Good Neighbor Day 2022 Catalog
There are numerous ways you can support College Park and beyond for Good Neighbor Day 2022. You can volunteer through Prince George's County Samaritan Portal.
Types of Volunteers
General Volunteers
General volunteers aid project coordinators and team leaders in completing the tasks of each project. Each project has an allotted number of general volunteer spots.
Team Leaders
Team leaders help the project coordinator at each project site check-in and provide support to the other volunteers. Each project has a limited number of team leader volunteer spots.
Student Press Corps
Student Press Corps volunteers use their journalism skills and enthusiasm to share the impact of Good Neighbor Day. Opportunity is only available to current Journalism students. To sign up for Good Neighbor Day as part of the student press corps, register using this link.
| Project Name | Address | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Beautify Al-Huda School | 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park, Md 20740 | Planting flowers in the current raised flower beds, installing trellises with climbing roses against the school building, installing a few decorative planters, and assembling new benches to create an atmosphere for the students to enjoy and where staff can relax, eat and talk to their peers during breaks or leisure time. |
| Beautify Hollywood Elementary School | 9811 49th Ave. College Park Maryland 20740 | - Trim Trees and Bushes - Clean out Bush Beds and Spread Mulch in those areas - Clean out weeds between sidewalk cracks - Sweep up sidewalks and streets -Plant pollinating and native plants around the building - Collect loose Tree Branches - Trim Trees and Trim Bushes - Clean out weeds between sidewalk cracks |
| Beautify the Cherry Hill Park | 4620 Cherry Hill Rd, College Park, MD 20740 | Assist Park Rangers in removing litter from Cherry Hill Community Park. This includes litter on land and in pond. |
| Beautify University Park Elementary School | 4315 Underwood st university park MD 20782 | Beautification of older elementary school. Exterior grounds need mulch/weeding/planting. |
| Northeast Branch Litter Cleanup | 6322 Kenilworth Avenue Riverdale, MD 20737 | Litter pickup around commercial properties adjacent to Kenilworth Avenue immediately near the Northeast Branch of the Anacostia River |
| Project Name | Address | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Good Neighbor Annual Food Drive | IKEA College Park | Volunteer to take and sort food donations |
| Pack Meals for the Hungry | IKEA College Park | Package shelf stable meals to combat food insecurity within the College Park community. |
| Project Name | Address | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Up Guilford Run Stream at Hope Lutheran Church | 4201 Guilford Dr, College Park, MD 20740 | Volunteers will help pick up trash and remove invasive plants from the stream in front of Hope Lutheran Church. Bags and gloves will be provided for those picking up trash. Those working on plant removal will be given a brief lesson on the identifiers of invasive plants, gloves, and garden tools. |
| Clean Up Lakeland Community Park | Lakeland Community Park Pavilion | Volunteers will pick up litter, remove invasive plant species and plant some plants along Lakeland Road and throughout Lakeland Community Park. |
| Clean Up Sentinel Swamp, Remove Invasive Species, and Plant Trees | Sentinel Swamp, 7555 Columbia Ave, College Park, MD | Participate in ongoing efforts to restore the native wetland ecosystem of Sentinel Swamp in Old College Park near the UMD campus and learn about the native plant and animal species common to Maryland coastal plain wetlands. Volunteers will remove litter and invasive plants and plant native trees and shrubs. |
| Create Artificial Floating Islands | College Park Academy - River Tech Road, Riverdale, MD | Volunteers will help to establish habitat restoration of Gosling Pond. We will do this by starting a water purification system through the use of indigenous plants. |
| Design a Pollinator Garden for Veterans of the American Legion Post 217 | 9218 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740 | Volunteers will be designing and setting up a Pollinator Garden with pollinator-friendly plants, a rain barrel, and installing several "Bee Hotels for Wild Bees". During this project, we will also learn what and why we are using the following plants such as items that bloom in early spring and throughout the summer. Willow, maple, redbud, and wild cherry provide pollen for early emerging mason bees. Later blooming wildflowers such as purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and bee balm provide foraging resources for leafcutter bees. |
| Mulch & Weed the Trolly Trail Permaculture Garden | 8803 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD 20740 | Volunteers will weed, mulch, and possibly plant a few plants at the Permaculture Garden on the Trolly Trail. |
