There are plenty of ways to serve your community in Maryland coming up: food drives, collections of donations for nonprofits, toy and gift drives, and serving or delivering holiday dinners for those less fortunate.
Help the homeless and needy by volunteering at some of the events or donation drives listed below. Ways to help the needy, seniors and animals are organized by type of activity or assistance needed.
Updated 2023
Preparing, Serving & Delivering Food
Help to feed those who cannot afford or are unable to make a meal.
- The United Way of Central Maryland – Harvest of Plenty
Through the United Way of Central Maryland, families can help assemble and distribute complete Thanksgiving meals for the needy at dozens of convenient locations throughout the state. Each year, the United Way donates more than 3,000 complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in need, and many local churches and community centers help with this process. If you are unable to volunteer, monetary donations are accepted.
100 S Charles St., Baltimore. 410-547-8000 - Catholic Charities of Baltimore
Catholic Charities programs now has in-person, inside volunteer opportunities and in-person outside opportunities. They also have remote and virtual volunteer opportunities. Email volunteer@cc-md.org on how to get involved. If you’d like to help donate money, food or supplies, please see cc-md.org/covid19 or email helpnow@cc-md.org to offer a donation or ask a question about where to deliver a donation. - Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals, needs volunteers to help deliver meals during the holiday season and beyond. Volunteers (ages 14 and up) can serve as many times a month as they like with opportunities in meal delivery, packaging, grocery assistance, donating and pet food delivery. 410-558-0827 - Light House Shelter
There are off-site volunteer opportunities including donations of food and supplies, providing a meal through the Light House Bistro, fundraising, and bagged lunches. For questions about volunteering, please email volunteers@annapolislighthouse.org.
443-569-4211. 2023 Fall Holiday Meal Drive Sign-Up open now. Click Here to sign up! - We Care and Friends
We Care and Friends, a non-profit organization in Annapolis, is dedicated to creating strong families and communities in areas affected by drugs, poverty, and crime in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. We Care and Friends is a grass-roots organization who depends on volunteers to support outdoor lunch programs, fundraisers, mentoring, or our reentry program. Check the website for open opportunities and events or email larry@wecareandfriends.org. 410-263-2874 - Beans and Bread
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore has multiple ways to deliver meals to those in need, including making volunteer-bagged lunches to deliver to the homeless, serving hot meals for holiday dinners and adopting families for the holidays. For volunteering opportunities, please email volunteer@vincentbaltimore.org. - Happy Helpers for the Homeless
Happy Helpers for the Homeless engages young people, their parents, and community organizations in preparing food and goods for the needy, bringing love and necessities directly to homeless people every weekend, no matter the weather and including holidays. For more information, please email happyhelpersforthehomeless1@yahoo.com
Food Drives
Food drives are an easy way to provide nourishment to those who need it most.
- Maryland Food Bank
Maryland Food Bank operates facilities in Baltimore, Hagerstown and Salisbury that distribute more than 120,000 meals per day. Donate food, volunteer for pantry organization or begin an online campaign to provide hungry families with a holiday meal this season. Volunteer families can also schedule appointments to help load, pack and sort food at a local branch, or help with administrative work or fundraising efforts. Call the branch nearest to you for specific food needs, or go online to create a food donation campaign for your family. - Feed Anne Arundel
Donate money or volunteer time to Feed Anne Arundel, which originated in the spring of 2020 and has brought together numerous restaurants and donations to keep those in Anne Arundel from going hungry. For more information and ways to help support Feed Anne Arundel, please email feedannearundel@gmail.com. - Anne Arundel Food Bank
Donate food, volunteer for pantry organization or begin an online campaign to provide hungry families with a holiday meal this season. The Anne Arundel Food Bank collects food and goods to distribute through local pantries and on-site feeding agencies that receive food to distribute to those in need in our county. - Feed it Forward at Bread and Butter Kitchen
At Bread and Butter Kitchen, you can purchase gift cards for $15, (which would cover the cost of a full meal & drink), & gift cards would be distributed to those in need, distributed to several local organizations including, Eastport Elementary School, St. Luke’s Food Pantry, the Office of Emergency Management, Homeless Outreach Coordinators, and the local police department. The best part of the program is that it supports the community and the small business.
