Want to help your community this holiday season? Whether you want to provide meals for families experiencing food insecurity or help find a forever home for a cat or dog in a shelter, there are plenty of opportunities to make a positive impact. Here are six organizations in NoVA that offer volunteer opportunities.
Rebuilding Together
This nonprofit helps rebuild and repair homes for nonprofit organizations and low-income homeowners in Fairfax, Arlington, and Falls Church. The group repairs more than 70 homes per year, with a special focus on seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children. Volunteers can work to restore a home or community center, no experience required, or help with photography, social media, and outreach. Volunteers must be at least 14 to work on a project site, and anyone aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Food for Others
Food for Others has been providing food for families in need since 1995, and volunteers have the chance to help. Opportunities include picking up food donations from area stores, assisting at FFO’s My Market, packing and distributing food to families, and helping out at the warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 12 to work in the warehouse, at least 18 to work at My Market, and at least 21 to transport donations.
Herralink
This organization helps connect high school volunteers with residents in senior homes. Teens can apply to participate in art programs, Bingo events, games, or just to spend time with seniors. The group has brought visitors to 11 senior homes in the area.
Loudoun Hunger Relief
Loudoun Hunger Relief provides perishable and nonperishable foods for families in Loudoun County. In the past year, it donated around 2.5 million pounds of food throughout the community. To get involved, you can sign up for a volunteer orientation to learn the ropes and find a role that fits for you, then you’ll be able to take on shifts. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, and those between 14 and 16 must have a parent or guardian accompany them.
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
Animal lovers over the age of 18 can sign up to help this animal rescue in its mission to find homes for dogs and cats from under-resourced communities or shelters. There are many different opportunities to volunteer, from working adoption events to transporting animals from shelter partners. Of course, you can always lend a hand by fostering a pet, too.
Northern Virginia Family Service
This nonprofit offers a wide range of support to the NoVA community, from early childhood development programs to providing shelter at its SERVE Family Shelter in Manassas for families experiencing homelessness. Around 40 percent of those shelter guests are children. Volunteers can take on responsibilities like serving meals at the shelter, volunteering in classrooms, and delivering food. Age requirements vary by shift.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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