The 2020 holidays are officially here! This year might look very different than most, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season — and that includes by participating in community volunteer opportunities.
It might feel great to get a gift or attend various festivals around town, but consider lending your time and effort to helping those who might be less fortunate to really get a sense of the holiday spirit. It also might be a great opportunity to connect with others during a year that has otherwise been pretty isolating.
There are many community service opportunities in the Washington, D.C. area, whether you are an animal lover or committed to making sure that people all over the city have enough food to celebrate mealtimes with their families. It can be difficult to locate the right opportunity, though, so we’ve rounded up a few volunteer opportunities throughout greater D.C.
This guide will help you find one that is just right for you.
Ways to Make a Difference in the Community This Holiday Season
- Volunteer opportunities are in high demand during the holidays, so be prepared for longer wait times or fuller shifts, especially when contacting organizations or volunteering in person.
- Additional safety precautions are being implemented due to COVID-19, including mask requirements and possible negative COVID-19 test requirements before in-person volunteering.
- Bread for the City offers essential services like food, medical care, and social services to low-income individuals and welcomes volunteers to support its mission.
- The Salvation Army seeks volunteers to help with bell ringing, a classic holiday tradition. Volunteers must follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask-wearing.
- Capital Area Food Bank is a vital organization providing nutritious meals to the local community, distributing an average of 88,000 meals daily, and welcoming volunteers to assist in their efforts.
- The Humane Rescue Alliance cares for animals and provides adoption services, requiring volunteers for foster care, events, and animal welfare programs.
- Virtual volunteering options are available for those who prefer to stay at home, including virtual fundraisers and support roles.
- Capital Caring Health offers opportunities for volunteers to provide emotional support, such as phone calls to elderly individuals and those in hospice care.
- The Birthday Giving Program helps underprivileged individuals celebrate birthdays by organizing virtual gift-giving and celebration events.
- Women Giving Back empowers women by providing free professional clothing and collecting essential supplies for women and children in need.
Important Things to Know About Volunteering During the Holidays
Before you start your community volunteer journey, there are a few important things to consider:
- The holiday season is a very popular time for many people to get involved with local charitable organizations.
- You should be prepared for longer telephone wait times to speak to organizers or fuller-than-normal shifts at certain times of the day or week.
- There will likely be additional safety precautions in place to safeguard against exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Some organizations might require a negative COVID-19 test or another proof of health before they allow you to partake in in-person volunteering.
- Be patient and know that these organizations want the best for the community (even though it might seem like a bit more inconvenience upfront).
Ultimately, the rewarding experience at one of these volunteer opportunities will likely cancel out any possible inconveniences. Just plan ahead, and you will be all set.
Where Volunteers Can Make a Difference
There are so many places around the Washington, D.C. area that will be happy to welcome volunteers during the holiday season. Here are just a few neighborhood favorites, curated in one place for you to review. Pick the one that speaks to you, and get set to experience the joy of the season.
Bread for the City
Bread for the City is an organization that focuses on providing low-income individuals in the Washington, D.C. area with opportunities to improve their lives. It provides food, medical care, clothing, and access to social services — all intended to nourish and uplift these communities. Bread for the City always welcomes volunteers and traditionally hosts several fundraisers and opportunities to serve throughout the year. Contact its staff to see which options are available this holiday season.
The Salvation Army
An international, Biblically based ministry, The Salvation Army has become linked with the holiday season and the spirit of giving. While it hosts many fundraisers and events all around the world, there is a way volunteers can get involved right at home in the Washington area — by becoming a volunteer bell ringer! The Salvation Army welcomes volunteers of all ages, and has COVID-19 safety protocols in place for all bell ringers, including wearing a mask at all times.
Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank is a well-respected organization that has remained in operation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to serve Washington-area people in need. It focuses on providing healthy, nutritious foods to people of all ages, and regularly partners with programs that provide health care, job education, and educational needs opportunities. The Capital Area Food Bank distributes an average of 88,000 meals daily, too, and always welcome the opportunity to get volunteers involved in fundraisers and community-focused events.
The Humane Rescue Alliance
Our furry friends have definitely been affected by the recent pandemic, but some people might not feel comfortable stopping by shelters full of other individuals to find their next pets. The Humane Rescue Alliance not only works to take care of animals, but also to provide people with companion animals through foster and adoption services — and it needs volunteers to make those goals happen. With multiple adoption events coming up, there are plenty of ways to get involved and serve your local community.
