Alexia Camm says there’s a common

misconception that people who lead a busy life

will never succeed as volunteers. “You can find a

way to volunteer that fits you,” assures Camm.

“Even if it’s just for a day.”

  Camm, whose Greek given name means “helper,” has been volunteering since she was a child assisting her mother with food and coat drives. She works full time as an administrative coordinator; when she’s not at work, the 25-year-old volunteers for Thread, a nonprofit that links at-risk high school students with volunteer mentors and community resources. She’s committed to seeing her mentee reach her full potential. “I’m in constant contact with my student,” says Camm. “She’s on track for graduation.”

  Last fall, Camm worked with her department’s community engagement

committee to organize two days of cleaning and flower planting at ABC Park in West Baltimore. At one point, local children who use the park for football practice—many still dressed in their football uniforms and cheerleading outfits—joined in to help break up the hardened plant bed soil. “They wanted to use the pick ax to show their strength,” says Camm. “It was one of the best moments because you could see how proud those kids were.”

  Camm has also volunteered for the Maryland Food Bank, Marian House, House of Ruth and United Way.