FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now) -- As folks transition from summer break back to the classroom, generous souls are hard at work to keep volunteers engaged in serving their local community.

That volunteerism is strong in Frederick, encouraged by the Collective Church's "Next Steps" program.

As assistant director of Frederick's Department of Housing and Human Services, Michele Ott sees the community "safety net" in action daily.

"We try to make sure that anyone who needs help that we are able to support them," Ott said.

Volunteers like Danielle Sexton, who runs the Next Steps program for Frederick's Collective Church on the south end of town, have Ott's back.

"This week alone, we're doing 30 different service projects to help non-profits and other organizations in the area which fight hung

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