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Best Places In Baltimore To Give Back This Holiday Season

There are a few Baltimore organizations that would love to have volunteers assist them during this season. Volunteers are always needed from all walks of life for each of these valuable and worthwhile endeavors as they strive to improve the quality of life in and around the Baltimore metro area.

Bea Gaddy Family Center
425 N. Chester St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 563-2749
www.bea-gaddy.org

This nonprofit organization, founded by the late Bea Gaddy, provides food and clothing to families that are in transition. Its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Day dinners have become huge events in the Baltimore area. There are also volunteer opportunities available centered around literacy, GED training and lead screening for children. The center hosts food drive events to assist with the meals provided at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Bea Gaddy Family Center also provides a safe haven for women and children who are in transition.

Beans and Bread
credit:vincentbaltimore.org

Beans And Bread
400 S. Bond St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 732-1892
www.vincentbaltimore.org

Beans and Bread is a service of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. Located in the Fells Point area, this agency provides meals, day respite, housing placement and other services to the homeless and hungry of the city. According to the website, there is support in the form of education, child development, emergency assistance and workforce development. Additional services include lunch everyday, case management, health care, employment services, computer access, housing placement, recovery support and referrals, clothing distribution, mail receipt and recreational activities. The service is available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Helping Up Mission
1029 E. Baltimore St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 675-7500
www.helpingupmission.org

This organization, located in downtown Baltimore, features a wide variety of programs and services to assist homeless men who are recovering substance abusers. Programs and services include health care and physical wellness, a 12-month spiritual recovery initiative, transitional housing for graduates, graduate intern training and a graduate recovery program to help the men stay on track. In addition, there are overnight guest services available that include two meals, a warm bed and clean clothes. Participants also attend recovery program classes and are provided with educational and mentoring services to assist them in obtaining a high school diploma. Art classes provide the men with an outlet for creative self-expression. According to its website, the Helping Up Mission gives men food, shelter and a reason to believe.

Related: Guide To Holiday Volunteering

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(Photo credit: Vickie Lawson)

Our Daily Bread
725 The Fallsway
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(443) 986-9000
www.odb.org

Located in downtown Baltimore, this agency provides comprehensive services as it works to improve the lives of the homeless and hungry. Services offered include hot meals, clothing, job readiness skills, computers, employment counseling and intake services. The Employment Academy known as Christopher Place assists men and women with securing jobs. The Work 4 Success program offers job readiness training, job placement assistance, case management and job retention services.

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The Baltimore Station
140 W. West St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 752-4454
www.baltimorestation.org

In 1987, the Baltimore Station was started as three citizens began providing blankets and sandwiches to the homeless in South Baltimore. Their efforts expanded to include a winter shelter for homeless men. Over the years, the services have expanded to meet the needs of the clientele. Today, it is an oasis for veterans and other persons who are returning to society. The Baltimore Station addresses issues associated with poverty, joblessness, homelessness and addiction. In addition, there is a focus upon education, life skills and job readiness.

Related: Best Places In Baltimore To Take Family Photos

Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.

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