Gaithersburg News Briefs: Volunteer Appreciation Month, School Supply Drive and More

The city of Gaithersburg released the following news:

Gaithersburg Celebrates Volunteerism in April

In issuing an official proclamation declaring April as Volunteer Appreciation Month in Gaithersburg, the Mayor and City Council are celebrating the hard work and dedication of the hundreds of volunteers of all ages who work tirelessly to help Gaithersburg remain a vibrant, compassionate community.  The proclamation will be issued on April 2. 

“Volunteers are the backbone of our community,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz. “They supplement and enhance the work of nonprofit organizations, schools and City staff, ultimately adding to the quality of life in Gaithersburg and setting an example for future generations.” 

More than 300 middle and high school volunteers logged in excess of 6,000 volunteer hours last year, working with such projects as the Gaithersburg Community Soup Kitchen, tree plantings, Asbury’s Beloved Community Initiative, and many more. 

Visit the city of Gaithersburg website for more information.

Gaithersburg Collecting Supplies for End of School Year

The City of Gaithersburg Educational Enrichment Committee, in conjunction with the Division of Community Services, announces the kick-off of a school supply collection drive. Several years ago the Committee conducted a survey of educators and found that supplies for teachers and students are in high demand during the latter part of the school year. As part of the GREAT program (Gaithersburg Recognizing Educational Achievement Today), the committee is collecting school supplies for distribution to Gaithersburg area schools in the spring. 

Items specifically identified by local educators this year include: 

• 2, 3 and 4 inch Binders, Pencils, Stickers, Glue Sticks, Dividers for Binders, Scissors, Crayons, Erasers, Colored Pencils and Markers, Achievement Stickers, White Lined Paper, Certificates of Completion

Visit the city of Gaithersburg website for more information.

Paws in the Park Adds Fun Features

Several community “characters” will join this year’s Paws in the Park Dog Walk and Festival. McGruff the Crime Dog will promote safety for kids and consumers, Bethesda Big Train’s mascot, Homer, will offer game tickets for kids, and a representative of the Canine Section of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate equipment used for canine law enforcement assignments. 

Registration is continuing for the 15th annual event, which is one of the largest dog walks in the DC area. As a signature special event of the Montgomery County Humane Society, held in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, it raises funds to help homeless and abandoned animals throughout Montgomery County. 

Visit the city of Gaithersburg website for more information.