Clothing Drives
During these cold months, donate your warm winter clothes to those who consider a coat a luxury.
- Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy
GBLL is an all volunteer, 501(C)3 non-profit based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland whose Christmas Drive to Help the Homeless delivers over 20 truck loads of clothing annually to homeless shelters in the Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, DC on Christmas Eve. GBLL will be collecting coats, hats, gloves, new/gently used warm clothing all ages/both genders, sleeping bags, blankets, toys, travel size toiletries, new underwear and baby items such as diapers, baby seats, clothes and formula, and non-perishable food items. - One Warm Coat
Ask your family to round up their old, gently-worn coats to donate to needy and homeless children, women, and men who cannot afford them all across Maryland. For some of those in poverty, a winter spent without a coat is a harsh reality. Visit the website to find the closest donation center near you. Monetary donations are also accepted—just $1 provides two coats. 877-663-9276 - Call for Coats
Admiral Cleaners collects coats every October and November for those in need. Our team then cleans these coats and donates them to numerous local charitable organizations. Over the last three decades, we have donated over 100,000 coats. To donate a coat, or coordinate a pickup, call 410-267-8381, email customerservice@admiralcleaners.com or visit admiralcleaners.com for a list of locations.
Toy Drives
![Toy Drive Box](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/toy-drive-box-web.jpg)
Be the Santa for a needy child who otherwise might not receive a gift this holiday season.
- Toys for Tots
The mission of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and to distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver these new toys at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate children, that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Contact baltimore.md@toysfortots.org for more information on where to donate or to start a donation site. - The Children’s Home Holiday Gift Drive
For a child away from home, the holidays can be an especially tough time. The Children’s Home in Catonsville, MD asks for your help to make this a season of delight and celebration. This year’s Holiday Gift Drive will provide gifts and activities for the many kids who rely upon The Children’s Home for safety and care. Please visit our website and consider donating an item or two from our residents’ wish lists during one of our drop-off days. The Children’s Home, 205 Bloomsbury Ave, Catonsville, MD.
Donations to Children’s Hospitals
Help to brighten a young patient’s day through a charitable donation.
- Child’s Play
Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the donation of toys, books and games. Families can send a financial donation to be used for purchasing gaming devices for children’s hospital wings or go online and search the Amazon wish list of more than 70 hospitals nationwide. In Maryland, Child’s Play has partnered with the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. View Johns Hopkins Amazon Wish List at Amazon.com - St. Jude’s
At the St. Jude’s Gift Shop, families can choose to donate any monetary amount to help children with cancer, but the St. Jude’s Gift shop also allows donors to choose how they want to help through specific events or materials for a patient. Sponsor a No Mo’ Chemo party for a patient for $25, purchase a wagon to transport a patient to treatments for $75, or share the cost of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a bone marrow treatment. 800-746-1539
Supporting Shelters, Families & Other Collections
Improve the welfare of needy families through donations.
- Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services
You can deliver gifts, food and clothing directly to a needy family or senior through the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services Holiday Sharing program. Families can specify what kind of family and how many people they would like to give to. Donors may even choose the geographical area that is convenient for them. Families can sign up online or contact the program directly to choose a specific giving opportunity. 80 West St., Annapolis; 410-269-4462. - YWCA of Anne Arundel County
Support women and children fleeing from domestic abuse. Visit the organization’s headquarters in Arnold to adopt a family or an individual rebuilding a life after the tragedy of abuse. 1517 Ritchie Highway, Suite 201, Arnold, 410-626-7800. - House of Ruth
House of Ruth is an organization located in Maryland that provides shelter, food, counseling, and more for women and children. Item donations help clothe, feed and nourish those seeking help and support. Clothing, hygiene supplies, books, toys, craft supplies and linens are some of the items that are needed. 2201 Argonne Dr., Baltimore, 410-889-0840. - Walk of Christmas
The Walk the Walk Foundation needs sponsors to purchase gifts for families in need. Volunteers can also help deliver the gifts to the families, giving it a personal touch. Now serving families in Anne Arundel County.