| Paint Branch Trail at Lot 11B - Invasive Removal & Tree Planting | Paint Branch Trail, Lot 11B, University of Maryland, Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD | Participate in ongoing efforts to restore the native forest ecosystem along the Paint Branch Trail near the UMD campus and learn about the native plant and animal species common to Maryland coastal plain forests. Volunteers will remove litter and invasive plants and plant native trees and shrubs. |
| Place Medallions on Storm Drains to Prevent Dumping | 9801 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD 20740 (MOM's parking lot) | Place 80+ medallions on storm drains on frequently traveled streets in College Park. Medallions are easy to place with glue provided by Committee for Better Environment - no special training. |
| Plant a Pollinator Garden at College Park Community Center | 5051 Pierce Ave, College Park, MD 20740 | Volunteers will maintain and expand pollinator garden at College Park Community Center and work to support stormwater management |
| Plant a Pollinator Meadow at Lake Artemesia | Berwyn Rd & 55th Ave Berwyn Heights, MD 20740 | Assist Park Rangers in planting pollinator friendly seedlings in the current meadow area. This group might also make seed balls full of pollinator seeds that can be planted around the edges of the lake. |
| Plant and Protect Trees at Lake Artemesia | Berwyn Rd & 55th Ave Berwyn Heights, MD 20740 | Assist Park Rangers with planting native trees around Lake Artemesia. This will include digging the hole, planting the tree, installing tree diapers, mulch and metal wrap to protect from deer and beavers. This group can also replace some of the old metal wrap that is currently on some bigger trees. |
| Plant Front Garden and Restore Rear Garden at American Legion Post 217 | 9218 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740 | Plant flowers, weed, mulch, and trim bushes in front garden. Perform flower beds maintenance in rear garden including trimming bushes, picking up branches, sticks and yard waste. |
| Plant Pollinator Garden at Edward St. John Center | 4131 Campus Dr, College Park, MD 20742 | Volunteers will plant a brand new Pollinator Garden right in the very center of campus at the Edward St. John Teaching and Learning Center. |
| Plant Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Calvert & Rhode Island | Calvert Road and Rhode Island (South Corner) | Volunteers will replace non-pollinator plants with pollinator plants in a city managed garden on the Trolley Trail. Volunteers will dig holes, place the plants in the garden, and plant soil (and possibly mulch) around the new plants. |
| Plant Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Lackawanna and 53rd | Lackawanna St. and 53rd Ave. | Volunteers will plant a selection of native, pollinator feeding, flowering herbaceous plants in the east islands at Lackawanna St. and 53rd Ave. (entrance to the Greenbelt Metro Station). This will require digging space for root balls, placing plants in ground, and landscaping the surface around the plants. |
| Plant Seeds in the Port Towns Elementary School's Community Garden | 4351 58th Ave, Bladensburg, MD 20710 | Volunteers will be planting seeds and prepping soil at Port Towns Elementary School's Community Garden |
| Remove Invasive Plant Species at Lake Artemesia | Berwyn Rd & 55th Ave Berwyn Heights, MD 20740 | Volunteers will work with Park Rangers to remove bush honeysuckle and invasive vines. |
| Remove Invasive Plant Species: College Park Woods | College Park Woods Neighborhood Park, St. Andrews Place, College Park | Volunteers will remove invasive plants from College Park Woods Neighborhood Park. |
| Remove Invasive plants at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Courtyard | 4512 College Avenue, College Park | Volunteers will remove invasive plants and plant native plants in the courtyard. They will also assemble and install a bench next to our labyrinth and learn about the meditative practice of walking a labyrinth. The garden work will be supervised by a master gardener who will share their knowledge of the various plants. A member of the congregation of St. Andrew's will demonstrate the ancient practice of walking the labyrinth and give a brief history of this ancient meditation technique. |
| Remove Invasive Species, Beautify College Park United Methodist Church | 9601 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD 20740 | Volunteers will remove overgrown bamboo, weeds, poison ivy, bushes, as well as spread mulch. |
| Remove Invasive Species, Plant Pollinators, and Construct Hoop House at High Point HS | 3601 Powder Mill Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705 | Remove invasive plant species for future bird houses; plant pollinator gardens near the outdoor classroom, help construct new hoop house/temporary greenhouse. |
| Restore Mount Rainier Forest | 3648 Wells Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD 20712 | Remove invasive vines, debris (e.g., dumped tires, trash), dead trees, weeds/small bushes |
