Opportunities From: Volunteer Arlington

Do you have a group? Reach out to us at community@potomac.org

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is hosting Holiday Celebrations for residents. Help us serve food and build community by volunteering at one of the events below. 

Volunteers should be age 16+ and able to stand for the full shift.

Sign up online or email us at volunteer@ahcinc.org.

AHC gives out healthy groceries at no-cost every Monday, 11am-1:15pm, at the Shell, 870 S Greenbrier St. We're looking for volunteers to help once or weekly. Sign up on the link below.

On Monday, Dec 29, we need help with home deliveries and in the food distribution area. One home delivery volunteer will use their own vehicle to drive to a nearby building. The other home delivery volunteer will use our wagon to walk to the building next door. We also need one volunteer in the food distribution area. The details are on this sign-up. Sign Up Here

AHC, a non-profit, affordable housing developer, offers community connections and onsite programs to help adults strengthen their economic stability and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.  Programs include partnerships with local food banks that provide free, healthy food weekly.

For more information, email us at volunteer@ahcinc.org.

The low-income senior citizens and families who live in AHC's affordable housing building appreciate having free, healthy groceries delivered to their property.

On Wednesday, December 17, we need 2 volunteers to give out produce boxes to residents at Hunter's Park, 2021 N Nelson St in Arlington. Sign-up using the link below or email us at volunteer@ahcinc.org

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844A4A728A6FA7-49429503-staff

Please contact volunteer@ahcinc.org for more information.

Volunteers are needed to advocate for children in the Alexandria/Arlington juvenile court system. Volunteers advocate for children in abuse and neglect cases, custody cases, and cases where a child is in need of services. Volunteers conduct interviews with the children, families, and professionals involved in the case, monitor compliance with the Court orders, and attend Court hearings where they represent the best interest of the child. The time commitment is roughly 20 hours a month, and we ask volunteers to make a one-year commitment to the program.

Spanish-speaking, male and African American volunteers are especially needed!

Location:  

How to Apply:

Responsibilities:  

Types of volunteers:  

Time commitment:   

Qualifications:  

Wild Virginia's Campaign for Virginia's Water Future fights to protect the water we all depend on. We identify pollution sources, push for stronger permits, and demand state action where harm has already occurred. From pressuring agencies like the State Water Control Board and the Department of Environmental Quality to strengthening regulations through legal action and coalition-building, we work to create systemic change. PFAS are toxic "forever chemicals" that linger in the environment and build up in organisms. Scientific studies show that PFAS pose significant risk to people and wildlife. We are working to stop PFAS from being discharged by Arlington County's wastewater treatment plant. By pushing the state to enforce strong water protections, we're fighting for clean, safe water—right here in Arlington and across Virginia.

Donate Here!  Wild Virginia - Fighting PFAS Pollution in Arlington

A cleaner Pike starts with us. Spend MLK Day giving back at our Pike Park cleanup!

Join us for a community cleanup at Pike Park as we work together to refresh and beautify this important neighborhood space. This is a hands-on effort to help keep the Pike clean, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

Volunteers will help with tasks such as picking up litter, clearing debris, sweeping walkways, and giving the park a general refresh. All supplies will be provided on-site, including trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and basic cleanup tools. CPP staff will be present to coordinate and guide activities.

This is a great opportunity to get outside, make a visible difference in the community, and connect with neighbors. All ages are welcome.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) serves the Arlington community with animal sheltering and control services to help pet owners keep their animals healthy, happy, and home. AWLA provides ‘go bags’ to foster families and community members to keep their pets happy and healthy.

Join us for a Listen & Learn to hear about AWLA’s lifesaving work and how we use Go Bags to support pet parents and Fosters. Volunteers can help assemble these bags with supplies, treats, and enrichment items or pick up food to be given out to the community as part of our Pet Pantry. Pick your favorite type of Go Bag and head over to local pet stores (or us) to find each item. Once you have all the items drop off your assembled bag or food item in the MLK donation bin at AWLA between Tuesday January 20th and Friday January 23rd during our open hours from 12-7pm! Community Enrichment Go Bags For Dogs (most needed) - Martingale Collar/ Harness and Leash - Untippable Water Bowl - Slow Feeder - Lickimat - Durable Toys (Kong, WubbaNub) - TREATS!! For Cats - Eggsirciser - Wand/ Feather Toy - Cat Nip/ Cat Nip Spray - Cat Dancer Toy - TREATS!! Foster Family Go Bags Dogs - Leashes (We prefer 6 foot with 2 handles if possible. NO retractable) - Medium/Large Martingale Collars - Large Fun Slow Feeder - Treats - Durable Toys - Calming Spray Cats - Small Fun Crinkle Cat Toys - Churro Cat Treats or Tasty Crunchy Treats - Catnip - Feliway Spray - Cat Scratch Board - Slow Feeder Small Companion Animals - Care Fresh - Treats - Chew Toys - Slow Feeder or Fun Wooden Feeder

Pet pantry Cats - Friskies dry food: 3 or 16lb bags - Friskies wet food: pate or shredded - Lightweight cat litter - Dogs - Pedigree dry food: small large breed; 3.5, 14, or 18lb bags - Pedigree wet food: pouches or cans Local Pet Stores: Dogma 2771 S. Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington, VA 22206 Woof Gang 4550 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA 22207 AWLA 2650 S Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington, VA 22206 (not open on MLK Day) The Dog Store 2301 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Join us for a hands-on celebration of community care and everyday democracy -- create cheerful cards, assemble civic literacy book bags, and explore Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in a fun, interactive demo. All ages welcome!

This multi-station project invites participants of all ages to contribute to a more connected and caring community. Younger children can create cheerful "Community Caring" and "Local Heroes" cards, offering appreciation to seniors, shelter residents, and frontline service workers. Families and older kids can help assemble Civic Literacy Book Bags with donated books, bookmarks, and simple civics-at-home activities for schools and community programs. Adults and teens are welcome to explore a hands-on demonstration of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) - an accessible, high-energy way to learn about a growing form of democratic participation.

Each station reflects Dr. King's spirit of service by strengthening community bonds, honoring the people who keep our local world running, and inviting everyone into small acts of civic engagement.

"His Truth is Marching On", the true store of MLK's visit to Arlington: Encore Stage and Studio play, followed by creating a scrapbook of stories, reflections, and art for the Charlie Clark Center for Local History.

Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke in Arlington before the landmark 1963 March on Washington? In celebration of America's 250th birthday, Encore Stage & Studio proudly presents a new theatrical work, "His Truth is Marching On", that brings this historic visit to life and links our local story to the broader fight for civil rights.

Join us to experience Dr. King's powerful vision for the Beloved Community and explore how the arts can inspire civic engagement today. Following the 30-minute performance, participants will serve the Charlie Clark Center for Local History by putting together a scrapbook which captures memories, stories, and reflections on the significance of the MLK Day of Service in Arlington. This opportunity is suitable for grade school students (accompanied by parents) and up!

Don't miss the opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect - so together, we can build a more just and hopeful future.

Hello!

Thank you for your interst in volunteering with us. We are opening a new Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) distribution site for the Westover Community. We would love to have volunteers assist with this weekly distribution. Our volunteers need to be 16 years old or over or if the person is under 16 they must be supervised by an adult/guardian.

Please note signing up on here is only to express your interest, one of our staff members will reach out with confirmation and next steps.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteer@truegroundhousing.org or alinares@truegroundhousing.org

Time of distribution for the community: 3:30pm-5:00pm

Volunteer time: 3:00pm-5:30pm. (time given for setup and breakdown)

Drivers using their own vehicles needed to pick up toy donations from Toys for Tots in Fredericksburg and deliver to AHC properties in Arlington VA.

The pick-ups will be scheduled on weekdays during the week of Dec 8.

If you have a SUV, minivan or truck and can help, email us and we'll let you know the specific dates & times - laura.jackson@ahcinc.org

Did you know 23% of households in Arlington, VA face food insecurity?

