Opportunities From: Volunteer Arlington

Join us to volunteer with DC Central Kitchen, a close partner organization that uses volunteer help to transform 3,000 pounds of otherwise wasted food into 5,000 healthy meals for schools, homeless shelters, and social service agencies.

Volunteers will work in their professional kitchen to chop vegetables, sort fresh produce, mix salads, portion meals, and more!

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/hunger-action-at-dc-central-kitchen-4/

Please note that DCCK welcomes volunteers ages 12 and older for this opportunity. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to volunteer with the Youth Action Institute (https://www.edcjcc.org/programs/youth-action-institute/)

We will meet at the DC Central Kitchen located in southwest DC. The address will be provided with registration. There is limited space for this program and registration is required for participation. As DC Central Kitchen relies on a specific number of volunteers to be able to produce the meals they need, we ask that you only register if you are committed to showing up to volunteer on this day.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Lyssa at ajellenik@edcjcc.org. Related Events

Join the EDCJCC’s inaugural Giving Back Circle—a giving circle with a twist! Instead of focusing on financial contributions, this program centers on giving your time through volunteer work and community building.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/giving-back-circle/

Led by volunteer leaders, the group will select projects that align with the issues they care about most, creating a meaningful way to give back to the DC community. This program is ideal for people who are excited to help design and shape their own volunteer projects, and less suited for those who prefer drop-in or pre-arranged opportunities.

The first session will be held on October 23 from 6:00-8:00 PM and will include learning, discussion, and collaborative planning for the next six months. Together, the group will choose projects and set a schedule, with activities taking place on weeknights or weekends. The cohort will meet once a month for six months, and participants are asked to attend at least 4 of the 6 sessions.

This program is open to adults ages 25–40 from any background.

Registration is $25 per person; if cost is a barrier, please email Mira at msmith@edcjcc.org.

Help replenish the blood supply in the DC metro area!

It’s safe, easy, confidential, and extremely rewarding. The EDCJCC partners with Inova Blood Services to bring skilled technicians and top-of-the-line equipment for our quarterly blood drives.

ALL DONORS MUST REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/fall-blood-drive-3/

A few facts about donating blood:

- One blood donation can save four lives
- All donations stay in the Washington, DC area
- Every 17 seconds, someone in the DC area needs a blood donation
- One out of 10 people will need a donation before the age of 70
- The body quickly replaces the amount of blood given during the donation

For more information, please see the eligibility requirements for donating (https://www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/eligibility/)

Please plan on your blood donation to take about an hour from start to finish.

Do you need any additional accommodations for this event? If so, please contact msmith@edcjcc.org Related Events

Join fellow knitters and crocheters to make handmade goodies for a great cause!

Our goal is to contribute as many warm winter items as possible to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in the DC area. All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/handmade-for-the-homeless-october-2025/

What should I bring? Please bring your own needles/crochet hooks. If you are not already working on a warm winter item and are looking for a great project or just starting out, please bring #8 or #10 knitting needles (circular or straight) or a size H crochet hook. Don’t forget the patterns you’re working on or want to start.

What do you supply? We provide lots of beautiful yarn, several patterns including hat patterns using #17 needles or a size N crochet hook, and experienced knitters and crocheters to teach anyone who would like to learn.

If you can’t join us in person, join us in spirit by knitting or crocheting hats, scarves, gloves and mittens, socks or slippers, and other items to keep people warm during the cold winter months.

If you have any questions about this event, contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.