| Spread Mulch at the Calvert Memorial Park Garden | 6230 Rhode Island Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD 20737 | Volunteers will spread 12 cubic feet of shredded hardwood mulch on beds in Calvert Memorial Park. |
| Project Name | Address | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Emancipation Day Transcribe-a-thon | 4811 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale, MD 20737 | Transcribe 19th Century handwritten documents to help discover more about the free and enslaved families that lived and worked at the Riversdale House. Help uncover the stories of unknown individuals and families who will find their place in the rich history of this site. No experience is necessary and Riversdale staff will be on hand to assist. |
| Build a Tiny Library | 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park, Md 20740 | Build tiny library for K-4th grade books to be installed at the North College Park Hollywood Park and or the College Park Youth and Family Service Center. |
| Serve as Guest Coordinator for Community Workshops | 7777 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740 | Volunteers will check in and direct attendees for the three workshops happening at The Hotel |
| Project Name | Address | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Assemble Emergency Preparedness Bags | College Park City Hall Community Room - 7401 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740 | Help assemble emergency preparedness kits for distribution to residents of Attick Towers and Spellman House. |
| Assist Residents of Attack Towers with Decluttering | 9014 Rhode Island Ave College Park MD 20740 | Residents at Attick Towers will place unwanted items in hallways and volunteers will remove them from the hallways and put them in a dumpster; Volunteers will also collect unwanted documents to be shredded. |
| Distribute Hygiene Supplies to Seniors in Attick Towers | 5147 Rhode Island Ave, 9014 Rhode Island Ave College Park MD 20740 | Pass out hygiene supply bags to seniors |
| Friendly Phone Call with a Senior Resident | Virtual | Volunteers will make calls to residents aging in place who feel disconnected and dealing with isolation |
| Help Teach IT Skills to Residents of Attick Towers | 9014 Rhode Island Ave College Park MD 20740 | The volunteers will be conducting an IT workshop with residents who are interested. They will have questions about doing things on their iPhone or androids. They may also have some questions about how to use computers. We would like them to bring down their phones, tablets, etc to use during the event. The HACCP also has a couple computers that can be used to demonstrate how to do certain things for the residents. |
How to Support Yourself & Others in Challenging Times
Far too often, people suffer in silence, afraid to admit that they need help and worried about the stigma. At the same time, friends and family aren’t sure how to provide support, fearful that they could make the situation worse. In this workshop, learn how to:
- Notice mental health concerns when they are present in oneself and in others (i.e. basic signs.)
- Respond when noticing it in others including basic tips for asking tough questions, showing empathy and suggesting they seek help.
- Respond when noticing struggles in ourselves (e.g. self-care tips, resources for seeking help including therapy, hotlines and support groups, and asking for support.)
Let's Plan for Mental Health Challenges in Schools with the 3-1-1 Initiative
The pressure to get good grades and fit in at school can create a lot of stress for students; therefore, it is critical that schools provide students with a plan to handle life’s challenges.
This program, developed in High Point High School in Beltsville, helps students identify:
- 3 Strategies they can use when dealing with a stressful situation
- 1 Peer they trust to share their struggles
- 1 Adult they can reach out to for help
Teachers and principals are invited to this workshop to learn firsthand from High Point High School’s Community School Coordinator about the 3-1-1 Initiative including how it works and how they can implement it in their schools.
Please note that each session presents the same information and you are permitted to sign up for 1 session.
Couples: Learn to Be Better with the TOGETHER Program (JUNTO en PAREJA)
Learn how you and your partner can improve communication and problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and handle finances successfully.
The TOGETHER program believes strong couple relationships and stable finances provide a foundation for the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. TOGETHER aims to promote healthy family relationships, personal well-being, effective parenting, and employment and financial stability in our communities. The TOGETHER Program provides a safe place for couples who want to improve their communication and problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and handle their finances successfully. TOGETHER also provides case management services in connection with employment services. We believe that couples can build long-lasting changes in their families by working together.
