Volunteer with CLARYN Foundation
Join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being in underserved communities. Your time and skills make a real difference.
Get StartedYou Are Essential
Demand for nutritious food, wraparound services, and trusted guidance remains high as families navigate rising costs and uneven access to care. Every hour you volunteer helps CLARYN Foundation keep pace with community needs, offering stability, compassion, and practical support to neighbors across Maryland.
When you show up, programs stay open, deliveries arrive on time, and parents breathe easier. Thank you for lending your energy when it matters most.
Volunteers Ages 16–18
Unaccompanied volunteers ages 16–18 must submit a Youth Volunteering Waiver in addition to our General Volunteer Waiver before their first shift. Youth groups should plan for at least one adult chaperone per five volunteers.
Small Groups & Private Events
Our online sign-up tool prevents a single reservation from taking more than half of an event’s available spots. If you're planning a large group or would like to reserve an entire shift for a private experience, contact the volunteer team so we can coordinate the best fit.
Cancellations & Shift Changes
Weather, supply delays, or staffing changes may require us to cancel or reschedule a shift on short notice. We only cancel after exploring every alternative and truly appreciate your flexibility.
Service Documentation
Need official verification for school, employer, or legal requirements? Let us know before your first shift so we can track the necessary details. We'll provide documentation after your service is completed, not on a shift-by-shift basis.
Take the Next Step
Can You Help?
Whether you're volunteering solo, bringing friends, or coordinating a whole team, we'll make sure you have everything you need to get started.
Why Volunteer with CLARYN Foundation?
Make a Real Impact
Help connect individuals and families to essential healthcare, mental health resources, and nutritious food. Your efforts directly support our community's health and well-being.
Build Community Connections
Work alongside dedicated community members, healthcare providers, and local leaders. Build meaningful relationships while serving your neighbors.
Gain Valuable Experience
Develop skills in nonprofit work, community outreach, healthcare navigation, and food security programs. Perfect for students earning SSL hours or professionals looking to give back.
Flexible Opportunities
Choose from various volunteer roles that fit your schedule, interests, and skills. We offer both one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities.
How to Volunteer
Contact Us
Reach out to our volunteer coordinator to express your interest and learn about current opportunities that match your skills and availability.
Attend Orientation
Complete a brief orientation session to understand our mission, safety guidelines, volunteer roles, and how your work contributes to our impact.
Start Volunteering
Begin contributing your time and skills to our programs. Track your hours and see the difference you're making in your community.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help distribute nutritious food packages to families in need at our community events and food drives.
- Sort and package food items
- Assist with distribution events
- Help with community garden maintenance
Support our health education workshops and community outreach programs that promote wellness and preventive care.
- Assist with workshop setup and facilitation
- Help with health screenings and referrals
- Create educational materials
Provide essential administrative support to help our programs run smoothly and efficiently.
- Data entry and record keeping
- Answer phones and respond to inquiries
- Help with event planning and coordination
Assist with community events, fundraisers, and outreach activities that raise awareness and support our mission.
- Event setup and breakdown
- Registration and check-in
- Community engagement and outreach
Earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours while making a difference in your community. We provide proper documentation for school requirements.
- Qualifying volunteer activities
- SSL verification forms provided
- Flexible scheduling for students
Share your professional skills—whether in healthcare, marketing, IT, or other areas—to help strengthen our organization.
- Healthcare professionals
- Marketing and communications
- IT and technical support
Volunteer Requirements
General Requirements
- Must be 16 years or older (some opportunities are available for younger volunteers with supervision)
- Complete volunteer orientation and any required training
- Commit to scheduled volunteer shifts (flexibility available based on role)
- Follow CLARYN Foundation policies and safety guidelines
- Demonstrate respect, compassion, and professionalism when interacting with community members
- Unaccompanied volunteers ages 16–18 must submit both the General form and the Youth Volunteering Waiver; youth groups require a 1:5 adult-to-youth ratio
What to Expect
- A welcoming and supportive volunteer environment
- Clear instructions and guidance for your volunteer role
- Recognition and appreciation for your contributions
- Opportunities to learn and grow while making a difference
Volunteer Guidelines
- Wear closed-toed shoes (no Crocs) and bring layers for cooler warehouse or kitchen spaces; kitchen volunteers remove all jewelry except wedding bands
- Be prepared to stand for up to 2.5 hours and lift up to 35 pounds depending on the assignment
- Arrive on time—volunteers more than 10 minutes late may be asked to reschedule
- All participation is at the discretion of CLARYN staff; we may adjust or end assignments to keep teams safe and effective
Curious about your rights and responsibilities? Review our Volunteer Bill of Rights before your first shift.
Volunteer Waiver
All volunteers must complete a waiver before volunteering. Please to your first volunteer shift.
Need the youth-specific form? Use the Youth Volunteering Waiver if you're 16–18 and volunteering without a parent or guardian.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our volunteer coordinator to learn more about current opportunities and how you can make a difference with CLARYN Foundation.
Phone
(301) 437-8565Location
1770 Columbia Pike Suite 300
Silver Spring, MD 20901