Be a Hunger Hero and join Volunteer Arlington and Replenish Foundation for a Generosity Feeds Meal Creation Event with a goal to package 10,000 meals to fight food insecurity locally. Volunteers will join an assembly-style line up to put together delicious, shelf-stable rice and beans soups. All the meals will be given out to Volunteer Arlington's partners across the community. 

Invite your friends and family to join you and get ready to become the reason someone has a delicious meal!

Great project for families, groups and individuals.
Help keep students energized and ready to learn by creating snack bags filled with healthy, non-perishable items!

Healthy snacks keep students energized while they learn and play. Volunteers provide snacks, decorate bags & fill them.

Volunteers will start the project by learning about AHC's affordable housing properties and its resident services programs. Volunteers unable to attend in person can watch a video at home. The rest of the service project takes place off-site at the volunteer's chosen location.

After the listen & learn, volunteers will go to the grocery store or shop in advance, buying the lunch bags and snack foods. A list of suggested snack foods is on this Sign-up Genius. We ask that each volunteer make 20 snack bags.

Decorating the snack bags with uplifting messages, drawings, stickers or jokes is fun but optional. Volunteers will provide their own decorating supplies. The bags should be filled with 3-4 non-perishable snack items.

Volunteers will deliver the snack bags to AHC's Arlington community centers on Tuesday, January 20. The delivery options are on the Sign-up Genius. We have some flexibility for delivery later in the week but are not open on Monday, January 19.

For questions, please email volunteer@ahcinc.org.

Volunteers should expect to purchase supplies and provide their own transportation.

Sign-up Genius Link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844A4A728A6FA7-60433892-mlkday

Great project for families, groups and individuals.
Create a Welcome Bag for a New AHC Family!

Join us in welcoming a new family by creating a Welcome Basket!

When families move into AHC's affordable housing communities, we give them Welcome Baskets filled with household supplies to say, "welcome home."

Volunteers will start the project by learning about AHC's affordable housing properties and its resident services programs. This mini-listen & learn will take place in-person at Washington-Liberty High School. Volunteers unable to attend in person can watch a video at home. The rest of the service project takes place off-site at the volunteer's chosen location.

After the listen & learn, volunteers will purchase items, decorate welcome home cards and assemble the baskets. For purposes of hygiene and dignity, we ask that all items are new, unopened and unused.

Supplies for the baskets and delivery options are on this Sign-up Genius. Please email Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with questions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844A4A728A6FA7-welcome#/

Baskets will be delivered to AHC on Tuesday, January 20. We have some flexibility with the delivery but are not open on Monday, January 19.

Learn more about Arlington's housing challenges, what "affordable" housing is, and how to get involved.

In this Listen & Learn, we'll talk about Arlington's housing challenges, what "affordable" housing is, and current housing projects in Arlington. You'll hear from Resident Services staff members from two of Arlington's non-profit affordable housing providers, Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) and True Group Housing Partners, about how to volunteer. A representative from Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) will share ways to get involved in its advocacy work.

Great project for families, groups and individuals.
Create a Welcome Bag for a New AHC Family!

Join us in welcoming a new family by creating a Welcome Basket!

When families move into AHC's affordable housing communities, we give them Welcome Baskets filled with household supplies to say, "welcome home."

Volunteers will start the project by learning about AHC's affordable housing properties and its resident services programs. This mini-listen & learn will take place in-person at Washington-Liberty High School. Volunteers unable to attend in person can watch a video at home. The rest of the service project takes place off-site at the volunteer's chosen location.

After the listen & learn, volunteers will purchase items, decorate welcome home cards and assemble the baskets. For purposes of hygiene and dignity, we ask that all items are new, unopened and unused.

Supplies for the baskets and delivery options are on this Sign-up Genius. Please email Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with questions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844A4A728A6FA7-welcome#/

Baskets will be delivered to AHC on Tuesday, January 20. We have some flexibility with the delivery but are not open on Monday, January 19.

Great project for families, groups and individuals.
Help keep students energized and ready to learn by creating snack bags filled with healthy, non-perishable items!

Healthy snacks keep students energized while they learn and play. Volunteers provide snacks, decorate bags & fill them.

Volunteers will start the project by learning about AHC's affordable housing properties and its resident services programs. This mini-listen & learn will take place in-person at Washington-Liberty High School. Volunteers unable to attend in person can watch a video at home. The rest of the service project takes place off-site at the volunteer's chosen location.

After the listen & learn, volunteers will go to the grocery store or shop in advance, buying the lunch bags and snack foods. A list of suggested snack foods is on this Sign-up Genius. We ask that each volunteer make 20 snack bags.

Decorating the snack bags with uplifting messages, drawings, stickers or jokes is fun but optional. Volunteers will provide their own decorating supplies. The bags should be filled with 3-4 non-perishable snack items.

Volunteers will deliver the snack bags to AHC's Arlington community centers on Tuesday, January 20. The delivery options are on the Sign-up Genius. We have some flexibility for delivery later in the week but are not open on Monday, January 19.

For questions, please email volunteer@ahcinc.org.

Volunteers should expect to purchase supplies and provide their own transportation.

Sign-up Genius Link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844A4A728A6FA7-60433892-mlkday

When all children are supported to reach their potential, communities thrive with innovation, creativity, and shared opportunity.

Celebrate MLK Day of Service with Aspire Afterschool Learning and the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA) by learning how afterschool programs unlock the potential of young people and close opportunity gaps. This interactive Listen and Learn session will show how high-quality afterschool programs build on students’ strengths, foster growth, and create opportunities for every child to thrive, reflecting Dr. King’s vision of equitable education. The session will also provide tangible ways that you can support out of school time programs in Arlington and help close the educational opportunity gap.

After the discussion, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on service project preparing materials for CYFA’s afterschool program. These resources support the Darkness to Light series, which introduces youth to diverse cultures and encourages them to celebrate the world around them. All supplies are provided on site, and your contributions will have an immediate, meaningful impact on youth in the community.

Why Attend:
- Learn about the transformative power of afterschool programs
- Honor Dr. King’s vision by supporting educational equity
- Make a direct, tangible difference through a creative service project

Join us to learn, serve, and make an impact.

Family Friendly, ages 6+

Join us at our clinic to learn more about Arlington Free Clinic - who we are, who we serve, what we do, how we do it, and how you can help!

Our Director of Volunteer Resources, Kate Nadeau, will provide a history of the clinic, our role in the community, and explain the critical function of volunteers in our mission. For those interested, she will review current volunteer opportunities, explain the application process, and outline how onboarding works. Clinical and non-clinical opportunities are available! Bilingual (Spanish) volunteers are our highest need.

If you'd like to support the clinic directly on this Day of Service, please feel free to bring grocery store gift cards ($25; Giant, Aldi, Target), or dental supplies (soft bristle toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, travel size mouthwash) to be distributed to patients.
Logistics: Arlington Free Clinic: 2921 11th Street South, Arlington VA 22204. Metered parking is available on 11th Street and in the garage under the building. Free parking is available on surrounding residential streets. Guests are welcome to park in the FREE AFC spots in the garage. The free spots are lettered; the metered spots are numbered.

Tiny tools, big impact - Smile Squad will support AFC's mission to give patients access to high-quality dental care and send them home with tools to maintain their oral health.

The AFC Smile Squad will do most of the project on their own time leading up to the day of service. They are tasked with collecting dental supplies (soft bristle toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, travel size mouthwash) and creating little gift bags to be given out to patients after their dental appointment. The Squad can create as many or as few as they would like. Prepared gift bags will be dropped off at Arlington Free Clinic on the Day of Service. The Smile Squad participants are also welcome to join our Community Tour (listed as a separate event on the Day of Service).

Support Arlington FSS’ mission to bring an end to pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and injuries by hanging posters around the community to collect crowd source data of dangerous locations.

Participants will attend a listen-and-learn session on pedestrian safety at the MLK Day event location. After the presentation, participants will be given posters to hang in designated areas throughout the county. These posters contain a QR code for community members to report near miss pedestrian and cyclist incidents. These crowd sourced reports are used to identify dangerous locations in the county and inform advocacy efforts with state and local leaders.

Spend your morning outdoors cleaning up a portion of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail at Columbia Pike. Come when you can and stay as long as you like. All supplies provided, and all are welcome!

