Looking for a meaningful, hands-on way to give back as a team or organization? Whether you're a business, school, faith group or community club, you can become a hero for a child with disabilities in a way that aligns with your values and your schedule.
Why Volunteer as a Group?
At Kennedy Krieger Institute, group volunteers make a lasting difference—and we make it easy for your team to get involved. We’ll help you create a custom volunteer experience based on your or your group’s goals, availability and interests.
- Build teamwork through service
- Engage in projects with purpose
- Directly support patients, families, and staff
- Choose activities that fit your group's strengths
Ways Your Team Can Help
The opportunities are endless! Whether you prefer on-site volunteering or remote donation drives, your group’s contribution helps brighten days and create comfort for the children and families we serve.
- Donate books, toys, and activity supplies
- Make no-sew blankets for inpatient children
- Prepare toiletry bags for families staying with us
- Distribute school supplies for our educators
- Collect and donate winter gear for our community programs
- Decorate the Institute to bring holiday cheer
Please note these are examples of volunteer events and are subject to change. Kennedy Krieger is committed to supporting the needs of our patients and staff by helping them to provide better patient care all while protecting patient confidentiality.
Did you know that thousands of companies provide incentives for employees to volunteer with organizations like ours? Please use the below search tool to see if your company provides volunteer grants or Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) programs and to access the forms, guidelines, and instructions that you need to participate in them.
What to Know Before You Make an In-Kind Donation:
In order to maintain a safe environment for our patients and families, all in-kind donations must follow these guidelines. We do not accept:
- Used (including gently used) toys or clothing. Donations must be brand new, odor-free in the original packaging.
- Stuffed animals, unless they are sealed in the manufacture’s packaging or shipped directly from a store.
- Collector items that have been gathered and stored over a significant period of time (sports cards, beanie babies, etc.)
- Items containing latex
- Violent themed items (containing guns, knives, swords, blood, etc.)
- Gift wrapped items (items will be unwrapped prior to being given to patients)
- Religious themed items or messages
- Used books
We always appreciate donations of baby essentials, toys, games, crafts, travel-size toiletries and other supplies! If you are interested in scheduling a time to drop your donations off of hosting an event to collect items, please email the engagement team.
Here are More Ways to Make a Difference
Individual Volunteer
Help a child feel like a kid again. Play games, do crafts, and bring joy to a patient’s day. You can contact us and we will get back to you.
Special Events Volunteer
Lend a hand at Kennedy Krieger’s exciting events throughout the year. Get in touch with our events team to learn more about getting involved with one of our upcoming fundraisers.
Wish List Donations
Donated toys and basic necessity items help our patients, families and students who are coping with a hospital admission and/or experience financial challenges.