Please note this page is no longer active. The content below reflects opportunities that have passed and are no longer available.

There are so many ways for kids and families to help their community. Check out our growing list to see what interests you. And be sure to check back often for frequent updates!

Together We Rise
Every year, thousands of children enter the foster care system with very few things to call their own. Trash bags often hold their belongings, and birthdays come and go without celebration. But with the help of Together, We Rise, a 501(c)3, those who are often the most neglected by the public are given duffle bags, bikes, skateboards, and opportunities to celebrate birthdays. This nationwide program sheds light on the foster care system’s issues and advocates for these children, and now you can help, too!

Together We Rise is always seeking individuals and groups to come to decorate duffle bags, build bicycles and skateboards, and put birthday or superhero boxes. These activities are just some ways you can help children in the foster care system and show you care! Come together, create a fundraiser, or volunteer within the local chapter. All ages are welcome; you’re never too young to bring a service project to your town!

Give Youth
At Give Youth, high schoolers are making a difference in the lives of their younger counterparts. As an acronym for “Growth and Inspiration through Volunteering and Education,” Give Youth was created by high schoolers to enrich children’s lives needing tutoring and programs to better their education. Register for free tutoring sessions or sign up to become a Give Youth tutor!

Arlington County Summer Camps
Arlington’s summer camp volunteer program is a wonderful opportunity for teens (at least 13 years old as of May 1, 2020) who want to have fun while contributing to their community. Volunteers assist camp staff in all the fun and exciting activities campers enjoy, including field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, games, and more!

Food for Others
Volunteers as young as 12 are invited to volunteer with Food for Others, a volunteer organization committed to ensuring no one goes hungry. The program serves locals in need by picking up and distributing food that grocery stores and various other retailers would otherwise discard. Warehouse work, front office duties, and even ticket pulling are open for volunteers; learn more online about different opportunities within Food for Others to serve your neighbors!

Children’s Science Center
If you’re enthusiastic about math, science, and children, then volunteering with the Children’s Science Center might be your new gig! This interactive museum is looking for children as young as 13, teens, adults, and even corporate teams to help in various ways. Become a part of the lab, interact during community events, or participate in daily operations, offering a friendly smile!

Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Thanks to the “Passion into Action Challenge,” volunteering at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is available for Kindergarten through 12th grade children. Various volunteer positions are open, including the Paws and Read Program, monthly service projects, and additional experience-based opportunities, including working directly with animals.

NOVA Creative Reuse Center — Unfortunately, this business is now closed
Get crafty at the NOVA Creative Reuse Center! This Loudoun County gem is seeking volunteers to help within their store — a great place to find new craft supplies, artsy items, and much more at a fraction of the cost. Volunteers can be as young as 13 and are asked to make a minimum 3-month commitment.

NEST4US
NEST4US is dedicated to making the world a better place! Through various programs, initiatives that serve underprivileged children and low-income families, and partnerships with local businesses, NEST4US makes an impact far and wide. Many volunteer opportunities are available for children as young as 8, and multiple events are scheduled monthly. Learn more about NEST Tutors, NEST Buddies, NEST Kares, and more online.

Sydenstricker Schoolhouse
In Springfield, VA, the historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse often looks for middle and high schoolers to help with events and activities throughout the year! These opportunities are excellent for teens to rack up community service hours while completing various tasks. Volunteer opportunities are often updated on their Facebook page here. However, to see what they need today, contact them directly here.

Loudoun County Animal Services
The animals need your help, and Loudoun County Animal Services is looking for you! Volunteers are always needed to help with behind-the-scenes work, animal handling, administrative tasks, and additional jobs that keep the shelter running smoothly. Youths 16 or 10- to 15 years of age with a parent/guardian and adults are invited to join this program. Information on training opportunities and volunteer commitments is available online.

Cake4Kids
Delivering some sweetness to children in Northern Virginia, Cake4Kids is always looking for volunteer bakers to join their ever-growing team (18-year-olds (or 16-18 and volunteer as a parent-teen team))! This Fairfax County-based agency serves children and youth (ages 1-24) in foster care, group homes, homeless shelters, substance abuse shelters, and other various agencies that support at-risk youth. By delivering sweets to youth under challenging circumstances, Cake4Kids can give children a smile and a gesture of kindness on their birthday.

GIVE Youth
Created by high-schoolers, GIVE Youth is a nonprofit organization offering free tutoring for Kindergarten through 6th grade students! Volunteers are always needed to tutor and fulfill obligations in various Northern Virginia locations. To volunteer, GIVE tutors must be in 8th- through 12th grade.

