This fall I have been volunteering once a month with a relatively new organization called One Brick. These events centered around sorting clothing donations for the needy at the Interfaith Clothing Center in Rockville, Maryland. The last event I attended was held on December 12. I had been thinking about writing this blog since then but with the Christmas Holiday approaching and our trip to Quakertown, PA to visit my in-laws, it went by the wayside. Today I saw Tom Corcoran’s posting that mentioned volunteering, so this re-energized me!
The One Brick tag line says “Volunteering Made Easy“. They provide support to local non-profit and community organizations by creating a unique, social and flexible volunteer environment for those interested in making a concrete difference in their community. One Brick enables people to get involved, have an impact and have fun, without the requirements of individual long-term commitments.
Some people like myself tend to frequent the same event each month while others like variety and pick different events that better match their busy schedule. In any case, there is no expectation of one coming back again to the same venue anytime soon. Many of the volunteers are from DC proper and other come from nearby communities in Northern VA and MD. One Brick has chapters in a half-dozen major cities.
For those so inclined, One Brick sponsors a monthly “Happy Hour” for getting to know other volunteers better and to learn, from personal stories, about other volunteer events.
Want to make a difference in your community? Check out the One Brick Calendar and find an event that matches your interest and schedule. Maybe I’ll see you at the next clothing center event on Saturday, January 9!
David Robert Lambert 