Maryland’s Coast has entered the holiday season with Christmas tree lightings, upcoming parades, and exciting holiday sales and events. One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is by giving back and volunteering within your community. Whether you’re looking for ways to give back as an individual or as a workplace, Maryland’s Coast has plenty of nonprofit organizations and opportunities for you to be involved in.
Looking for a place to start? Worcester County Economic Development has compiled a few of the many ways you can help your community this holiday season, and year-round!
Assateague Coastal Trust focuses on swimmable, fishable, and drinkable water for the nearby coastal bays. ACT has frequent community events like beach clean-ups, and kid’s programs to provide awareness and a proactive effort to keep the bays clean.
If you love visiting Assateague Island, AIA is the nonprofit for you. The organization is focused on “promoting education, awareness, and stewardship of Assateague Island National Seashore’s wildlife and natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.”
Celebrate Maryland’s Coast with the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, striving to promote and preserve the culture, history, and assets of Maryland’s lower eastern shore.
Bearded Men Society of Ocean City
The Bearded Men Society of Ocean City welcomes people from all walks of life who are passionate about helping the Worcester County community. The group participates in many local events as well as fundraising initiatives, contests, and more.
The DIAC hosts Ocean City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and is an all-volunteer local charity that supports other community organizations and contributes to high school graduation scholarships.
Diakonia supports Worcester County by providing shelter, food, clothing, and services to homeless families and individuals. They are the only comprehensive provider for the homeless on the lower Eastern Shore. There are many volunteer opportunities, as well as ways to donate food, clothing, and financial assistance.
Supporting Coastal Hospice can be done in many ways. There is a large variety of giving methods and volunteer opportunities for you to help the hospice teams provide quality care for patients.
Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
CFES serves the Lower Eastern Shore through grants, fundraising, and scholarships that are provided to the local community and other charitable organizations. Give the way that works best for you, connect with local causes, and make a lasting impact.
Sustainability is the goal of Go Green OC, hoping to make Ocean City a clean resort town through recycling, composting, and zero waste. Volunteer, donate, spread the word, or bring your compostables!
Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County
The international organization has a branch in Worcester County, MD to provide affordable housing for the local community. Volunteers help the mission thrive with participation in building homes, as well as attending events and donating.
Help to protect and restore natural resources and land that will continue to support our community. Get involved with volunteer events, and donations.
Explore the Coastal Bays and learn how to make a difference in protecting Maryland’s five coastal bays: Assawoman, Chincoteague, Isle of Wight, Newport, and Sinepuxent Bay.
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore
UWLES supports the tri-county area including Worcester County by sponsoring events and distributing funds to other local nonprofit organizations in the area. There are many ways to give and help support United Way!
If you love America’s coolest small town, check out We Heart Berlin, which promotes healthy and sustainable activities and recreation for Berlin residents.
Be a helping hand for Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) by volunteering and donating to improve the quality of life for county residents in low-income situations. Your giving makes a difference!
Worcester County Humane Society
The Worcester County Humane Society (WCHS) is a registered 501c3 organization and a private no-kill shelter for animals. Assisting the humane society can be done in many ways including volunteer efforts, adopting or fostering animals, or donating financially.
What are you waiting for? Get involved today with the amazing organizations making Maryland’s Coast a better place!
