By Eliza Berkon
If you’re retired, working part-time or looking for something to do each weekend, volunteering is a great way to pick up a new activity. NoVA affords seemingly endless volunteer opportunities for just about every background and interest. Here’s nine ways to get involved right now:
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Become a foster home, help prepare kennels, provide office support or transport animals. The time commitment for most duties is a minimum of four hours per month for six months, and a volunteer information session is required. Register online.
Prince William County Animal Shelter, Manassas
Volunteer options include animal care, fostering, social media and customer service. Commit to four hours per month for at least six months. Find registration and info sessions online.
Food for Others, Fairfax
The four most in-demand opportunities at the moment are: front desk shopper, food distributor, power pack prep and food salvage at local grocery stores and farmers markets. Register online for each opportunity.
Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
Choose from assisting with warehouse quality, SNAP outreach, food boxes for low-income seniors and people with disabilities and food distribution. Find orientation and registration information online.
Opportunities include patient visits, flower delivery, the Hospital Elder Life Program, newborn care, clerical work and retail support. One three- to four-hour shift per week is required for at least six months. Register online.
Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg
Volunteers serve as patient escorts, waiting room ambassadors, customer service providers and more. One shift per week for six months or more is required. Register online.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, Falls Church
Roughly 1,500 English-language learners use Literacy Council services. Put your language skills to use by attending an orientation and submitting an application to volunteer.
Fairfax Partnership for Youth, Falls Church
In addition to other volunteer opportunities, the Fairfax Partnership for Youth is seeking a volunteer coordinator and fundraising/events coordinator. Learn more online.
Don’t see an opportunity that meets your interests? Try these databases to find something tailored to your needs and experience: Idealist, Mentoring, Points of Light, Senior Corps, Volunteer Match.