Participants in this workshop will learn about the following:
- Why was the TOGETHER Program created?
- Who can join the program?
- What are the program's services?
- What are the benefits of the program?
The workshop will take place on Zoom from 11 AM to Noon on Saturday, November 12. Please use the Zoom info below to join the workshop and find out how you can improve your relationships.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History's Outbreak Exhibit
The world-renowned Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is coming to College Park with intriguing and thought-provoking programs about pandemics on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 10 AM to Noon.
Guests will explore a pop-up exhibit entitled “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World” which invites guests to join epidemiologists, veterinarians, public health workers, and citizens as they rush to identify and respond to infectious diseases.
The event will take place at The Hotel which is located at 7777 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740. Sign up before Noon on Wednesday, November 9 to attend this new and exciting event that you won't want to miss.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History's Outbreak Interactive Board Game
The world-renowned Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is coming to College Park with intriguing and thought-provoking programs about pandemics on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 10 AM to Noon.
Guests will participate in an exciting and interactive board game in which teams wrangle with local issues relating to preventing and stopping community outbreaks.
Guests can sign up for one of two sessions: Session 1 from 10 AM - 11 AM or Session 2 from 11 AM - 12 PM
The event will take place at The Hotel which is located at 7777 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740. Sign up before Noon on Wednesday, November 9 to attend this new and exciting event that you won't want to miss.
Learn How to Ride a Bike: It's Never too Late!
Description: Have you always wanted to ride a bike, but haven’t had a chance to learn? Well, the time has come. Join the BikeUMD for an Adult Bike Riding Class! Participants will receive hands-on instruction to begin riding and reaping the benefits of fun, fitness, and sustainable transportation.
Instructed by: League of American Bicyclists' certified instructors
Where: Regents Parking Garage on the University of Maryland’s campus at 200 Regents Drive, College Park, MD
When: 9:30 AM
Requirements: A Bike (Need to borrow one? The first 4 people who ask, will be loaned a bike for the lesson. Other options include borrowing a bike from a friend or renting a bike for 24 hours for $8. There are multiple locations around the university.)
Register before Thursday, November 10 at Noon to save a spot. Please note that this class is for adults only.
Aviation's Natural Inspiration Tour: College Park Aviation Museum to Lake Artemesia
Description: Join staff from the College Park Aviation Museum for a walking tour from the museum to Lake Artemesia. While you walk, you will learn about local aviation history and its connection to the natural world.
You will also learn about the importance of studying nature and opportunities for community members to contribute to citizen science programs that monitor biodiversity in the College Park community and beyond.
Where: Beginning at College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park, MD
When: 10 AM - 12 PM
Requirements: Please bring a water bottle and walking shoes.
Donate to a Drive
College Park and surrounding communities have the opportunity each year to help fight food insecurity by participating in the Good Neighbor Annual Food Drive. This year, we are continuing our work with the College Park Community Food Bank and the UMD Campus Pantry.
Leading up to Good Neighbor Day, we are partnering with the University Libraries and the School of Public Health to add two new opportunities: a Children's Book Drive and a Baby Item Drive.
When: October 18 - November 10
Drop-Off Locations: IKEA College Park, Third Eye Comics College Park, and the College Park Aviation Museum
What's Needed: Non-perishable food and drink items
Contact: Cameron Thurston, cthursto@umd.edu
When: October 25 - November 10
Drop-Off Locations: McKeldin Library and STEM Library at University of Maryland College Park
What's Needed: Gently used and new Pre-K through 6th Grade children's books, especially books in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Contact: UMD Libraries, Nneka Chisolm-Edwards, ncedward@umd.edu; M-NMPCC, Anthony Nolan, anthony.nolan@pgparks.com
When: October 18 - November 10
Drop-Off Locations: School of Public Health - Dean's Office, SPH 1234, and SPH 1142
What's Needed: Baby formula, baby food, baby wipes
Contact: Community THRIVES Lab, Ximena Marin Gutierrez, xmaringu@umd.edu