Looking for a way to help others in your community during this New Year’s week? Consider contributing some money or your time to Gaithersburg HELP, a critical part of the local safety net — which, given the current economic conditions, is likely seeing its resources stretched to the limit.
The following is taken from Gaithersburg HELP’s general brochure (PDF format — perfect for downloading, printing, and handing out to your neighbors). They also have a volunteer opportunities brochure available online.
Note that, in addition to calling the phone numbers and sending mail to the address listed below, according to their donations page you can also give to Gaithersburg HELP right now, online, via Just Give.
WHAT IS Gaithersburg HELP?
In 1968, the faith community of Gaithersburg recognized that emergencies happen quickly and government assistance takes time. To meet these immediate needs, congregations of churches and synagogues formed Gaithersburg HELP to provide short-term assistance in a coordinated fashion.
Now more than 25 congregations join in this network to help neighbors in the greater Gaithersburg community. Gaithersburg HELP also receives substantial support from private individuals, local businesses, and civic organizations.
All services are provided by a network of more than 200 volunteers, who work together in a common concern for others as an expression of love for their neighbors. As part of their ministry, Gaithersburg HELP volunteers provide listening, referral, and advocacy services.
Gaithersburg HELP collaborates with other agencies, such as the Upper Montgomery Assistance Network, to provide financial and other supports needed.
Each year, Gaithersburg HELP provides emergency assistance to more than 3,000 families in the Gaithersburg area. As the community continues to grow, so too do the demands on Gaithersburg HELP.
Ways to Contribute to Gaithersburg HELP
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Leadership
- Telephone Screening
- Pantry
- Driver
- Program Management
- Administration
To volunteer call 301-216-2510 and leave a message in Box 6
- Donate Non-Perishable Food
Contact your school, congregation or workplace to see if they collect food for Gaithersburg HELP or call us at 301-216-2510. Consider organizing a food drive at work, school, or other organization.- Participate in Fundraising Events
Join in the Help the Homeless Walk, the Crop Walk, or Thanksgiving in February, all of which support Gaithersburg HELP.- Contribute Money
Funds are used to provide perishable food, supplement food donations, contribute to Upper Montgomery Assistance Network for housing needs, and to provide other financial assistance and emergency medications. Direct financial contributions may be made to:Gaithersburg HELP
431 N. Frederick Ave, Suite 105
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Or you can designate through United Way/CFC #8432
What Gaithersburg HELP does for those in need
- FOOD: HELP provides a three-day supply of food based on family size from our local food pantry by appointment.
- INFANT NEEDS: HELP provides diapers and infant formula for short- term emergencies.
- PRESCRIPTIONS: HELP assists with emergency medical needs such as medicines.
- TRANSPORTATION: HELP assists with transportation to medical appointments and social service agencies.
- OTHER FINANCIAL NEEDS: HELP considers other emergency needs on a case by case basis to help families over a short period crisis.
- SUPPORT AND REFERRAL: HELP listens and offers guidance to identify other resources that clients may access during the stress and confusion of an emergency. This includes referrals for rent, utility bills, clothing, and furniture needs
To get help call 301-216-2510 and leave a message in the appropriate box
From the volunteer opportunities brochure:
LEADERSHIP ROLES
- Assistant Executive Directors provide back up to the Executive Director and take on specific areas of program management as needed.
- Delegates serve as representatives of member congregations on the Board of Directors.
- Financial Manager handles banking and bills, prepares budgets and reports, and maintains records.
TELEPHONE SCREENING
Work from one to five days a month returning phone messages from home.
- Food Coordinators work 1-2 days per month handling requests for food, scheduling pick-ups and entering data on laptop computer.
- Bilingual Volunteers work 2-4 days a month returning calls to Spanish speaking clients and coordinating the delivery of the requested assistance with the appropriate volunteers.
- Prescription/Financial Coordinators work one day a week handling requests for help with prescriptions or other financial assistance.
- Transportation Coordinators work one week per month handling requests for transportation, finding volunteer drivers or arranging for taxi service.
- Infant Needs Coordinators work one or more days a week responding to requests for diapers and formula.
PANTRY
Work once a month or as needed in various jobs at the Food Pantry.
- Property Manager manages the pantry space monitoring maintenance and arranging for repairs as needed.
- Pantry Workers prepare food packages for pick up by clients based on information provided by Food Coordinators.
- Pantry Organizers inventory, sort, and shelve food at the pantry.
- Stock Coordinators assist Pantry Chair with ordering and picking up supplies for the pantry.
DRIVERS
Work as needed or one afternoon or evening per month delivering food or transporting clients.
- Transportation Drivers work as needed to drive clients to weekday medical or social service appointments in the local area.
- Food Drivers go to the pantry and package food to deliver to homebound clients.
ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS
Help keep the organization running effectively by assisting with clerical and administrative functions.
- Publicity Coordinator prepares flyers, press releases, and brochures for distribution to the media and the community at large to publicize events and educate the public about the mission of Gaithersburg HELP.
- Roster Coordinator prepares the mailing of our monthly Volunteer Roster.
- Newsletter Coordinator prepares the mailing of our semi-annual Newsletter.
- Alternate Secretary attends meetings of the Board or Executive Committee to record minutes when the regular secretary is not able to attend the meeting.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Various opportunities to coordinate specific program areas or events in a leadership role.
- Grant Writers help complete Grant applications and investigate fund raising opportunities.
- Transportation Assistant helps supervise proper functioning of the Transportation program.
- Youth Coordinator supervises youth volunteers in various activities.
- Volunteer Coordinator screens volunteer applicants, refers for appropriate positions, prepares recruitment materials and public service announcements and handles volunteer issues.
- Latino Providers Liaison represents Gaithersburg HELP at the Latino Providers meetings and communicates relevant information to our Executive Committee and Bilingual Volunteers.
- Thanksgiving in February Volunteers solicit restaurants in the summer and early fall to participate in this county-wide fundraiser.
- Mini-walk Coordinators organize mini-walks in the local schools and congregations as part of the fall Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walk.
- Volunteer Recognition Event Planners assist with events to honor our volunteers.
- Food Drive Coordinator solicits food drives at schools, businesses, and other community organizations.
- United Way/CFC Coordinator organizes efforts to increase our United Way/CFC participation and represents us at agency events.