LEARN MORE

StageCoach Theatre Company
There’s no business like show business, and StageCoach Theatre Company is an excellent place for teens to sing, dance, perform, and, yes, even volunteer! Children 13 years old can volunteer as ushers with this Ashburn-based company and perform duties like handing out show programs, popping popcorn, and more! Please contact StageCoach Theatre Company for more information.

LEARN MORE

Hopkins House
Hopkins House, a nonprofit, community-based learning center for children and families, has many opportunities to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of children, teens, and adults! Opportunities are available for children at least 14 years of age, including reading with preschoolers, tutoring, cleaning, planting, and more!

LEARN MORE

Loudoun County Public Libraries
Loudoun County Public Libraries are bursting with both books and plenty of opportunities to get involved with them!

Volunteers always need help with tasks like book shelving, material sorting, and more. Children as young as 12 can partake in this opportunity, and most of the system’s libraries have a volunteer program. Learn more about these opportunities and fill out an application online.

LEARN MORE

Color a Smile
Smiles are a simple gesture that the world can use more of! Color a Smile, a nonprofit organization, aims to create more smiles by sending senior citizens, overseas troops, and anyone needing a smile a unique, handcrafted coloring page!

Anyone can help support their mission by printing out one of their fun coloring pages, coloring it, adding your first name and age, and mailing it to those needing a smile! Make it even more fun by joining a group to color for a great cause. Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about the organization and print your coloring page today.

LEARN MORE

Special Olympics Swim Competitions
This volunteer opportunity is a great way to support and encourage swimmers on their way to the Special Olympics Swim Competition!

Under the supervision of a swim instructor, volunteers will assist swimmers of all ages in this Adapted Aquatics program. Get ready to dive in for lap swimming and water fun! Depending on the location, this volunteer opportunity is open to individuals as young as 15. Learn more here or call (703) 324-8680 if no current needs are listed.

Capital Area Food Bank
In the Washington, DC area, 700,000 residents are at risk of hunger — 16% of the region! Because of this need, the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) helps nearly half a million people access good, healthy food each year!

There are various ways to help the CAFB’s mission, including volunteering in their Distribution Center (kids 12+ with an adult), Community Market, Garden (all ages with an adult), and at special events.

Fairfax County Parks
Fairfax County Parks knows the essential impact individuals can make in their communities. Join them this year, volunteer for some of their seasonal events, develop skills, and make a difference!

Many volunteering opportunities are listed, including needs for race events and various seasonal help! The age to volunteer varies, with some opportunities available for children as young as 12 with an adult. Give your time and connect with the community!

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue has saved over 13,000 animal lives throughout the last ten years, and they’re looking for more help to make a more significant impact!

The Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Youth Program offers kids and teens a great way to learn about rescuing, and all that animal adoption entails! Plus, it’s a beautiful way to spread the word about Lucky Dog Animal Rescue’s mission! Multiple volunteer positions are available, including handling and transports (for children 7+ with an adult), office, and event help (for teens 15+).

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
Did you know that every week, the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation holds off-site adoption events at local Petsmart and PetCo stores to help them place over 2,000 rescued animals annually? This excellent pet rescue organization rescues homeless animals and helps to rehome them through adoption events.

While they can use adult volunteer help at the Lost Dog and Cat Ranch, teens 14 years and older (accompanied by an adult) can volunteer to help at one of the cat adoption centers.

Volunteer at Nationals Park! Cultivate the City (created to inspire healthy and sustainable living by empowering communities with tools and training for urban agriculture) is seeking volunteers to volunteer at the Nationals Park Rooftop Farm:

“Join us for a unique gardening opportunity at Nationals Park! We help maintain a rooftop farm at the stadium where the produce we grow is used in the food services & dining…”

This includes tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, and unique ethnic crops. Volunteers will be planting and weeding in this awesomely hidden paradise. Volunteers should be 14+ years old to attend this event (multiple dates) … read more

The National Cherry Blossom Festival relies on volunteers’ dedication, talent, and support. As a volunteer, you support an event that enhances and defines life in our community. The festival is seeking friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers who want to experience DC and the Cherry Blossoms uniquely…read more

Capital One Hall, Northern Virginia’s newest destination for live performances (1,600-seat performance hall, plus a 225-seat Black Box theatre) in Tysons Corner, is seeking volunteers. Opportunities include Ushers/Ticket Takers, Greeters, Tour Guides, and administrative staff support …read more