Join BikeArlington and WalkArlington as we clean up litter and debris on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a beautiful trail that's enjoyed by cyclists and walkers alike. We'll start on the W&OD Trail where it intersects with Columbia Pike. Look for the orange and blue Bike/WalkArlington tent on the trail near the intersection of Columbia Pike and South Four Mile Run Drive! We'll work our way down the W&OD toward South George Mason Drive. We’ll focus on picking up the litter and trash that gathers in the vegetation near the side of the trail. Refreshments and some fun giveaways will be provided as a thank-you to all who come out for the cleanup. Please register in advance so we can be sure to have enough supplies. The cleanup will be held rain or shine. If there is severe weather, we will cancel this event.

What to Bring:
• Gloves
• Trash Pickers or Grabbers
• Sun protection

Trash bags will be available onsite. A limited supply of gloves, trash pickers, and grabbers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to Wear
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. The area has a lot of vegetation, so pants are recommended. You may also want to bring gardening gloves.

The Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will be improving the trail near National Landing. Volunteers may perform some of the following work: 

You must register on EventBrite here to attend.

Learn how small actions can make a big difference for people living with dementia. Join our free educational session and earn your Dementia Friends certificate today!

Become a Dementia Friend!

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and learning how to better support people living with dementia? Join us for a FREE Dementia Friends Arlington information session — an engaging educational program designed to transform the way you understand, communicate with, and support those affected by dementia.

Through interactive videos, meaningful discussions, and practical examples, you will:
• Increase your awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Learn helpful ways to support individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, and families
• Connect with people from diverse communities who share your commitment to compassionate care

Participants will receive a certificate of completion recognizing their role as a Dementia Friend.

Together, we can create dementia-friendly communities — one friend at a time.

Want to make an impact on babies and young children in Arlington? Join us as you can find new ways to support our community whether that’s delivering culturally relevant books to families’ homes, participating in virtual READ-alouds, or assisting in our APS READ Book Fairs.

READ will explain our community work and describe all the ways interested volunteers can help. We will cover the specifics of contactless delivery, demonstrate how to make a virtual READ-aloud engaging and fulfilling, and explain what it means to be a Book Fair Volunteer (including set-up, managing the fair, closing, and take-down).

Experience PathForward’s mission in action! Join our community scavenger hunt to collect and assemble “Winter Hygiene Safety Kits” in support of our Arlington neighbors facing homelessness this winter. Fun for all ages and a great way to make a direct impact in our community!

A scavenger hunt with purpose for all ages! Volunteers will briefly learn about PathForward’s mission to support Arlington neighbors experiencing homelessness. Volunteers will then be invited to purchase a few items at local stores that they would like to go into the Winter Hygiene Safety Kits that will be assembled for PathForward's unhoused clients.

Support EcoAction Arlington by writing (and drawing!) thank you notes and postcards for our Donors and Tree Canopy recipients!

After a brief introduction to our organization and the impact we've made together, volunteers will write and design heartfelt thank you notes to tree recipients, supporters, and donors. These notes are more than just words—they're a way to celebrate community, honor generosity, and deepen the roots of connection
Let’s come together to plant seeds of gratitude and grow a stronger, greener community—one note at a time!
This is a family friendly event, kids welcomed & encouraged!

Step up for Survivors! Join Doorways' Listen & Learn + Scavenger Hunt to welcome survivors home.

Join Doorways for a mini Listen & Learn at Washington-Liberty, followed by a Welcome Home Scavenger Hunt to support survivors in the Arlington Community!

Volunteers will get an introduction to Doorways, Arlington's comprehensive community response to domestic and sexual violence. Each year, Doorways serves more and more survivors, and we need your help. Learn more about who we are and how you can contribute to a safer, more empowered community!

Then, we'll send you (or you and your team) off on a Doorways Scavenger Hunt! Volunteers will be given a list of items needed to build a Welcome Home kit for clients who are moving into our shelter or getting a fresh start in independent housing. Choose from donation lists ranging from $45-125. After collecting the items, we'll meet you at Doorways' Administrative Office in the Ballston Quarter to turn in your finished kits.

Open to individuals or groups, all ages welcome!

Help spread love and cheer to individuals in CRi's residential and community-based support services.

The objective of this project is to assemble between 700-750 Valentines that will be distributed to individuals supported in CRi’s 50 group homes and our day support programs in time for Valentine’s Day. Outcomes include helping to spread love and cheer to everyone in our program, helping each individual feel included on this special day, forming a connection between the community and CRi individuals, and creating an educational opportunity for community members to learn more about the disability community and the challenges they face. CRi will supply all materials needed. We will have a brief presentation at the beginning of the event. The activity is to be in-person on MLK Day at the Volunteer Arlington location.
CRi's MLK Day project has a goal to show love to the 350 individuals in CRi group homes and day programs. Volunteers will create Valentines cards complete with a sweet treat.

We will have a brief introduction presentation then get started with the project. Materials will be provided. If reimbursement is possible, that would be greatly appreciated. The activity will be in person and a representative from CRI will be onsite to collect the Valentines.

Join us on a heartwarming adventure to uncover treasures that will bring hope and support to families in need. Every clue you solve brings us one step closer to making a difference!

At Bridges to Independence, we believe that knowledge and action go hand in hand. That's why we're excited to invite you to a unique volunteer opportunity that combines learning, understanding, and a hands-on mission to make a difference.

We'll kick off the day with a "Listen and Learn" session where you'll discover how Bridges to Independence is dedicated to leading children and families out of homelessness and towards stable, independent futures. You'll gain valuable insights into our mission, our programs, and the real impact we're making in the lives of those we serve.

But that's not all! The day is about more than just listening and learning. Following the informative session, we'll transition into a unique and exciting "Donation Scavenger Hunt" at our family emergency shelter, Sullivan House. Each person will get a list to complete their scavenger hunt. This activity is family friendly and can be completed solo, in pairs, or in small groups if you wish. Items will be dropped off at 3103 Ninth Road N, Arlington, VA 22201.

This is your chance to put your newfound knowledge into action. You'll have the opportunity to scavenge for items that are crucial to the families living in our shelter. These items can range from basic necessities to food and more. By participating in this scavenger hunt, you'll directly impact the well-being and future of families and children striving to overcome homelessness and poverty.

Bringing comfort and a smile, one no-sew blanket at a time.

No special skills or materials are needed to make no sew fleece blankets at this in-person activity. Just bring your patience and a desire to have a good time. The Arlington Rotary Club (https://www.arlingtonrotaryclub.org/) will give you the blanket material and instructions on how to assemble them using only scissors (which we'll provide) and your own knot-tying abilities. When the blankets are completed, we'll deliver them for you to AHC (https://www.ahcinc.org/) to be donated to kids in affordable housing in Arlington. A representative of AHC will be with us to tell you about the impact of your efforts.

This is a kid-friendly project, but does involve scissors, so your supervision of any kid participants is necessary. You can work on a blanket in a group or as an individual.

Age range: 13 years old and over
Description: The mantra Rosie Riveters repeats in our programs is "I may not know, but I know I can figure it out.” Rosie Riveters STEM Kits are designed to foster the same “We Can Do It” attitude and provide an accessible introduction to STEM.
Volunteers will work to pack hands-on STEM Kits which are delivered to local schools and community partners in order to provide hands-on STEM learning experiences for hundreds of kids in Arlington, VA. Each kit comes with everything needed to complete it and includes access to exclusive video content to support hands-on learning.
Rosie Riveters' staff will guide volunteers through the kit packing process. All materials will be provided and kits will be completed on site on Monday, January 19th.

Come enjoy the woods in winter to restore a natural habitat!

Volunteers will be introduced to invasive plants in Potomac Overlook Regional Park. They will be then given appropriate tools, such as clippers, and gloves and led in teams of 5 by a Master Naturalist to an area of the park that is overrun by invasives. Water and snacks will be provided. This is family friendly for ages 8+. Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Meet at Potomac Overlook parking lot/Shelter at 2845 Marcy Rd. Arlington. Event is over at noon.