Pet Shelter Drives
Aid local shelters by donating supplies, food, and toys for unadopted animals.
- Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control
From providing food, toys and blankets to the shelter, to offering emergency assistance for injured shelter animals, the Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control is there. Donations of cash, gift certificates, dog and cat food and toys are especially needed during the holidays and the rate of surrenders tends to go up. - Maryland SPCA for Pets
Animal lovers can donate treats and new cat and dog toys for homeless animals at the Maryland SPCA Adoption Center in Baltimore or at the Anne Arundel County SPCA. Families can also donate gently used towels and blankets or empty toilet and paper towel rolls to be used to create cat toys. - Small Miracles Cat & Dog Shelter
Help to keep this shelter properly stocked during the holiday season by shopping from its Amazon wish list, where you and your family can choose what kind of gifts to give to the animals of the shelter. Pedigree wet dog food is a high priority. Monetary donations are also accepted.
10236 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, 410-461-0516.
Food Banks by County
Click the name of the county for a list of food banks serving that area.
Anne Arundel County Food Bank
For three-and-a-half decades, the Anne Arundel Food Bank has fought hunger in the local community.
120 Marbury Drive, Crownsville
410-923-4255
Elkridge Food Pantry
5646 Furnace Avenue, Elkridge
443-492-9209
New Life Food Pantry
New Life Pantry has distributed more than a million pounds of food in the last two years.
2401 East North Avenue, Baltimore
443-800-0213
Food With a Focus
The Food With a Focus Fund was created to increase personal safety and decrease the spread of COVID-19 by finding a faster, more efficient method for food distribution. The joint effort of Thread, Baltimore Corps, and Wes and Dawn Moore is building a partnership among religious and community organizations to an increasing number of food distribution sites in West Baltimore.
Sarah Hemminger – Sarah.Hemminger@thread.org
Allison Buchalter – Allison.Buchalter@thread.org
Arshia Sethi – Arshia.Seth@thread.org
New Psalmist Baptist Church
Rev. Al Bailey, 410-984-4959
Abailey@newpsalmist.org
Agape Christian Church Food Pantry
100 E. Timonium Rd., Timonium
410-252-4255
CHESAPEAKE CARES FOOD PANTRY
6045 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown
410-257-0293
CALVERT CHURCHES COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY, INC.
100 Jibsail Dr, Prince Frederick
443-295-7768
END HUNGER IN CALVERT COUNTY
6201 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown
410-257-5672
Aarons Place/Living Waters Assembly
Cheryl Beulah, Food Ministry Coordinator, 410-479-0585
livingwatersmd@gmail.com
Martin’s House & Barn
Deborah Hudson Vornbrock, Executive Director, 410-634-2537
Carroll County Food Sunday
Carroll County’s principal food bank, based in Westminster, also has distribution points in Eldersburg and Taneytown.
To Get Help: https://ccfoodsunday.org/services-2/
Community Services Foundation of Cecil County
Help Center– 410-996-0260 helpcenter@cecilhelp4u.com
Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank leads the Washington D.C region’s efforts to provide good, healthy food to people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Each year, it sources and distributes the food for more than 45 million meals.
To Get Help: www.capitalareafoodbank.org/find-food-assistance/
Mid-Shore Meals til Monday
Meals Til Monday works to end childhood hunger by sending home healthy, nutritious, and easy food options during times when children may not have access to consistent meals.
Leslie Bishop, Executive Director, 443-225-6789
leslie@midshoremealstilmonday.org
Delmarva Community Services
Rosetta Brown, Director, 410-901-2991 rbrown@dcsdct.org
City of Frederick Maryland Food Bank
The Foodbank Program operated by the Frederick Community Action Agency provides a three- to five-day supply of food to families and individuals who are facing an economic crisis and cannot afford to buy their groceries. The FCAA Foodbank serves 600 to 800 households each month.
