Regular Volunteering

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Arlington Food Assistance Center provides access to free groceries, helping to relieve the food budgets of thier clients, allowing them to make other necessary purchases without sacrificing their health and nutrition needs. AFAC depends on the help of thousands of volunteers. Volunteers bag, distribute, drive, glean, grow, help in the office and warehouse, organize, and assist at special events. 

Under 14 with parent, under 18 with parental consent form.

 At the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, volunteers aged can make an impact by supporting both animals and the local community. Teen volunteers assist with hands-on animal care like walking dogs, socializing cats, and helping with small companion animals such as guinea pigs. They also contribute to community outreach efforts by supporting low-cost vaccine clinics, mobile pet resources, and the pet pantry.

Ages 16+

Capital Area Food Bank provides food to families in the DMV area who might not otherwise be able to get food for themselves or thier families. CAFB offers a variety of volunteer roles, including but not limited to: sorting and packing food in the distribution center, raking and planting in the garden, and distributing fresh produce at the free community farmer’s markets. 

Ages 12+ with an adult, 18+ individual 

At the Children's National Hospital, volunteers can greet and assist families, tutor patients, hand out gifts or flowers, clean, and many other opportunities. They can also assist with the library, STEM opportunities, and special events or projects. 

Volunteers must commit to regular weekly shifts of an hour or more, for at least 1 year. 

Ages vary based on opportunity, must be at least 15 for all.

At the Children's Inn at NIH, volunteer work varies greatly, with volunteers assisting numerous tasks and opportunities. Duties include managing the welcome desk, doing maintenance around the hospital, and assisting in the kitchen. 

In-person volunteers (excluding teen ambassadors) must commit to regular volunteer shifts bi-weekly or weekly. 

Ages vary based on opportunity, must be 18 for regular volunteering, can also be a teen ambassador - 12+

 At DC Central Kitchen, volunteers step up to fight hunger in the heart of the city. DC Central Kitchen volunteers work alongside devoted front-line staff and Culinary Job Training students to cut, chop, peel and prep fresh produce to prepare thousands of balanced meals for our community. Volunteer shifts are available for registration up to 3 months in advance. No cooking or food service experience required!

Ages 12+ (digital waiver required)

Calling all animal lovers! If you are looking for a unique opportunity to support a animal shelter, work with animals, help shelter pets meet new families, and at the same time make new friends and learn new skills, consider volunteering with the Fairfax Animal Shelter. Volunteer roles include: providing excellent customer service to visitors, providing hands-on care to a variety of species of animals, and helping with endless piles of dishes and laundry.

Ages 18+ (No exceptions)

At Food for Others, teen volunteers are able to help fight hunger and  support neighbors in need. Volunteers are able to help with packing, distributing, picking, and organizing food that will go out to students and families in the Northern Virginia and Fairfax area. Volunteers can also run food drives and work with Food for Others to gather food for the community.

Ages 12-15 with adult, 15+ can volunteer independently

Inova's volunteer program offers the opportunity to get an “inside look” into healthcare while learning about patient care, retail, and operations. Selection to the Inova volunteer program is by lottery due to high interest. Commitment to all dates in the registered season is required, and training is provided. 

Application-based

High School age requirement

 Jill’s House is a Christian nonprofit organization that loves and serves families of kids with profound intellectual disabilities through short-term, overnight respite care and holistic family support services.  Parents send thier kids to a 'respite resort,' where the kids can have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Volunteers can interact with the kids, assist program staff, be a kitchen helper, or help with weekend trips.

Ages 16+

PathForward is a non-profit dedicated to serving those who are unhoused in the Arlington community.  Thier mission is to foster stability and dignity through transformative services and housing solutions. Volunteers can donate bedding, meal, and hygiene kits, or can do on-site work such as serving meals or organizing the donated clothing. 

Ages 18+

Calling all bookish teens! Volunteers can earn service hours by reading and either reviewing or submitting fan art about the book they read. Volunteers will pick from a list of approved books and will have a month to read and review the book. Great for readers and artists alike.

Ages 12+

Share for others is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to collecting and distributing clothes, food, and other necessary supplies to help neighbors in need. Teen volunteers can help with food packaging and organizing, clothing and furniture organizing, and furniture transportation.

Middle and High school ages for teen program, other roles require ages 16+

SPIRIT Equestrian is a non-profit dedicated to foster healing and teach life skills through interactions with horses by working to provide therapy, learn life skills, and have fun. They have riding for individuals with special needs, programs for behavioral and physical therapy, and a Veterans program. Volunteers can help with farm maintenance or help in lessons as a side-walkers or horse leaders.

14+, 18+ with background check

The Clothesline collects clothing in excellent condition from the community and provide it free of charge to school-aged children of low-income families in a welcoming retail environment, helping them feel comfortable and confident in the classroom and beyond. Volunteers can help sort, display, and pick up clothes.

9th or 10th grade students must be with a parent, 11th and 12th can volunteer independently