Each year AWLA delivers pet food, supplies, and toys to over 75 pet families in need throughout Arlington for the Holidays. We are looking for volunteers to help deliver these care packages. Delivery is on Saturday December 20th from 9am to 11am. You will be given up to 3 deliveries with 20-30lbs of food per package. 

Pickup is at AWLA: 2650 S Arlington Mill Dr Arlington VA 22206. 

Questions? Please email volunteer@awla.org. 

Thank you! 

Join us for a community cleanup on Columbia Pike as we work together to refresh and beautify this important neighborhood space.

We are seeking 20 volunteers for this community cleanup and beautification effort!

Tasks include:  

All supplies will be provided on site, including trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and basic cleanup tools.

Email smanrique@columbiapike.org or aschneider@columbiapike.org to confirm your shift. A link will be provided.

All volunteers receive community-service credit upon request. All materials and instructions will be provided by CPP staff on site. We will also provide water and snacks, as well as a special Pike volunteer shirt! 

After completing our cleanup, all volunteers are invited to Los Chamacos for a celebration lunch. 

Light Up Clarendon – Event Setup & Breakdown Crew

Thursday, December 11 • Clarendon Metro Park

Help bring Clarendon’s holiday celebration to life! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to assist with the setup and breakdown for Light Up Clarendon, our festive community tree-lighting event.

Setup (3:30–5:00 PM):

Help transport tents and supplies

Fill tent leg weights with water

Assist with tent assembly and general event setup

Breakdown (8:00–9:00 PM):

Take down tents and empty weights as needed

Load equipment into cars for transport back to storage

Help ensure the park is clean and cleared at the end of the night

This is a great opportunity for volunteers who don’t mind a little lifting and want to support a joyful community event. Thank you for helping us make Clarendon shine!

AHC is a non-profit affordable housing organization that believes Housing + Education = Success.

AHC runs year round education programs at seven community centers in Arlington, VA. We give each student a bag of tasty snacks to keep them energized while they study and learn.

Volunteers can help by purchasing and assembling snack bags at home. This is a great project for families and groups.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP:

Thank you!

Lead the charge in collecting clothes for kids in need! As a Clothing Drive Coordinator, you'll organize and promote a clothing or shoe drive in your school, workplace, or community, then sort and deliver the donations to our store. It’s a flexible, impactful way to get involved and directly support our mission of providing clothing to local children. We’ll provide guidance — you bring the energy. Great opportunity for youth developing their leadership skills!

Help make a family’s shopping experience smooth and welcoming! Volunteers assist customers as they browse and help pack clothing items at checkout. It’s an easy, rewarding role — perfect for someone who would enjoy interacting directly with the families we serve. All training and support provided on site. Sign up online at https://www.clotheslinearlington.org/volunteer/.

Note:

Help sort and prepare clothing donations for display in our store. Your work ensures every child receives clean clothing in excellent condition, presented with care. A great role for those who enjoy working with clothes and want to make a real, behind-the-scenes impact! Sign up online at https://www.clotheslinearlington.org/volunteer/

Note: At this time, we CANNOT accommodate court-ordered community service. 

Join us and help level the playing field for underserved youth! We’re looking for volunteer coaches to support our Thursday evening training sessions from 6:15-7:15pm in Arlington near Ballston and Clarendon. No need to run the whole session. We’ve made it easy by assigning one coach to lead a single drill for rotating groups.

What You’ll Do:

We Provide:

This is a great way to give back once a week, get active, and inspire kids who wouldn’t otherwise have this opportunity.

Looking for a fun, creative way to give back? Join our team as a Digital Storyteller and help us showcase the grit, growth, and glory of kids beating the odds through soccer via instagram. No fancy gear or editing software required. We’re looking for someone who can share the heart of what we do and help others feel it too.

What You’ll Do:

What We Provide:

Use your skills to help kids get the recognition they deserve and inspire others to join the movement.

When families move into AHC's affordable housing communities, we like to give them Welcome Bags filled with essential household supplies to say "welcome home." 

Volunteers will purchase all the items to fill the bags. A large, sturdy, reusable tote bag with a square or rectangle base is ideal. For purposes of hygiene and dignity, we ask that all items are new, unopened and unused. Please make sure items fit into the bags and limit your donations to the items listed below. We do not have the space or capacity to accept other items. Most volunteers find it useful and cost-effective to purchase items in bulk, as long as each final product has all the necessary items in it. Small 8 oz containers of all liquids are best, since the bags can get quite bulky. Thank you!

A complete bag includes: 

Dish soap (1) 

Hand soap (1) 

Bleach (1) 

All purpose cleaner (1) 

Sponge (1) 

Plunger (1) 

Trash bags (1 box) 

Gloves (1 pair) 

Paper towels (1 roll) 

Toilet paper (2-4 rolls) 

Hand towel (1) 

Plastic shower curtains and hooks (1 set) 

Reusable tote bag (1) 

Reusable laundry bag (1)  

Dustpan & mini broom (optional) 

Welcome home card (optional) 

Reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions.    

Sign up here: Welcome Bags for AHC Families

Location: Pike Park

Volunteers for the Holiday Market will help with vendor support, family-friendly activities, and CPP’s community tent.

This shift focuses on getting vendors and activities ready before the market opens.

Tasks include: 

Please email smanrique@columbiapike.org to confirm your shift. A link will be provided.

All volunteers receive community-service credit upon request. All materials and instructions will be provided by CPP staff on site. We will also provide water and snacks, as well as a special Pike volunteer shirt!

Join the Military Children's Six Foundation as a gift wrapper for Wrapping in the Gift of Christmas at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall 5-24 December.  Proceeds go to benefit the Simon Youth Foundation and the MC6 Foundation. 

Shift hours and days are 12 pm - 6 pm from 5-23 December and from 9 am - 6 pm Christmas Eve.

Shifts are available or you may opt to work the entire time.

The county board liaison serves as the local connection between Arlington FSS and one of Arlington County’s five board members. The liaison helps the organization stay informed about county transportation safety issues, fosters positive relationships with elected officials and staff, and supports local advocacy efforts. 

Key Responsibilities 

The Arlington Sister City Association's (ASCA) volunteer drive continues!  Are you interested in learning more about other cultures or being a "citizen diplomat?"  ASCA has 5 Sister City partnerships with these cities around the world: Aachen, Germany; Coyoacan, Mexico {in emeritus status}; Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine; Reims, France; and San Miguel, El Salvador and it is volunteer-based organization that works to enhance and promote Arlington, VA internationally.  ASCA also fosters productive exchanges in education, commerce, culture, business, and the arts through a series of events and programs throughout the year.  If this sounds like you, please visit www.arlingtonsistercities.org for more information or drop us a line at admin@arlingtonsistercities.org

The Arlington Sister City Association (ASCA) has an immediate need for a Treasurer.  Do you have experience with bookkeeping or accounting and volunteering with a nonprofit Board?  If this sounds interesting and you want to learn more about this opportunity, then ASCA wants to hear from you!

ASCA is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to foster international understanding and friendship through its Sister City partnerships and exchanges in the arts, culture, education, and more!  If you are ready to roll-up your sleeves and help a small nonprofit manage its financial responsibilities, then reach out to us today at: admin@arlingtonsistercities.org

Expressions of interest are being considered on a rolling basis.

www.arlingtonsistercities.org

Casa Chirilagua | Alexandria, VA | Volunteer From Home

Are you passionate about storytelling, community impact, and opening doors of opportunity? Casa Chirilagua is looking for a dedicated Grant Writing Volunteer to help fuel programs that transform lives in our vibrant Latino immigrant community.

Why This Role Matters

Every grant you help us secure directly supports students, families, mentorship, local leadership, and the future of Chirilagua. Your words become hope, opportunity, and lasting change.

What You’ll Do
Research grant opportunities
Draft and edit compelling proposals
Support our fundraising team with clear, mission-centered writing
Help strengthen programs serving 1st–12th graders and their families

Why You’ll Love This Role 

-Work 100% from home — flexible hours that fit your schedule
-Meaningful impact — your writing opens doors for kids and families
-Be part of a Christ-centered mission transforming a neighborhood
-Great for resumes, portfolios, and career growth
-Tax-deductible volunteer hours provided

Who We’re Looking For
-Strong writer who loves crafting clear, inspiring narratives
-Detail-oriented and organized
-Passionate about community development, youth empowerment, or nonprofit work
-Experience in grant writing is a bonus.

Join Us and Be Part of Something Bigger
Your gifts and your time can help shape futures, empower families, and strengthen a whole community. If you’re ready to make a difference through the power of writing, we’d love to hear from you!

We're looking for some skilled bar cooks or those willing to be trained to use a deep fryer and a small pizza oven.  This would be ongoing for our weekend events and some Tuesday nights.

Join us on Thursday, November 20 as we bring fun Thanksgiving Celebrations to affordable housing communities across Northern Virginia.

AHC, a non-profit dedicated to creating affordable housing, hosts monthly community-building events, and we need your help to make Thanksgiving extra special.

Volunteer jobs may include setting up, serving food, and helping with clean-up. Some events will have activities for families. It’s a fun and meaningful way to give back and connect with your community.

Sign up today and help us make this November unforgettable! SIGN UP HERE

Please email volunteer@ahcinc.org if you need more information.

Support the Resident Services with our food pantry located in one of our properties near the Bluemont neighborhood in Arlington, VA.

Please note signing up on here is only to express your interest, one of our staff members will reach out with confirmation and next steps.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteer@truegroundhousing.org or alinares@truegroundhousing.org.

This is a program led by volunteers; volunteers can expect:

-Assist with check in (able to be sitting or standing, must be comfortable working on a laptop, bilingual preferred but not required.)

-Assist with restocking (includes standing, reaching overhead, crouching, and lifting up to 15 lbs)

-Floater (includes assisting residents while they shop, and cleaning/organizing as needed)

Volunteers are invited to bring family or friends, please let us know when you receive your confirmation email.

Please wear closed toed shoes and wear comfortable clothing.

Support the Resident Services with our food pantry located in one of our properties near the Bluemont neighborhood in Arlington, VA.

Please note signing up on here is only to express your interest, one of our staff members will reach out with confirmation and next steps.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteer@truegroundhousing.org or alinares@truegroundhousing.org.

This is a program led by volunteers; volunteers can expect:

-Assist with check in (able to be sitting or standing, must be comfortable working on a laptop, bilingual preferred but not required.)

-Assist with restocking (includes standing, reaching overhead, crouching, and lifting up to 15 lbs)

-Floater (includes assisting residents while they shop, and cleaning/organizing as needed)

Volunteers are invited to bring family or friends, please let us know when you receive your confirmation email.

Please wear closed toed shoes and wear comfortable clothing.

Support the Resident Services Team with our bi-weekly food distribution for one of our properties near the Columbia Forest neighborhood in Arlington, VA.

This is a program led by staff; volunteers can expect:

Volunteers will be outdoors, can be standing or sitting and are expected to assist with bagging and handing out food to residents who stop by. Program may be moved indoors due to inclement weather. Volunteers are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the food distribution begins which is reflected in the shift times below.

Please note signing up on here is only to express your interest, one of our staff members will reach out with confirmation and next steps.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteer@truegroundhousing.org or alinares@truegroundhousing.org

Come join us in bringing the holiday spirit to our CRi homes! Volunteers are needed put up decorations at our residences throughout the area. Decorations can be homemade or purchased, we just ask that they are able to withstand the weather for the duration of the holiday month.

Sign up soon because we are starting right after Thanksgiving! Contact Volunteer Program Manager, Shannon White, at volunteer@mycri.org

Help make sure local students receive a present that will make the season special!

This year has been particualrly challenging for many of the historically underserved students and families that Aspire serves, and we're looking forward to bringing some joy and hope to our students through their holiday wishlist. Our students have put together a wish list of one book and one present each that would make their holiday season extra special - everything from stuffed animals to coloring books to soccer gear - and we need your help to make sure that all of them receive their gifts.

One of our former students, now in his first year of college, recently shared a story about how he wrote his college essay on receiving Pokemon cards during the holiday party at Aspire when he was in fifth grade. He shared what a big impact this small moment had on him, and how it's stuck with him and showed him the support of the Arlington community.

Will you help make this impact possible for current students by donating a gift for them today or sharing this wish list with your friends, family, and neighbors?

Check out the list at https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/V30MI7EZPJGC?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_Y7YGB5YYS8DZSXDZE02D

A few notes on this year's student wish list:

The Military Children's Six Foundation is hosting the Military Child World Expo 2026 (MCWE 2026) to Celebrate the Torchbearers of America's Future and America's 250th Anniversary.  This 3-day event features Carrying the Torch of Care Celebrating America's 250 Caregiver's Breakfast at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia on April 18, 2026, the MCWE 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia on April 25, 2026, and America's Torchbearers Showcase at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia on April 26, 2026.

We're looking for individuals such as social media influencers, writers, journalists, photographers, military connected youth (12-24), student and youth ambassadors, teachers, veterans, business, community, and civic leaders, caregivers who want to help make this a great event for military youth and families, teens, exhibitors, presenters, VIPs, and the community at large.

For more information, please visit www.themilitarychildworldexpo.com.

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors who are fluent in Spanish. 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

We have an exciting opportunity for volunteers. The Friends of Arlington's Planetarium (FOAP) has acquired a Portable Planetarium Dome. We have taken the Portable Planetarium Dome to STEM EXPOs, the Arlington County Fair, and other events in 2025 and have exciting opportunities lined up for the future.

We are looking for volunteers to be trained to operate the portable dome (this includes setup, operation of shows and disassembly and pack up).  Our goal is to create a "tiger team" of trained operators willing to volunteer to be operators a couple of times a year.

We will host regular trainings on the Dome - likely in the Arlington area. Training should take 2-3 hours. We will do these trainings a couple of times a year so if you can't make the a training but are interested there will be other opportunities as well. We will also do on-site training at events.

About the portable planetarium dome: This portable planetarium was originally acquired by Marymount University with support from the family of Professor Elizabeth Myhill (1960-2010) who taught astronomy, geology, and physics at Marymount University from 1993-2010. Professor Myhill was particularly focused on recognizing the contributions of women to the fields of physics and astronomy and she received the Draghi teaching award in 2007.

FOAP acquired the portable planetarium in Fall 2024 and will use it to further expand public access to and awareness of the wonders of science and the universe.

If you are interested in this opportunity please email dana@friendsoftheplanetarium.org. We hope to hear from you!

TSS is seeking interested adults who would be willing to volunteer their time to tutor middle school and high students during the school day in math. 

Join us to support participants with special needs through rock climbing. Some of the areas we will need volunteers are for weekly practices belaying our climbers, climbing assist (climbing next to them to assist them with hand/foot positioning), photographer/videographer, social events, climbing events, logistics for fundraising, coordinating events, and we are always looking to expand our leadership team.

Our practices are on Sundays from 9-11am except on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Please fill the form on our volunteer page on our website, once you register, you will get a welcome email with details about our practices.

Thank you in advance for giving your time and talents to make a difference. If you have questions, email info@unitedrocks.org

Healthy Snacks for Students Volunteer Opportunity

Help keep students energized and ready to learn by creating snack bags filled with healthy, non-perishable items!

What You'll Do

What You'll Need

Delivery Date: Tuesday, January 20, with some flexibility later in the week (excluding Monday, January 19).

IMPORTANT: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
Click here to sign up on SignUpGenius! (need to update this link)

You must sign up using the link to participate.

Additional Details

Thank you for helping to support our community!

Healthy Snacks for Students Volunteer Opportunity

Help keep students energized and ready to learn by creating snack bags filled with healthy, non-perishable items!

What You'll Do

What You'll Need

Delivery Date:Tuesday, January 20, with some flexibility later in the week (excluding Monday, January 19).

IMPORTANT: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Click here to sign up on SignUpGenius! (Need to update link)
You must sign up using the link to participate.

Additional Details

Thank you for making a difference in our community!

