Here are some outreach and volunteer opportunities in the Columbia Town Center Community.
Times have changed. We are moving more often, playing outdoors less, and have busier schedules–we may not know our neighbors well. It’s getting harder and harder for homeowners to be as invested in their community as they are in their homes. Everyone can benefit from a deeper sense of community among neighbors. But how do you do that? Luckily, we have the answers. Here are some outreach and volunteer opportunities in the Columbia Town Center Community.
Community Blood Drive
Did you know one blood donation can save up to three lives? The Red Cross depends on blood donations from volunteers to help those in need. If you are interested in donating blood, stop by the Blood Drive at Kahler Hall on August 26th from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter ‘Kahler’ to schedule an appointment. Click here to learn more.
Donate School Supplies
The first day of school is right around the corner, and students everywhere need essential supplies. Prepare for Success (PFS) is a 24-year-old community tradition of providing backpacks filled with school supplies to Howard County students from families with low incomes. This school year, a potential 17,000 students will need this support.
PFS has a formal partnership with the Howard County Public Schools System and the Community Action Council. PFS is an all-volunteer effort, and 100% of donations are directed to the students. Drop off supplies from July 8–August 17, 2024 at any of the drop box locations. Click here to learn more.
Food by Freetown
On August 22nd from 6-8pm, the Freetown Farm team will host their first-ever “Food by Freetown” event, which will feature fresh food and drinks prepared with ingredients grown on our farm. Spending the evening together enjoying the late-summer bounty and learning how supporting sustainable and local food systems is a powerful way to increase community resilience. Donate here to register.
Little Free Pantry: Vantage Point Park
Help your fellow neighbors in need by donating when you are able—located in Vantage Point Park just off the main street. A few tips, reminders, and needed items……
- No FRESH FRUIT as it spoils quickly in the heat.
- Stay COVID-safe and wipe down supplies, knobs, and door handles
- Do NOT donate items in GLASS containers (they could break when removing items from the Pantry)
- Check expiration dates and make sure they are CURRENT and NOT expired
- Soups (pop top preferred)
- Mac and cheese, Granola, and Protein bars
- Packs of crackers and cheese
- Toiletries
Juice boxes, Tuna or canned meats
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/