100 S. Market St., Frederick
301-600-3972
Glade Valley Community Services
Walkersville Town Hall, 21 West Frederick St., Walkersville
301-845-21793
Harford Community Action Agency Food Pantry and Food Bank
The Community Action Food Pantry and Food Bank is an emergency and / or supplemental food source that is available once every 30 days to eligible clients in need of nourishment. Families receive enough wholesome fresh / canned fruits, vegetable, meats, milk products, and/or breads and pastries for 3-4 days, based on household size. The current income eligibility is 200% of poverty guidelines.
1321-B Woodbridge Station Way, Edgewood
410-612-9909
HOWARD COUNTY FOOD BANK
9385 Gerwig Ln J, Columbia
410-313-6185
S.A.F.E. FOOD PANTRY
This organization works to educate, inspire and engage the community about the necessity for gluten-free and allergy-friendly food and provide that safe food to those in need.
9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia
443-741-1060
Kent County has six food pantries, with options in Chestertown, Millington, Ridgely, Rock Hall and Worton.
More info at:
mainstreetchestertown.org/covid-19-kent-county-food-pantry-info/
Manna Food Center
Manna works to eliminate hunger through food distribution, education and advocacy.
9311 Gaither Rd., Gaithersburg
301-424-1130
Nourish Now
Nourish Now is a nonprofit food bank, specializing in food recovery and providing donations from grocers, caterers, restaurants, bakeries, and other food donors for the benefit of children, families, and the elderly, as well as shelters, food pantries, and other organizations working to end hunger.
1111 Taft St., Rockville
301-330-0222
Takoma Park Food Pantry
7001 New Hampshire Ave, Takoma Park
240-450-2092
Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund
Food assistance is available to all qualifying Prince George’s County residents.
2614 Kenhill Drive, Suite 134, Bowie
301-262-6765
bowiefoodpantry@gmail.com
Oxon Hill Food Pantry
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4915 Saint Barnabas Road, Temple Hills
oxonhillfoodpantry@gmail.com
Haven Ministries Food Pantry
206 Del Rhodes Ave., Queenstown
410-827-7194
Krista Pettit, Executive Director, 410-739-4363
SAINT MARY’S HELPING HAND
28291 Old Village Rd, Mechanicsville
301-247-2785
Catholic Charities – Seton Center
Seton Center is a multi-purpose neighborhood community center located in Princess Anne where staff members work to identify and respond to the needs of local residents, the Hispanic community, and the area’s migrant farm workers. It operates three distinct food distribution programs and a variety of other services.
30632 Hampden Avenue, Princess Anne
410-651-9608
Nicole Kurtz/Charlotte Phillips
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Kathy Weaver, Food Pantry Director, 410-770-4505
svdpeastonmd@gmail.com
Washington County Community Action Council Food Pantry
117 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown
301-797-4161
Maryland Food Bank, Western Branch
220 McRand Court, Hagerstown
410-737-8282
Raven House Food Pantry
32 East Avenue, Hagerstown
240-420-6506
The Salvation Army
407 Oak Street, Salisbury
Latoya Ward, 410-749-7771
Emmanuel Wesleyan Church
Mark Thompson, Adopt-a-Block Coordinator, 443-783-4711
Samaritan Ministries
814 Fourth Street, Pocomoke City
Shelly Daniels, Director, 410-957-4310
thesamaritanshelter@gmail.com
Food Banks by Region
Maryland Food Bank, Eastern Shore Branch
The Maryland Food Bank – Eastern Shore Branch distributes food to eight counties: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. In FY19, the branch distributed more than 5.5 million meals to food-insecure Marylanders.
Phone: (410) 742-0050
Southern Maryland Food Bank and Outreach Services
Organization maintains a full listing of food pantries in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
22 Irongate Dr., Waldorf
301-274-0695
Western Maryland Food Bank
The Western Maryland Food Bank has worked since 1983 to enhance the food rescue and food distribution systems locally, addressing the invisible hunger in the tri-state community. It distributes food to local organizations, such a church pantries, day care centers, on-site feeding programs, emergency assistance organizations, etc.
816 Frederick Street, Cumberland
301-722-2797
Amy Moyer, Executive Director, amymoyer@atlanticbb.net
Updated Nov. 2023