Business Volunteers Unlimited of Maryland is the primary resource for recruiting, developing and organizing volunteers in the Greater Baltimore area. Through its programs, more than 30,000 people have helped strengthen hundreds of nonprofit organizations while serving the community. The Examiner sat down recently for a chat with Kate Scherr, BVU?s director of volunteer services.
Examiner: Why do people choose the holidays as a time to get involved?
Scherr: People are in the holiday spirit, which translates into a generous spirit. There is a tradition of giving back, and people want a balance to all the commercialism.
Examiner: What are the most pressing or most common needs during the holiday season?
Scherr: There is a big need for collection of food and gifts through nonprofit organizations. I give direction on where there is a current need, the Maryland Food Bank or The Salvation Army, for example.
Examiner: Who can volunteer?
Scherr: Anyone. Individuals, families, co-workers, community groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Examiner: How do volunteers benefit from the work they do?
Scherr: Seeing the joy in others is s great benefit. [Volunteering] is a break from the holiday chaos. It is also a way to meet like-minded people.
Examiner: What should a person consider when volunteering?
Scherr: It is important to be flexible, and to listen to an agency?s needs. And to follow up.
Examiner: What are some unusual or interesting volunteer activities?
Scherr: Working with the SPCA, since the normal volunteer pool is lessened during the holidays. Also, phone-a-thons.
Examiner: How can BVU?s Volunteer Central assist someone interested in volunteering?
Scherr: People can look into our Web site with a searchable database of volunteer opportunities [or] they can call us.
Examiner: If people would like to volunteer at other times of the year, what opportunities are there?
Scherr: We?re always available. We have one-day volunteer events, and many hands-on projects. People can go to our Web site, www.volunteercentral.net or phone me at 410-366-6030, extension 110. We also suggest people make volunteering a part of their New Year?s resolution.