Claude Moore Park Rec and Community is entering the spirit on October 23, 2021! The entire building will be transformed into a Halloween Town at their Spooktacular! The CMCC team is seeking volunteers for a wide variety of opportunities at this special event …read more

The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking volunteer Dog Park Monitors. For a couple of hours monthly, greet dog park visitors and encourage awareness of dog park rules and regulations, report maintenance needs, and note other observations on standardized form …read more

If you are a people person with a big smile and a helping heart, becoming a volunteer at Frying Pan Farm Park’s Country Store may be right up your alley! Volunteer Carousel Operators are needed to run the carousel …read more

The James Lee Senior Center in Falls Church, VA, needs volunteers. With the return of in-person activities, you’re invited to volunteer as an instructor or leader in one of the following opportunities:

• Sewing instructor for basic skills like hemming, sewing on buttons, and more.
• Certified SAIL fitness instructor.
• Pottery and ceramics instructors qualified to run multiple kilns.
• Chair exercise instructors.
• Beginner or intermediate certified Yoga instructors.
• Ballroom dance instructor.
• Painting instructor.
• Continuing education leaders to teach various topics and lead discussion groups for six-week sessions.

Make a difference in the life of a senior today …read more

The Reston Museum’s annual Reston Home Tour is made possible with the help of over 100 volunteers! You’re invited to join them as a volunteer (or a Home Tour participant!) on October 16, 2021. Choose from a morning or afternoon volunteer shift …read more

Célébrez en Rosé is seeking festival volunteers September 3-5, 2021! Célébrez en Rosé, formally known as La Fête du Rosé is a celebration of all things Rosé.

Attendees adorned in their finest pink and white attire will indulge in wine, champagne, frosé, and rosé cocktails while enjoying gourmet food pairings, world-class DJs, live music, luxurious VIP experiences, life-sized games, and capturing share-worthy moments with large and artfully designed photo installations along the way …read more.

Call for volunteers! The Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary is interested in engaging additional volunteers, ages 13 and older, to perform various tasks at their working farm and private, nonprofit organization. The 11-acre sanctuary shelters approximately 200 animals that have been rescued from neglect, abandonment, or abuse.

Volunteers are needed seven days a week and can choose their schedules based on the number of days and time committed. They must be able to work on the farm property unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers will be guided and supervised by on-site staff. Those interested in volunteering must first register for a tour of the Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary. The tour will allow potential volunteers to see the 11-acre farm sanctuary and meet some of the sheltered animals, other volunteers, and staff. Following the tour, interested volunteers may schedule a Volunteer Orientation.

Are you (or someone you know) interested in forest ecology and ecological restoration? Do you like working independently in a forested setting? Frying Pan Farm Park is looking to fill four volunteer positions (ages 16 and up) for their forest restoration project, including 1. Team Leader, 2. Fence Monitor, 3. Species Observer, and 4. Monthly Photographer.

These positions report to the Forest Restoration Manager. Each one works one four-hour shift monthly; you can work multiple roles. These are all volunteer, non-paid assignments. Learn more about each opportunity and the background of this project here.

Whitehall Farm is looking for volunteers! Do you love being in the outdoors? Do you want to grow sustainable and local food? Would you like to help to support a local farm? Let them know how you would like to contribute to our dream of creating a working and educational farm in Fairfax County …read more.

Now that parks are beginning to open up, and volunteers will soon be needed, click here (scroll to the bottom) and sign up to volunteer at Beaver Dam Reservoir (or any NOVA Park!) …read more.

The Vienna Oktoberfest, on October 5, 2019, is seeking volunteers. This annual festival boasts live entertainment, children’s activities, vendors, arts & crafts, and even a German car show …read more.

Do you like animals? Become a teen volunteer with Loudoun’s Department of Animal Services …read more.

On the National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11, 2019, the AARP Foundation is leading a Celebration of Service. Join them to pack 1 million meals for hungry seniors …read more.

Designed especially for preschool and elementary-aged children and their families, the annual Fall for Fairfax Kidsfest on October 5-6, 2019, is looking for volunteers …read more.

Historic Manassas is looking for volunteers for their upcoming event, the 15th Annual Manassas Jazz Festival, on June 15, 2019 …read more.

Alexandria’s Earth Day, on April 27, 2019, cannot take place without the help of volunteers! A wide variety of opportunities are available throughout the day …read more.