Essay Judges will read two types of essays on prompts given to students and their resume. The long essay is 1-page long (650 max. words) on a topic of their choosing (we give them 6 prompts to choose from) and the short essay is about 4 paragraphs long (250 max. words); they have three topics to choose from. Volunteers will have a rubric to assess the materials of the competition. We are giving away $1000 and $500 for scholarships to those who run in the first and second place. You will get a chance to also give them feedback on things they can do to write winning essays for college and to improve their resumes. You have one week to review the materials of three students assigned to you. Thank you for your interest!

Opportunity Title: Translation Support (Farsi to English and English to Farsi)

Opportunity Description: We are looking for translation assistance of personal documents from a client to be included in an upcoming filing on their behalf. The translation from Farsi to English will need to include a certificate of translation and will be included in the asylum filing with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS does not require you to be a certified translator, but you do have to be fluent in both languages and competent to translate the document.

Department/Individuals Assisting: Ayuda Legal Department –Maryland Immigration team

# of Volunteers Requesting: We are looking for a 1 volunteer to assist with this opportunity

Responsibilities:
• Translating multiple letters of support from Farsi to English
• Sending completed translations to our MD-IMM team for final review before being provided to clients/included in application

Opportunity Qualifications:
Required:
o Aged 18+ or older
o Bilingual abilities/English – Farsi fluency
o Computer Literacy/Experience with Microsoft Word
o Polite, courteous, and a positive disposition
o Ability to communicate well with others
o Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
o Organized, timely, and able to meet deadlines

Preferred:
o Some experience in translation work
o Previous experience working to assist low-income individuals, immigrants, refugees, or survivors of domestic abuse/sexual assault/trauma
o Passionate about serving asylum seekers


Commitment: Documents requesting translation of will be shared via email with volunteer who can then complete them on their own time and remotely. It is multiple short letters of only a few pages, although hand-written. We expect to have translation needs in this language up until the hearing in early December.

Technology Needed: The following technology will be needed for this opportunity and not provided by Ayuda

• Computer/Laptop with access to Microsoft Word
• If you would like to do this entirely remotely, you will need to either print, sign, and scan the certificate of translation, or take a photo of your wet ink signature and add it to the certificate of translation using a pdf editor.


Sign Up/Application: To help with this opportunity and completion of translation for our MD-IMM team, please sign up for our opportunity here!

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to him at volunteers@ayuda.com.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/d25-gift-wrapping-teens-edition/

Teens are invited to help us wrap hundreds of gifts that will go out to clients we serve on Christmas Day through our December 25th Day of Service. With your help, we can ensure that everyone receives something special and warm this holiday season! No gift-wrapping skills required, since we use bags and stickers instead of traditional wrapping paper for most of our gifts.

This project is open to teens ages 11-18 and is eligible for 1.5 SSL hours. Free to attend, but advance RSVP is required.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/teen-volunteer-project-no-sew-blanket-making/

Spend your evening bringing warmth and comfort to children in need. Volunteers will be making cozy no-sew fleece blankets that will be donated to the Children’s National Hospital Network, helping provide care and comfort to young patients during their hospital stay.

This hands-on project is a simple but meaningful way to brighten a child’s day and support families facing medical challenges. Blankets are easy to make and absolutely no prior experience is necessary.

This project is open to teens ages 11-18 and is eligible for 2 SSL hours. A vegetarian dinner will be provided. Advance RSVP is required.

If you have any questions, please contact Lyssa at ajellenik@edcjcc.org.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/winter-blood-drive-2/

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.

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. Please plan on your blood donation to take about an hour from start to finish. Do you have any questions or need additional accommodations for this event? Please contact Mira at msmith@edcjcc.org.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/d25-community-gift-wrapping-11/

Help us wrap hundreds of gifts that will go out to clients we serve on Christmas Day through our December 25th Day of Service. With your help, we can ensure that everyone receives something special and warm this holiday season!

No gift-wrapping skills required, since we use bags and stickers instead of traditional wrapping paper for most of our gifts. Children are welcome! Free to attend, but advance RSVP is required.

Please reach out to Mira at msmith@edcjcc.org with any questions. Thank you in advance for making our December 25th Day of Service even more special for those we serve!

REGISTER HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/d25-community-gift-wrapping-10/

Help us wrap hundreds of gifts that will go out to clients we serve on Christmas Day through our December 25th Day of Service. With your help, we can ensure that everyone receives something special and warm this holiday season!

No gift-wrapping skills required, since we use bags and stickers instead of traditional wrapping paper for most of our gifts. Children are welcome! Free to attend, but advance RSVP is required.

Please reach out to Mira at msmith@edcjcc.org with any questions. Thank you in advance for making our December 25th Day of Service even more special for those we serve! 

Volunteer Opportunity: Employment Workshop Facilitator

Location: Arlington, VA (various locations)
Commitment: Flexible schedule, minimum 2-4 hours per week ( Workshops occur weekdays between 8am-5pm)
Reports To: Employment Services Supervisor

 About the Role

Do you enjoy leading engaging workshops and empowering others to succeed professionally? As a Volunteer Employment Workshop Facilitator with the Arlington Employment Center (AEC), you’ll be at the forefront of our employment services—delivering interactive sessions that help job seekers build confidence, sharpen their skills, and take actionable steps toward meaningful employment.

This role is ideal for dynamic communicators who love teaching, mentoring, and creating safe spaces for learning and growth. Training, curriculum, and orientation will be provided.

 Key Responsibilities

Skills & Qualifications

What You’ll Gain

Share the Spirit of the Season!    Join The Holiday Project in a visit to a senior citizen in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted care facility.   Sing carols and distribute cards and gifts.  We bring the spirit of a holiday to those who otherwise might not have a celebration.

At Ayuda, we aim to maximize our impact by creatively engaging the community in seasonal in-kind donation drives that directly support our clients. Whether it's backpacks and school supplies at the start of the school year, toys and winterwear during the holidays, or essential items like female hygiene products and WIC supplies for International Women’s Month and Mother’s Day, we strive to go above and beyond for those we serve.

As we approach the end of the year, we’re excited to launch our 2025 Holiday Toy Drive! We’re collecting new toys, games, and gadgets to wrap and distribute to our young clients and families across our offices in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.

The joy of a parent being able to give their child a brand-new gift during the holidays is unmatched.

In a time when inflation is high and budgets are tight, this campaign is especially meaningful for the families we support, including newly arrived immigrants. We aim to provide hundreds of toys for children of all ages across our three offices. We’ll need your help to collect, wrap, and distribute these gifts, ensuring that this holiday season is a joyful one for our clients!

In-kind donations to Ayuda are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors are responsible for determining the fair market value of their donated items. Ayuda does not assign a monetary value to in-kind donations. Please retain your receipt for tax purposes. Ayuda’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1136608.

Ways to Get Involved & Requirements:
Purchase New Holiday Toys
• Purchase toys via our Amazon Wishlist – shipped directly to Ayuda’s VA office
• Purchase toys outside of Amazon – drop unwrapped gifts off at Ayuda’s offices
• Note: All toys must be new; we cannot accept used items.
• If delivering in person, please contact our Volunteer Manager to schedule a drop-off.

Adopt a Family (or multiple!)
• Provide specific gifts requested by a family. Upon signing up, you’ll receive the family’s Wishlist and background information.

Organize a Donation Drive
• Host a toy drive at your workplace, place of worship, or other community event to benefit our clients.
• Contact our Volunteer Manager for support. We reserve the right to approve donated items to ensure they meet our standards and maintain our clients' dignity.

Join a Gift-Wrapping Day
• Help wrap and prepare toys as well as write holiday card at our offices.
• While not required, volunteers who can lift up to 10 lbs. are preferred.
• Space is limited, so priority is given to groups, family adopters, and regular volunteers.

Dates & Commitment: If there are any schedule changes, our Volunteer Manager will notify confirmed participants.
• December 10th: Gift Wrapping at our Fairfax, VA Office
• December 11th: Gift Wrapping at our Silver Spring, MD Office
• December 17th: Gift Wrapping at our Washington, DC
• December 17th: LAST DAY WE WILL ACCEPT HOLIDAY TOY DONATIONS

Sign Up: To get involved in our holiday toy drive, please check out our Wishlist here, sign
up to adopt a family here or email our Volunteer Manager here to explore other ways you can get involved.

