Want to help ensure that all students in our area are equipped with the school supplies they need--including items for virtual learning--to get a great start to the upcoming school year? Donate to one or more of the following school supply drives sponsored by organizations that serve some of our county's neediest kids.

Here are a few that are still collecting:

Identity Inc. is running a back-to-learning donation drive to help fill backpacks with age-appropriate school supplies for up to 1,000 Latino and other historically underserved youth. Most-needed items include pens, binders, calculators, noise-cancelling earphones to block out distractions in crowded homes, and monetary donations to purchase supplies.

When: Ongoing, by prior arrangement

Where: 414 East Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg

Details: Email development@identity-youth.org

Interfaith Works seeks donations of a variety of school supplies plus new children's underwear to support 2,600 local low-income students. The organization also accepts monetary donations that will allow it to purchase needed supplies.  

When: Tuesdays-Fridays, 9 am-4 pm, and Saturdays, 9 am-2 pm

Where: 751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville--or donate remotely using IW's Amazon school supplies wish list

Details: Email Mike Grant

KindWorks is collecting used musical instruments for Montgomery County students whose families cannot afford to purchase or rent them (and cannot access school-owned shared instruments during the pandemic).

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 12 noon-4 pm, or by appointment

Where: Bannockburn Community Clubhouse, 6314 Bannockburn Drive, Bethesda

Details: Email Deb Lang

Montgomery County Association of Family & Community Education is gathering school supplies to donate to children served by the National Center for Children and Families and by Interfaith Works. Accepted items include backpacks, pens, pencils, white glue, glue sticks, rulers, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, markers, compasses, protractors, scissors, paper clips, and binder clips.

When: Ongoing

Where: Front porch at 15500 Gallaudet Ave., Silver Spring, or 7208 Maple Ave., Takoma Park

Details: Email Kathie Mack or call 301-270-5367

Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless has completed its school supplies drive, but is now collecting funds to help create healthy learn-at-home spaces. This fund will help MCCH provide desks, calculators, sensory supports, and other items to help the students it serves get the most from virtual school learning. 

When: Ongoing

Where: Online

Details: Email Lynn Rose

Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation's Give BACKpacks campaign accepts monetary donations to fund the costs of providing students in need with virtual learning supply kits. A $10 contribution covers the cost of supplies for one student. 

When: Ongoing

Details: Visit the Give BACKpacks website

So What Else is collecting pencils, notebooks, index cards, and other school supplies, as well as educational games, puzzles, diapers, and formula for kids in need.

When: Mondays-Fridays, 10 am-4 pm, and by appointment on Saturdays

Where: 1201 First St., Rockville--or donate remotely using SWE's Amazon emergency supplies wish list

Details: Email sowhatelsehelps@gmail.com

This is the last month of the Census--the U.S. government's once-a-decade population count, which determines congressional representation as well as federal funding allocations for state and local services.

You can help ensure that the count is fair and accurate! If you haven't already done so, take 10 minutes to complete the count for your household at 2020census.gov. If you have, spread the word so others make sure to be counted. You can even volunteer with 2020 Census for Montgomery County, which will send Census ambassadors to food distribution sites and other community events to encourage participants to complete their Census. Volunteers will be provided posters with large QR codes that link to the Census site, face masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing guidelines to help ensure safe interaction. (Additional dates and locations are being added regularly so be sure to check back for more opportunities as the month progresses.)

AmeriCorps, an intensive service work program often referred to as "the domestic Peace Corps," relies on more than 75,000 people per year to serve nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the United States. While many local positions have been filled, a few organizations are still recruiting AmeriCorps members to help tackle a variety of needs in our community. Here are details:

All AmeriCorps members are paid a living allowance stipend throughout the course of their service. They may also be eligible to receive an educational award at the end of their service and student loan deferment during their service.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections seeks adults of all ages and students in grades 6 and up to serve as election workers during the 2020 presidential election, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and during early voting the prior week. Election workers--also known as election judges--help polling places run smoothly and serve as the point of contact between the voting public and the Board of Elections. Bilingual residents are especially needed.

Individuals who fill these service positions are paid a stipend; students can choose to earn SSL hours in lieu of payment. (The board's Future Vote volunteer program for students is on hold this fall due to the pandemic.)

Apply online or text SERVE to 77788.

Would you like to make a real difference during these challenging times? The pandemic has drastically altered the world of volunteering, as nonprofit and government agencies respond to both the increasing community needs and the constraints imposed by COVID-19.

Join the Volunteer Center for "Time To Give Back: Finding Your Best Volunteer Fit During COVID and Beyond," a Zoom event sponsored by the Montgomery County Public Libraries on Thursday, Sept. 10, 11 am-12 noon. You'll learn about our rich resources for exploring volunteer opportunities, the special services of the 50+ Volunteer Network, and what community service may look like in the future.

Attend the virtual event here on Sept. 10. (Note that the program session will lock at 11:05 am for security reasons.) Questions? Email 50plus@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Every year since 2012, Maryland, Virginia, DC, and West Virginia have joined together from Sept. 11 to Oct. 11 for "A Day to Serve," a movement designed to unite people of all backgrounds through the shared goal of helping those in need and improving our communities.

Although COVID-19 has limited the types of service activities available to volunteers--especially the large group projects that traditionally have been at the core of this event in Montgomery County--there are still many needs and many ways to help. Find them by searching through the opportunities on the Volunteer Center website and/or the ideas on the Day to Serve site.

Have a project of your own you wish to share to inspire others? Register your act of service and share pictures or information on social media using the hashtag #MDDTS2020.

As you reach out to help others during the pandemic, please protect yourself and those you are serving by taking the following precautions developed by Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Department of Health and Human Services: