Volunteer in Baltimore With Planting Words
Looking for a meaningful way to volunteer in Baltimore? At Planting Words, volunteers help us pack hygiene kits, write handwritten cards of encouragement and support our outreach across Baltimore City, Baltimore County and surrounding Maryland communities. Individuals, families, businesses, churches and student groups are all welcome.
Baltimore County volunteers with the hygiene kits they packed, August 2026.
Why Volunteer With Planting Words?
Planting Words was founded on a simple belief: words matter. A handwritten note, a clean pair of socks or a bag of toiletries tells someone who is struggling that they are seen and that people care about them. Our volunteers make that possible.
Volunteering with us is hands on and easy to start. You do not need special skills. If you can pack a bag or write a few kind sentences, you can help a neighbor in Baltimore feel cared for.
Ways to Volunteer
Here are some of the ways volunteers get involved with Planting Words. Tell us what interests you when you reach out.
Pack Hygiene Kits
Assemble kits with socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion, lip balm and more for people experiencing homelessness and families in need.
Write Cards of Encouragement
Every kit we share includes a handwritten card. Writing cards is a wonderful activity for families, classrooms, seniors and church groups.
Host a Drive
Collect hygiene items at your workplace, school or place of worship, then pack them together as a team.
Support Community Events
Help at outreach events with our partners, like the Trinity Baltimore Thanksgiveaway Event on November 21, 2026.
Help Gardens Grow
Love gardening? Let us know. We provide tools, seeds and plants to community gardens in Baltimore neighborhoods.
Group and Corporate Volunteering
Volunteering together is a great team building activity for businesses, schools, churches and community groups. Earlier this year, a group of community members coordinated by the Baltimore County Volunteer Center partnered with Planting Words to assemble 125 hygiene packs for neighbors in need, each with 10 personal care items and a handwritten message of hope.
Your group can do the same. We will help you plan the items, the packing day and the cards. Businesses can also support our work through corporate sponsorship.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Send us an email
Email [email protected] and include:
- Your name and the best way to reach you
- Whether you are volunteering on your own or with a group, and how many people
- The ways you would like to help
- Your general availability
Step 2: Hear back from our team
We will reply with next steps and upcoming opportunities that fit your interests.
Step 3: Make a difference
Pack, write, collect or show up. Every hour you give helps us restore hope and dignity for our neighbors.
Volunteer FAQ
How do I volunteer with Planting Words in Baltimore?
Email [email protected] with your name, how many people are in your group and how you would like to help. Our team will let you know the next steps.
Can groups volunteer together?
Yes. Businesses, schools, churches, clubs and families are welcome. Packing hygiene kits and writing cards of encouragement are great group activities.
Can I volunteer from home?
Writing handwritten cards of encouragement is something you can do from anywhere. Let us know you are interested and we will share how to get your cards to us.
Where does Planting Words serve?
We serve Baltimore City, Baltimore County and surrounding Maryland communities.
Can I donate instead of volunteering?
Absolutely. You can make a donation or give hygiene items. See our guide to donating hygiene products in Baltimore for the items we need most.
Ready to Help?
A few hours of your time can put care, comfort and kind words in the hands of Baltimore neighbors who need them.