We look forward to welcoming your support for our campaign and thank you in advance for supporting Ayuda’s mission and the 3,000+ immigrant families we support.

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is hosting holiday celebrations at our affordable housing communities throughout the DMV. We're looking for volunteer photographers to take photos and videos during our events. Most events are held on weekdays sometime between 4-8pm.

Please email volunteer@ahcinc.org for more information.

The Washington English Center is recruiting online and in-person volunteers to teach and tutor English!

About the Washington English Center:
Since 1993, Washington English Center (WEC), a community-based program, has offered English and literacy training to low-income adult immigrants in the greater Washington area.

What our volunteers do:
Volunteers meet once a week online or in person in downtown DC for 1-3 hours a week for 11 weeks. Volunteers follow a provided syllabus and textbook and are given ongoing training. No teaching experience is required!

We also have the opportunity to substitute teach, which does not require a once-a-week 1-3 hour commitment, and provides volunteers with the flexibility to get involved at their own convenience. We are happy to work with your schedule.

Please check out our volunteer flier or watch our short 7-minute orientation video that provides an overview of all our programs. You can also visit our website at https://www.washingtonenglish.org/volunteers/ or check us out in the Washington Post.

Volunteer Perks:
Volunteer happy hour and socials in-person and online
Meet new friends from around the world
Networking events
Perfect for college students interested in joining the Peace Corps
Make a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees!

Volunteer Requirements:
Speak fluent English, non-native speakers welcome!
Be at least 18 years old
Complete the volunteer application
Complete a short onboarding call with a staff member
Complete training
Use provided teaching and tutoring resources and materials

Winter 2026 ESOL group classes start January 12th and run through March,26th however, our one-on-one tutoring sessions happen on a rolling basis and have flexible start and end dates. Please note, if you are interested in co-teaching we ask that you sign up by December 12th to receive a placement on December 19th.

For questions, please feel free to contact Yaritza Abrego, Associate Director of Community Programming at yabrego@washingtonenglish.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to WEC soon!

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors with experience in Engineering. 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors with experience in Cosmetology and/or Barbery. 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors with experience in the Military. 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors with experience in Healthcare. 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors with experience in Computer Science. 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

Are you ready to make a difference in a young person's life? 

Seeking mentors with experience in the Air Force 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking Mentors to join the College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. CCR Mentors are matched with a high school junior or senior for one academic year. They support their mentee with academics, post-secondary planning, goal-setting, and other life skills. Mentors and mentees meet monthly, at a minimum, as well as attend workshops and other special events together. 

New mentors must complete the required paperwork and training. Mentors should be flexible, creative, resilient, and eager to work with a high school student. Mentors will be onboarded by staff. 

Express interest by clicking the button below, or reach out to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org with any questions. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and proficient in another language? Community Tax Aid is seeking enthusiastic Bilingual Client Navigators to join our vibrant team! This is the perfect opportunity for someone who loves helping others and wants to ensure that language is no barrier to receiving top-notch tax assistance. No prior experience with taxes is required.

Let us know about any accommodations you need—we’re happy to work with you.

We strive to make our sites inclusive for people of all gender identities, disabilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Provide a warm welcome to clients as they begin their tax preparation journey, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed.

·       Assist clients with the intake process by helping them understand and complete the necessary forms.

·       Accompany clients throughout the tax preparation process, offering real-time translation services and answering any questions they may have.

·       Serve as the liaison between clients and tax preparers, ensuring clear communication and a seamless experience.

·       Support the tax site team in creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere where every client leaves feeling taken care of.

What You Bring:

·       Fluency in English and Spanish.

·       A friendly, approachable demeanor, and a passion for community service.

·       Excellent communication skills and a desire to assist people from diverse backgrounds.

·       Patience and the ability to explain forms and processes in a straightforward way.

·       A commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information.

What's In It For You:

·       A chance to meet new people from all walks of life and be part of a team that's making a tangible difference.

·       An opportunity to use your language skills to empower others and bridge communication gaps.

·       A rewarding experience where you’ll witness the direct impact of your help on individuals in your community.

·       The ability to learn more about the tax process without the pressure of handling tax documents.

Where you could volunteer:

·       Falls Church, VA: 115 E Fairfax St, Falls Church, VA 22046

If you are looking for somewhere to volunteer that is metro accessible, we have other tax sites in DC and Alexandria. Reach out and we can talk about them. 

When we would need you:

·      Tuesday Evenings 

Physical Requirements

·       Volunteer should be able to move around in a confined space

·       Volunteer should be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time; but standing and moving breaks can be available

·       Site is wheelchair-accessible

·       Free parking available on-site, site closes before dark.

·       Site is accessible via public transit and has an elevator to all floors.

·       Volunteers should be comfortable reading printed materials; screen magnification can be provided

·       Will be asked to respond to spoken questions in a busy environment; let us know if you prefer a quieter role

Environmental Factors

·       Site may be moderately noisy during peak hours; quiet space breaks can be arranged.

·       Shared workspace; volunteers should be comfortable working in close proximity to others.

·       Volunteers will engage with clients in person and/or via written materials; training provided for common scenarios

·       Scripts and talking points are available to support volunteers who prefer structured communication.

No prior experience with taxes is required—we’re looking for compassionate, bilingual individuals eager to assist. Join us at Community Tax Aid and be the guiding light for our clients, ensuring they navigate their tax preparation with ease and confidence. Ready to make tax season a breeze for someone in need? Come aboard as a Bilingual Client Navigator! Reach out to us and we will find the time and site that works best with your schedule.

If you have questions, email Andrea at volunteer@communitytaxaiddc.org or give me a call at 202-547-7773 ext. 1012.

Our mission at Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) is to enable seniors to continue living in their own homes as they age—safely, independently, and with an enhanced quality of life. ANV’s trained and vetted volunteers provide direct services to our members to help them age in place, and to reduce isolation and foster a sense of connection with the community.

Right now, ANV has a pressing need for drivers—our members need transportation to medical appointments, physical therapy, the grocery store, and more. About 1/3 of our members use a mobility device (like a walker or cane), or have some vision or hearing loss. Ensuring that these members have a safe, convenient and supportive mode of transportation for appointments and errands is a top priority for ANV. So we need you!

The loss of freedom for seniors who can no longer drive is more than a hassle—it’s frustrating, sad, and isolating. ANV’s volunteer drivers give seniors the gift of a ride—and connection. Being a transportation volunteer is a wonderful opportunity to not only help an ANV member get where they need to go, but to make a connection, get to know someone new, and provide a friendly interaction to someone who could really use it.

ANV primarily needs drivers with availability weekdays during business hours. Drivers must be 21 and pass a background and driving record check. Training and support are provided.  Please go to ANV's website  to learn more.

Here's a testimonial from a long-time ANV driver:

"I come from a family that treasures helping others and as I am growing older and now retired, I was searching for a way to give back to my community. Someone I knew who was also involved with Arlington Neighborhood Village, suggested I become a volunteer driver. I also volunteer in the office. I find the structure of ANV very conducive to my schedule—I can pick and choose what I want to do and when I want to do it. I have made many new friends driving and the conversations are always interesting. Many social activities and special outings are offered by ANV and I have made many new friends in these events also. ANV gives me great satisfaction in knowing that I am helping others and keeping active in the wider community. It makes Arlington feel like a small town."

AHC is seeking 100+ passionate volunteers to support our Afterschool Program, serving students K-8th. Volunteers serve for one hour, weekly. We have seven education centers across Arlington. Volunteers will work with elementary or middle school students assisting with homework, life-skills, reading, playtime, relationship-building, and more. It is a very meaningful service opportunity, and a ton of fun! 

Send any questions to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org. New volunteers can sign up here! 

Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is seeking enthusiastic, motivated volunteers to support elementary school students in 8 free Afterschool Programs across Arlington. Each center serves elementary schoolers Monday-Thursday and teens two evenings per week. Volunteers serve around one hour weekly. Volunteers get to read, tutor, play games with, and support students with academic and social-emotional activities. It is a ton of fun for students and volunteers alike!

Send any questions to Millie at millie.landis@ahcinc.org. New volunteers can sign up here!

We have a high-need for volunteers on Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-5:30 or 5-6pm at a couple different locations! 

Holiday Magic is True Ground Housing's annual community event that brings together residents, staff, and volunteers to celebrate the season of giving. Through gift wrapping, creative crafts, festive treats, and holiday fun, we aim to create a warm, welcoming space filled with joy and connection for all ages.

If none of the shifts below work, consider sponsoring a childs gift: https://a.co/1gS2rMm

Please note signing up on here is only to express your interest, one of our staff members will reach out with confirmation and next steps. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteer@truegroundhousing.org or alinares@truegroundhousing.org

Set Up 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM assistance is needed to help staff unload van of supplies needed for the day, organize and sort gifts, set up different community rooms, set up decorations. Volunteers should be comfortable walking around, crouching, pushing, pulling and lifting items up to 15 lbs and working with other volunteers.

Gift Wrappers 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:15 PM  are needed to assist staff in wrapping any gifts that parents request to be wrapped on site at the event. Volunteer can be sitting or standing and should be comfortable working with other volunteers.

Starlight Shoppers 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM and 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM are needed to assist children attending the event to pick out gifts for a special adult in their life. Volunteers can be sitting or standing and should be comfortable working with children and other volunteers.

Arts & Crafts station 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM and 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM needs volunteers to assist families with guidance, handing out materials, and providing feedback with the different activity options at the arts and craft stations. Volunteers can be sitting or standing and should be comfortable working with other volunteers and families.

Check In volunteers 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM and 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM are needed to assist staff in signing in families as they arrive to the event. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred; volunteers can be sitting or standing and should be comfortable working with a laptop and families.

Food & Snacks 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM and 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM assistance is needed from volunteers to hand out different options depending on resident choice and staff guidance. Volunteers can be sitting or standing and should be comfortable working with other volunteers and families.

Drinks station 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM and 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM assistance is needed from volunteers to make hot chocolate as ordered by residents and hand out other drink options depending on resident preference. Volunteers should be comfortable working with other volunteers and families.

Santa Helper 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM and 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM is needed to assist staff with taking pictures for families on the residents phone or a staff phone and also ensure that Santa has everything he needs such as water, restroom breaks and assistance getting around the room. Volunteer should be comfortable working with families and standing for a long period of time.

Break Down 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM assistance is needed to help staff load the van with materials that were used for the day and leftover, organize and sort any remaining gifts if applicable, cleaning and setting the community rooms according to staff guidance. Volunteers should be comfortable walking around, crouching, pushing, pulling and lifting items up to 15 lbs and working with other volunteers.

Come to an information session/volunteer orientation to learn how you can help. For more information or to RSVP for an orientation, click here (https://englishempowermentcenter.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=92907 ) or email jazurin@englishempowermentcenter.org.

Post 139 needs a digital-savvy young professional to roast our socials (kindly) and help us not look like boomers online.

Got a knack for Insta, FB, TikTok, or just making things not cringe? We’re not handing over the whole thing — just want some honest feedback and fresh ideas and a strategy for improvement.

Thanks for your consideration!

Come volunteer with us at our Adapted Ice Skate event on Sunday, December 21 from 11:00am - 2:00pm at the Medstar Iceplex in Ballston. This volunteer opportunity supports an event for individuals with disabilities and their families. Volunteers must commit to the full timeframe of the event and be at least 16 years old. Free skate rentals will be provided to volunteers that do not have their own skates.

We are looking for on-ice volunteer support for this evening of ice skating. Volunteers should be comfortable skating on the ice as your role will be to support novice or new to skating participants who may benefit from physical support as well as positive encouragement.

You will receive orientation and assignments prior to the start of the event. Specific details will be sent to you prior to the event. Volunteer registration will close on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5pm.

Thank you so much for sharing your time and skills to support this Adapted Ice Skate event. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Robyn Mitchell at rmitchell@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4731.

Join the Team & Help Promote a Thrilling Science Experience!
The Spooky Mad Science Expo is a one of a kind event where science meets mystery and excitement! From bubbling potions to electrifying experiments, this interactive expo brings STEM to life with a spooky twist.

We’re looking for creative and enthusiastic marketing volunteers to help spread the word and engage the community.

What You’ll Do:
Assist with social media promotions & content creation
Help design flyers, posters, and digital materials
Support event outreach & partnerships
Fundraising
Engage with the community to generate excitement & buzz

We can’t wait to have you on board!

AHC, a non-profit, affordable housing provider, is home to many vibrant senior citizens eager to learn computer basics. A partner organization is leading beginner tech classes—and we’re looking for friendly volunteers to help participants practice their new skills.

What You’ll Do:
Sit one-on-one or in small groups to assist seniors as they navigate basic computer tasks—like using a mouse, sending emails, or surfing the web. No teaching experience needed—just patience and a smile!

When & Where:

Volunteers will work with ReStore staff collecting and receiving donated materials, pricing and stocking items on the store floor, cleaning and organizing the store, and assisting customers in the store. If there is any particular skill set you'd like to utilize such as organization or selling, let our staff know and they'll let you flex that skill set.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Chantilly ReStore, you can sign up to volunteer at: https://habitatnova.volunteerhub.com. To receive a verification letter for community service, you must go through a screening process. For court-ordered or pre-trial hours, please select “I need court-ordered service hours” on Volunteer Hub to go through a screening process.

Please Note: Volunteers must be 16 years or older to volunteer. If the volunteer is under 18, the waiver must be signed by an adult.

Please visit: https://habitatnova.volunteerhub.com to view shifts and sign-up!

Please visit: https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/ to learn more about our ReStores!

Contact: Giulia DeLuca, ReStore Volunteer Engagement Fellow, at giulia.deluca@habitatdcnova.org for more information

 Volunteers will work with ReStore staff collecting and receiving donated materials, pricing and stocking items on the store floor, cleaning and organizing the store, and assisting customers in the store. If there is any particular skill set you'd like to utilize such as organization or selling, let our staff know and they'll let you flex that skill set.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Alexandria ReStore, you can sign up to volunteer at: https://habitatnova.volunteerhub.com. To receive a verification letter for community service, you must go through a screening process. For court-ordered or pre-trial hours, please select “I need court-ordered service hours” on Volunteer Hub to go through a screening process.

Please Note: Volunteers must be 16 years or older to volunteer. If the volunteer is under 18, the waiver must be signed by an adult.

Please visit: https://habitatnova.volunteerhub.com to view shifts and sign-up!

Please visit: https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/ to learn more about our ReStores!

Contact: Giulia DeLuca, ReStore Volunteer Engagement Fellow, at giulia.deluca@habitatdcnova.org for more information.

Volunteers will work with ReStore staff collecting and receiving donated materials, pricing and stocking items on the store floor, cleaning and organizing the store, and assisting customers in the store. If there is any particular skill set you'd like to utilize such as organization or selling, let our staff know and they'll let you flex that skill set.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Herndon ReStore, you can sign up to volunteer at: https://habitatnova.volunteerhub.com.  To receive a verification letter for community service, you must go through a screening process. For court-ordered or pre-trial hours, please select “I need court-ordered service hours” on Volunteer Hub to go through a screening process.

Please Note: Volunteers must be 16 years or older to volunteer. If the volunteer is under 18, the waiver must be signed by an adult.

Please visit: https://habitatnova.volunteerhub.com to view shifts and sign-up! 

Please visit: https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/ to learn more about our ReStores!

Contact: Giulia DeLuca, ReStore Volunteer Engagement Fellow, at giulia.deluca@habitatdcnova.org for more information.

Are you naturally artistic and would like to help us create fliers to promote our live music or maybe design our sandwich boards with your chalkboard art?  We could use your help and you could use this to start your resume with the work you do for our veteran's organization. Drop us a line and lets talk. **If you're interested in doing our fliers, this could all be done online!**