in individual ziplock bags: handmade knitted/crocheted warm scarves or hats
Important Notes
- Please do not include the following: gift cards, anything with a religious theme, breakable/fragile items, homemade food, or placemats.
- Donations can be dropped off at one of our various locations across Central MD by appointment. Large donations (30-150 items) must be dropped off at the main office by appointment. Cards can be dropped off or mailed.
Please note: All collected items will be distributed to individuals during regular meal delivery.
If you have an idea for a group activity or service project, please contact Volunteer Support Services at volunteer@mowcm.org or call (443) 573-0925 before completing your special projects to confirm drop-off arrangements.
“I live alone and I don’t really have any family. And, with COVID, I don’t really see anybody, but I wanted to tell you how sweet that was, and it meant a lot to me.”
– From a client upon reading a card she received with her meals
We’re currently collecting special items to distribute to our clients. Contact Volunteer Services with any bundles of love drop-offs!
Click the image to learn more!
Service Projects in Action: Watch how this company created Mugs of Love and baked cookies for our clients.
Floral Arrangements
Homemade Hand Warmers
Homemade Greeting Cards
