Volunteer Opportunity: Encouragement Cards (Virtual)
At Grace Helping Hands, volunteers are the heart of our mission. We are a grassroots nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) dedicated to providing toiletry kits, including essential feminine hygiene products, to homeless women and children.
Help spread kindness and hope by writing encouragement cards for individuals we serve. This is a flexible, virtual volunteer opportunity that can be completed from anywhere, on your own schedule.
What You’ll Do
Volunteers will handwrite positive and uplifting messages on index cards to
encourage and support individuals in our community.
Card Requirements
- Cards must be handwritten on 3 × 5 inch index cards
- Messages should be neat, legible, and appropriate for all ages
Suggested Themes
Messages may focus on topics such as:
- Hope and resilience
- Strength and encouragement
- Kindness and positivity
- Motivation and reassurance
Delivery Methods
You may submit completed cards using one of the following options:
- Mail:
3570 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Ste 583, Olney, MD 20832 - Drop
Off:
Drop off cards during one of our kit-making events. - To find specific locations and dates, contact us at volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org
- Or visit our website at https://www.gracehelpinghands.org/ for updated event information
- The latest kit-making event is scheduled for 2/7
Earn SSL Hours!
You can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for each hour you volunteer. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community while fulfilling your service requirements.
- 30 cards = 1 volunteer hour
- Volunteer hours may be requested by email, Hours will be confirmed once the cards are received
This is a simple but meaningful way to make a positive impact. Thank you for helping us bring encouragement and kindness to those we serve.
This Student Service Learning (SSL) opportunity is approved for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) middle and high school students.
Students can earn SSL hours by creating handwritten encouragement cards for unhoused women and children served by Grace Helping Hands.
SSL Hour Credit (MCPS Approved)
30 encouragement cards = 1 SSL hour
• Students may earn up to 3 SSL hours per day during the school year
• Students may earn up to 6 SSL hours per day during holidays and school breaks
Guidelines:
• Messages must be kind, supportive, and appropriate for all audiences
• Do not include last names, phone numbers, email addresses, or social media handles
Submission & Verification Process
1. Complete the encouragement cards
2. Take a clear photo of the completed cards
3. Email the photo to volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org
4. Drop off or mail the physical cards as instructed
SSL hours will be awarded after cards are reviewed and received. Verified SSL hours will be documented and an SSL verification form will be emailed after service completion.
MCPS SSL Requirements & Safety Notice
• Participation is at the discretion of the student’s parent or guardian
• This activity is designed to be completed safely at home
• SSL hours are awarded based on evidence submitted and reviewed
Contact Information
For questions regarding this SSL opportunity, please contact: volunteer@gracehelpinghands.org
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.
