Where to Volunteer in Baltimore this December

Winter is a season when community needs rise — and so do opportunities to serve. Baltimore is home to many organizations that depend on volunteers to continue their mission. If you're looking for ways to give back this December, here are meaningful places where your time and compassion can make a real difference, especially in and around Highlandtown.

1. Urban Life Center – Highlandtown

📍 3223 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

The Urban Life Center offers multiple volunteer opportunities throughout the month, including:

• Food distributions

• Toy and back to school drives

• Wellness programs

• Community events

• Packing and sorting donations

• Volunteers can serve one time or join ongoing efforts.

2. Maryland Food Bank

📍 2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd, Baltimore, MD 21227

Volunteers help sort, pack, and distribute food to thousands of Maryland families. Winter is their highest-demand season.

3. Moveable Feast

📍 901 N Milton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205

Supports individuals living with chronic illnesses by preparing and delivering nutritious meals. Volunteers assist with kitchen prep, packaging, and delivery support.

4. Beans & Bread (St. Vincent de Paul)

📍 402 S Bond St, Baltimore, MD 21231

A day resource center serving people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers help with meal service, donation sorting, and guest support.

5. The Franciscan Center of Baltimore

📍 101 W 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218

Provides food, clothing, emergency services, and supportive programs. Volunteers help with meal service, pantry operations, and outreach.

6. Patterson Park Audubon Center

📍 2601 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21224

Perfect for nature lovers. Volunteers assist with habitat restoration, environmental education activities, and park cleanups.

7. BARCS Animal Shelter

📍 2490 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225

Baltimore’s largest animal shelter needs volunteers for dog walking, cat socialization, cleaning, laundry, and supply organization.

8. Local Baltimore City Schools

Many schools welcome volunteers for reading programs, tutoring, event support, and supply drives—especially schools in the Southeast region.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities in Highlandtown

9. House of Ruth Maryland – Donation Center

📍 2521 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218

(Serves survivors throughout the city, including Highlandtown families.)

Volunteers and donors help provide clothing, household items, and essentials for women and children experiencing intimate partner violence.

10. Saalam Refugee Center (Highlandtown)

📍 3737 Fleet St, Baltimore, MD 21224

Supports refugee families with ESL tutoring, citizenship preparation, school support, and clothing/food assistance. Volunteers can help with sorting donations, mentoring families, or assisting with youth programs.

11. Free Market at the Enoch Pratt Library – Southeast Anchor Branch

📍 3601 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

A community resource offering free food and household items. Volunteers help with organizing donations, assisting visitors, and managing displays.

Volunteering in Baltimore is not only impactful — it builds community pride and strengthens neighborhoods from the inside out. Whether you're supporting a family during the winter months or helping keep our parks and programs running, your time and compassion make a genuine difference.