Ocean City has beautiful beaches and a strong community. Both residents and visitors, therefore, can find numerous opportunities to show their goodwill. Volunteering certainly betters the community and ingrains subsequent bonding between the members of the community. There is an opportunity for anyone who wants to help in Ocean City, whether it's in saving the environment, uplifting fellow men, or promoting current events.
Environmental Conservation
1. Beach Cleanups
Organized beach cleanups are often some of the most popular and impactful volunteer opportunities in Ocean City. These events are normally organized by local environmental groups and the city itself. Litter removed through these events saves marine life and leaves the beaches beautiful for all others to enjoy.
Example: The Ocean City Environmental Commission regularly holds beach cleanups, such as after peak tourist seasons or major events. The group is open to any participant through invites from the commission's website or announcements on social media for impromptu ones.
2. Dune Preserving Projects
Dunes are a crucial part of the coastal ecosystem, offering habitat for wildlife and providing a natural barrier against storm surges. Volunteers may be involved in planting native vegetation on dunes to prevent erosion.
Example: The New Jersey Coastal Coalition teams up with schools and other local civic organizations to coordinate dune planting events. This helps the environment, but it's also educational for citizens of all ages.
Supporting Local Nonprofits
1. Food Banks and Pantries
Food insecurity is real in a lot of the communities, and Ocean City is not an exception. Bagging donations, repackaging food in boxes, and distributing them to families are what volunteering opportunities at local food banks or pantries entail.
Example: The Ocean City Ecumenical Council sponsors a food cupboard that depends on volunteers to put in hours running it so that the doors can remain open daily. They welcome individuals and groups willing to give their time to help feed the community.
2. Homeless Shelters and Services
Volunteers can be of immense help in homeless shelters and service organizations that are dedicated to homeless individuals. This can take the form of providing food, conducting a clothes drive, or any other form of operational support.
Example: A few miles away, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission often fishes in the same pool of volunteers but serves the greater Ocean City community. This organization works to provide assistance and support for people transitioning out of homelessness.
Educational and Youth Programs
1. Tutoring/Mentorship Programs
With an investment of perhaps an hour or two per week, it is possible to make a lifetime of difference in a child. Support local education initiatives by becoming a tutor or mentor with all kinds of opportunities to help with homework and emotional support.
Example: Ocean City Free Public Library has tutoring programs that rely on volunteers. These programs provide the opportunity for students of any age to improve their grades and build confidence.
2. After-school Programs and Summer Camps
Most after-school programs and summer camps are looking for volunteers to run activities, supervise children, or lend a hand with administrative work. These programs are crucial in offering a safe and enriching environment for kids outside school hours.
Example: The Ocean City Recreation Department operates year-round programs and periodically needs volunteers to assist with sports leagues, arts and crafts, and special events.
Community Events and Festivals
1. Event Staffing and Organization
Lots of activities and events, major and minor, take place in Ocean City throughout the year and most raise funds and involve volunteers to get things done. These fundraisers could involve setup, manning booths, logistics support, or just cleaning up after an event has ended.
Example: The annual Ocean City Fall Block Party is a huge event. Volunteers are always needed to do different things from raising tents to directing traffic and providing information to the attendees.
2. Fundraising Events
Fund-raising events are commonly held by various non-profit and community organizations to raise funds for their programs. Volunteers can assist in organizing the events, procuring donations, and managing the event throughout the day.
Example: The Humane Society of Ocean City runs a number of events to raise funds for use in supporting pets, such as pet parades and charity auctions. These need volunteers dedicated to such activities to ensure success.
Health and Wellness
1. Blood Drives
Blood drives are a necessary service. Volunteers can help register, provide refreshments, and support donors. Such events save lives by ensuring that an appropriate supply of blood is available should people need it for medical emergency care.
Example: The American Red Cross usually has blood drives done in Ocean City quite frequently. Most are from volunteers in the community centers, but, sometimes, they are even done in the local schools.
2. Services for Seniors
There is a lot of satisfaction derived from volunteering to help the aging population. This may involve visiting senior centers, providing meal delivery services, spending time, and playing games with seniors who live alone.
Example: Volunteer programs coordinated by the Cape May County Department of Aging support senior citizens with home visitation and transportation services.
Conclusion
Voluntary work in Ocean City will give you a great opportunity to improve the community by letting you meet new people, acquire new skills, and understand the area much better. There are many ways to get involved and have a positive impact, whether you are a longtime resident or just visiting.
