Mitzvah
Days

This project is hosted by the Neuman-Sunshine Family! Blessing Bags include a variety of items for people who are unhoused, hungry, and in need of basic necessities. We will create bags that you can keep these bags in your car to offer when you see someone asking for help. Each household should bring 10 of the following: gallon-sized ziplocs, small hand sanitizers, new socks, granola bars / portable snack, lip balm.

Project Linus provides new handmade blankets to children in need. Join us for a blanket-making session with the Project Linus lead volunteer in Howard County. Open-house style (come anytime between 4-5:30pm). Snacks served along with the fun of creating blankets together! Every participant should bring 1.5-2 yards of fleece and sharp scissors. (Not minky fleece.) All ages welcome.

Meals on Wheels serves seniors who are isolated and in need of comfort and care. Create mugs filled with treats, which Meals on Wheels will drop off to clients. Purchase a mug and fill it with tea bags, hot chocolate, sugar free candies, chocolates, small notepads or puzzle books, and a note of cheer.

The Luminus Network for New Americans has worked to serve MD based immigrants for over 40 years, through legal, social, language, and employment services. Items donated to the toiletry supply drive will support low-income immigrants and refugees, primarily Howard County based Latino’s, Afghans, and Ukrainians. Please donate any of the following: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, toothbrush/paste, toilet paper, deodorant, sunscreen, feminine hygiene products, and diapers size 3 and larger.

Hospital stays can range from happy occasions to very serious medical emergencies. Support the hospital by providing reading/puzzle materials to patients and visitors to help them occupy their time and attention. The Book Cart volunteer will visit units to determine if a book would be beneficial for the patients or visitors. A brief visit from a smiling volunteer who is giving them reading/puzzle materials is often the highlight of the day for the patient or visitor.

The Bridges to Housing Stability Mission is to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, Maryland. Affording the most basic household necessities is often a significant challenge when budgets are stretched to the limit. Welcome new home-owners with cleaning supplies and a hand-written note so they have one less thing to worry about while getting settled. Donate a cleaning bucket filled with any of the following: cleaning scrubbers / sponges, trash bags, toilet bowl cleaner and brush, multi-surface cleaner, laundry detergent, dish detergent, dishwasher soap, and/or disinfectant spray.

Support Elizabeth House by making the sides for Christmas meals. Casseroles should be in regular-sized disposable foil pans, frozen, and covered with foil or a flat lid. Use any recipe you want to make macaroni & cheese, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. Write the name of the recipe and the date it was made on the cover. Basic guidelines for casseroles can be found at this website: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Casserole-Program---Bag-Lunches.html?soid=1129241375574&aid=qurRW7U_Vpk

Help children living at Grassroots enjoy their Christmas by filling their wishlists! You will receive information about what they need and want. Please drop off wrapped gifts with no notes — simply write the child's name on the outside of each wrapped gift. Purchase as many items from the list as you are able.