Springfest is Fairfax County’s premier Earth Day festival held on April 27, 2019, at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, VA. The theme of this year’s event is “Healthy Planet-Healthy People,” and we will offer workshops, vendors, and activities to help improve our community’s health and environment. This day-long event attracts nearly 5,000 from across Fairfax County, and volunteers are needed to make it a success …read more.

The Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth — the Maker Faire — a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness, is back on June 2, 2019! Celebrating the “Maker Movement,” the annual NoVa Maker Faire allows engineers, artists, scientists, and crafters to showcase hobbies, experiments, and projects! Plus, there will be many hands-on opportunities and chances to get up close and personal with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) …read more.

Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers for shoreline cleanup on January 19, 2019. Join a park ranger on monthly shoreline cleanups to pick up trash and driftwood …read more

Date Nights, hosted every Saturday in February at Community Church in Ashburn, VA, needs volunteers. It takes over 300 volunteers to run Date Nights successfully. Please sign up to help for one night or multiple nights …read more.

If you’re looking for post-holiday volunteer opportunities, the Capital Area Food Bank always needs those who would like to give their time. Check out their daily calendar highlighting open shifts for volunteers as young as 12 …read more.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts will start recruiting for volunteer opportunities, including Ushers, on December 28, 2018 …read more.

Winter is here, but maintaining Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority parks is still a top priority! Assist with several trail clean-up projects, invasive plant removal, and other projects as needed on January 12, 2019 …read more.

Santa needs helpers at the Starlight Express hosted at Lake Fairfax Park on December 7-8 and December 14-15, 2018 …read more.

Bring the comfort and warmth of home-cooked meals to Northern Virginia Family Service’s SERVE Family Shelter this Thanksgiving, November 22, 2018, to their 92 residents …read more.

Fairfax County Public Schools offers several ways for community involvement, including Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Volunteers, Business and Community Partnerships, Citizen Advisory Committees, and more. Plus, at the link, check out how students and family members can volunteer …read more.

It takes a dedicated team of volunteers to pull off the Marine Corps Marathon! Learn more about volunteering for this 43rd annual race, including the Marine Corps Marathon/MCM10K/Kids Run, Turkey Trot, and Medal of Honor 8K …read more.

Volunteers are needed for the 14th Annual Merrifield Fall Festival on September 15, 2018! Hosted at one of Fairfax County’s favorite retail destinations, the Mosaic District, families are invited to enjoy food, crafts by local artists, live music, and entertainment …read more.

Volunteers are needed for downtown Herndon’s Family Fitness & Fun Fest on September 15, 2018. This special event boasts a full line-up of fitness class demonstrations, group cycling, and martial arts running all morning, a live DJ, and, at the center of it all, an inflatable obstacle course …read more

Volunteers are needed to support Paws for a Cause, a walk in Fairfax City on October 7, 2018, that benefits Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc. FPOW is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing pet visitation to residents of nursing homes and hospitals …read more.

The Co-op Festival, hosted by the National Cooperative Business Association, is the weekend of October 6-7, 2018! This unique event, hosted on the grounds of the National Mall, is an unprecedented opportunity to amplify the economic impact, diversity, and sustainability of a business model 70 percent of consumers say they already trust! They are currently seeking volunteers …read more.

If you’re a planner, you’ll love this opportunity — the Nation’s Escape Tri is seeking volunteers on September 9, 2018. This annual event, now in its 13th year, includes a 1.5k swim in the Potomac River, a 40k bike course through DC, and a 10k run through Washington, DC’s historical landmarks. Volunteer today …read more

Volunteers are needed on July 4, 2018, to participate in Historic Manassas’ July 4th Celebrate America Festival …read more.

Leesylvania State Park has a high volume of people on the weekends who leave their beautiful park needing some care. They have many different opportunities, so on July 2, 2018, scrounge up your work clothes, boots, water bottle, and friends …read more.

Is your FCPS high school student looking for a summer service opportunity or to give back to the community by getting kids excited about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? Many local elementary and middle schools run summer STEM programs in July and are looking for volunteers to serve as ambassadors to help facilitate program activities …read more.

