ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE
OF ARLINGTON
2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206
703-931-9241 awla.org
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington
improves the lives of animals by providing
resources, care and protection. The
organization offers assistance to pet owners
in need, including a free pet care essentials
pantry and resources for those experiencing
health or housing crises. One exciting
volunteer opportunity for youth is the Paws
& Read program that lets children from
kindergarten through eighth grade read aloud
stories to animals at the shelter.

BETHESDA CARES
7728 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
301-907-9244 bethesdacares.org
Bethesda Cares provides supportive housing
to those who do not have it. Its goal is not
to manage homelessness, but to end it. This
group also operates a soup kitchen, clothing
closet and shower program. Individuals can
find multiple ways to volunteer with Bethesda
Cares, from helping out with the meal
program to working in the office. Check with
the organization for age-appropriate tasks
for kids elementary ages and older, including
making cards and assembling snack packs.

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
4900 Puerto Rico Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20017
202-644-9800 6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton, VA 22079
571-482-4770 capitalareafoodbank.org
The Capital Area Food Bank is Washington’s
leading hunger relief organization, which
provides meals to 12% of the DMV’s
population. You can assist with these
remarkable efforts by donating food,
delivering groceries, packing and sorting items
at the food bank, distributing fresh produce
at community farmers’ markets, tending to
gardens and more. Capital Area Food Bank
welcomes individual volunteers and groups.

FOOD & FRIENDS
219 Riggs Road NE, Washington, DC 20011
202-269-2277 foodandfriends.org
Food & Friends serves food to Washington-area
residents who are living with HIV and AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses
to provide them with the nourishment they
need to manage their illness. The organization
prepares and delivers specialized meals and
groceries designed to meet the needs of their
clients, offer nutritional counseling and create
a sense of community for those who might
otherwise feel isolated. Groups are welcome to
volunteer together, and the organization has
many ways that young people can help deliver
and prepare meals.

GREATER DC DIAPER BANK
Mailing address: 1532 A St. NE,
Washington, DC 20002
Warehouse address: 8860 Monard Drive,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
202-656-8503 greaterdcdiaperbank.org
The Greater DC Diaper Bank addresses
a problem that many Washington-area
families in poverty face: being unable
to meet all of their needs, including
buying diapers for their children. This
organization provides basic baby needs
and personal hygiene products. Families
are invited to volunteer together at the
organization’s warehouse location in
Silver Spring. All ages are welcome to
help bundle diapers, organize the baby
pantry and review inventory. Read more
about the Greater DC Diaper Bank and its
founder, Corinne Cannon, in the November
2020 issue of Washington FAMILY at
WashingtonFAMILY.com. NORTHERN VIRGINIA
FAMILY SERVICE
10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100
Oakton, VA 22124
571-748-2500 nvfs.org
Northern Virginia Family Service offers
an array of services to local families to
ensure financial, emotional and physical
well-being, including immigration legal
services, youth initiatives, workforce
development and more. Its goal is to
empower individuals to become healthy,
involved members of their communities.

The organization presents family-friendly
volunteering opportunities that allow
young people to help out through various
group activities and drives.

WE ARE FAMILY
1525 Newton St. NW, Washington, DC 20010
202-487-8698 wearefamilydc.org
This Washington-based organization
provides inner-city seniors with free
services, advocacy and companionship. We
Are Family relies on volunteers to build
relationships and community with older
adults. In addition to providing services
such as groceries and gift deliveries, the
organization advocates for the rights of
seniors and organizes events. Families can
volunteer to deliver groceries together
or contact We Are Family to learn about
additional current and upcoming volunteer
opportunities. n
WashingtonFAMILY.com 27
SMARTBOY10/DIGITALVISION VECTORS
V olunteering as a family is an
extraordinary way to give back to
your community while spending
quality time together. Many people in our
communities are in need of support, and
the Washington, D.C. metro region hosts
many organizations that provide assistance
with everything from food and baby diapers
to housing.

The following volunteer opportunities
in the DMV offer age-appropriate tasks for
young helpers so that all members of your
family can give back together.