Virtual Volunteering This Holiday Season
If you don’t want to get out of the house this season, but still want to get involved with the community, check out the many virtual opportunities for volunteers going on in the D.C. area. Lots of organizations are featuring virtual fundraisers and events that allow you to make a difference without leaving the comfort and safety of your home.
Capital Caring Health
For those with a passion for home health care and helping the elderly, Capital Caring Health might be a great volunteer option. The organization offers a wide variety of support services, from in-home hospice care to veteran’s health services. Even with strict COVID-19 protocols in place, there are many volunteer opportunities available. Capital Caring Health has a number of openings for volunteers to make supportive phone calls to the elderly or infirm, including “tuck in” calls or check-in phone calls.
The Birthday Giving Program
Many underprivileged people in the D.C. area might not have the luxury of celebrating their birthday in the traditional way that many others do. The Birthday Giving Program is out to change that, with a mission to provide birthday giving bags and celebrations to people of all ages. You can get in on the fun and make a difference in someone’s life by participating in one of their many virtual volunteer opportunities, which offer contact-free ways to celebrate the season and do some good.
Women Giving Back
Women Giving Back has a simple mission: to empower women and change lives through the power of access to free professional clothing, which can open the door to work and other job opportunities. The organization is actively collecting baby supplies like diapers, wipes, and toiletries, as well as clothing and accessories for women and children. Sometimes a donation can feel just as good as a day spent on volunteer projects, so consider sorting some gently used professional clothing and making a donation.
As the year winds to a close, there is no better way to make a difference in someone’s life than by donating your time or resources to doing good in the community through the many volunteer work projects available. Hopefully, these suggestions will help to get you off to a good start, and empower you with the tools you need to be of service as a volunteer and make someone’s holiday season truly amazing.
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FAQs on Community Volunteer Opportunities This Holiday Season
What should I know before volunteering during the holidays?
Volunteer opportunities are in high demand during the holidays. Be prepared for longer wait times when contacting organizations or fuller-than-normal shifts at certain times of the day or week. It’s also important to be aware that some organizations may have additional safety protocols in place due to COVID-19, including the possibility of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
What COVID-19 safety precautions should I expect when volunteering?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many organizations have implemented COVID-19 safety precautions. These can include mask requirements, social distancing, and possibly requiring a negative COVID-19 test before you are allowed to volunteer in person. It’s important to check with each organization about their specific guidelines.
How can I volunteer with Bread for the City during the holidays?
Bread for the City provides food, medical care, and other essential services to low-income individuals in the D.C. area. They welcome volunteers year-round and especially during the holiday season. You can contact their staff to find out about available volunteer opportunities for the holidays.
How can I help The Salvation Army during the holidays?
The Salvation Army is known for its holiday bell ringing tradition. Volunteers are welcome to help with this, and COVID-19 safety protocols, such as mask-wearing, are required for all bell ringers. It’s a great way to give back and spread holiday cheer!
How can I get involved with Capital Area Food Bank?
Capital Area Food Bank is focused on providing nutritious food to those in need. They distribute around 88,000 meals daily and are always looking for volunteers to help with food distribution, fundraisers, and community events. It’s a great organization to support if you’re looking to make a difference this holiday season.
How can I volunteer with The Humane Rescue Alliance?
The Humane Rescue Alliance works to care for animals and help with foster and adoption services. They have several volunteer opportunities, including helping at adoption events or assisting with animal welfare programs. It’s a wonderful way to give back to both animals and the community.
Are there virtual volunteering opportunities this holiday season?
Yes, many organizations offer virtual volunteering opportunities, allowing you to make a difference from the comfort of your own home. Virtual fundraisers, support phone calls, and online volunteer roles are available, providing a great way to contribute without leaving home.
What volunteer opportunities are available with Capital Caring Health?
Capital Caring Health provides home health care services, including hospice care and care for veterans. Volunteers can help by making supportive phone calls to the elderly or those in need of emotional support, offering a valuable service during the holidays.
How can I get involved with The Birthday Giving Program?
The Birthday Giving Program aims to provide birthday celebrations and gifts to people in the D.C. area who might not otherwise be able to celebrate. You can participate by volunteering for virtual gift-giving events, helping to bring joy to someone’s special day during the holiday season.
What can I do to support Women Giving Back this holiday season?
Women Giving Back empowers women by providing free professional clothing and essential items for women and children in need. You can support the cause by volunteering to sort and donate gently used professional clothing or by donating essential items like diapers and toiletries.