Historic Constitution Avenue and the Monuments in Washington, DC, from the setting for America’s biggest and best Independence Day Parade. Nowhere is more incredible excitement on America’s birthday than in our nation’s capital! Learn more about becoming a volunteer on July 4, 2018 …read more

The Herndon Festival still needs volunteers for the Hands-On Art area of the Festival June 2-3, 2018. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities to guide children through this year’s theme, “Under the Sea with Arts Herndon and Me.” …read more

Did you know Mason Neck State Park boasts a large population of bald eagles? Enjoy your day as a volunteer at the Park’s Eagle Festival on May 12, 2018. Learn more.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, features participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. This free Festival takes two weeks every summer, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday: June 27-July 8, 2018. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers. Volunteers are critical to the success of the Festival and work closely with the Festival staff and participants. Volunteers contribute to various duties, including conducting surveys, assisting stage managers, audiovisual documentation of performances, and general administrative and production support. Learn more.

Volunteers are needed on various dates around Memorial Day, May 27-June 2, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery to assist with distributing, placing, and cleaning flowers on grave sites. Learn more.

Volunteer with Arlington County summer camps! The summer camp volunteer program is a wonderful opportunity for teens who want to have fun while contributing to their community. Volunteers assist the camp staff in all the fun and exciting activities campers enjoy, including field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, games, and more. Learn more.

Be a farmer for Earth Day! On April 22, 2018, please show your appreciation for our planet by helping out on the farm, learning about sustainable agriculture, having fun, and getting a little dirty at the same time. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity at Whitehall Farm in Fairfax County.

Volunteers are needed to help at SpringFest on April 21, 2018. In addition to more than 75 vendors, exhibitors, and food trucks, there will be plenty of educational opportunities for children and families. From a run through an environmental obstacle course to the chance to consult with master gardeners — there is something for everyone! Learn more.

On April 21, 2018, volunteersweree invited to give their time to clean up parks and streams, including trash removal, invasive plant removal, mulching, and more in Herndon, VA. Then, enjoy a hot dog after a successful morning! Learn more.

Herndon Community Television will celebrate National Volunteer Week with an open house on April 21, 2018, from 2-5 pm. Anyone who wants to learn more about Herndon Community Television or is interested in volunteering is encouraged to stop by. Learn more.

On May 19, 2018, Rust Library is hosting a Volunteer Fair featuring local volunteer organizations from the community to discuss their organization and the volunteer opportunities they offer. Learn more.

Nottoway Park is seeking volunteers for its annual Easter egg hunt on March 31, 2018. Tasks may include check-in assistants, ticket takers, and egg hunt helpers. Learn more.

Reston Community Players, who perform at The CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, seek ushers. Not only a great way to support community theatre but also a great way to see a show for free! Their upcoming show includes Peter and the Starcatcher, performed on select days from January 19-February 3, 2018. Learn more.

Established in 1993, the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards serve as a community-wide celebration of volunteerism. The —thes honor individuals, groups, and organizations with outstanding volunteer service through various activities and programs. Learn about eligibility guidelines here; submit a nomination here. Nominations for the 2018 Service Awards are now open and will close on February 1, 2018, at 5 pm.

The USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo is the largest Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) celebration! This free festival, on April 7-8, 2018, will boast over 3,000 hands-on activities! Click here to learn more about volunteering.

The Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth — the Maker Faire — a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness, is back on March 18, 2018! Celebrating the “Maker Movement,” the annual NoVa Maker Faire allows engineers, artists, scientists, and crafters to showcase hobbies, experiments, and projects! Plus, there will be many hands-on opportunities and chances to get up close and personal with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math). Click here to learn more about volunteering.

If you love science and want to gain valuable experience in a museum setting, apply to become a Maryland Science Center (MSC) youth volunteer! MSC offers several different opportunities to youth volunteers and interns. These programs allow teens aged 14-17 to gain new skills and explore potential career paths while contributing to the Science Center’s mission to provide the best informal, hands-on STEM education. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Cards for Hospitalized Kids is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy, and magic to hospitalized kids through uplifting, handmade cards. Cards are distributed for all major holidays, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter/Happy Spring, and more. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Did you know Fairfax County has a comprehensive website dedicated to one-time and ongoing volunteering opportunities in the county? You can search by district, who you want to serve, or by what your interests and talents are. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Christmas Village is a seasonal walk-through attraction with family-friendly rides, live entertainment, and much more! This unique event, hosted December 10-16, 2017, is accessible to the community and includes a particular sensory-sensitive time. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Loudoun Coupons For Hope seeks volunteers for their Stocking Stuffing Night on December 5, 2017. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) is seeking volunteers for their Monster Drawing Rally on December 2, 2017. Click here to learn more about volunteering.