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 individuals who are often the most neglected by the public are given duffle bags, bikes, skateboards, and opportunities to celebrate their birthdays. This nationwide program sheds light on the foster care system’s issues, advocates for these children, and now you can help, too!
Together We Rise is always seeking individuals and groups to come together to decorate duffle bags, build bicycles and skateboards, and put together birthday or superhero boxes. These activities are just some of the ways you can help children in the foster care system and show you care! Come together as a group, create a fundraiser, or volunteer within the local chapter. All ages welcome; you’re never too young to bring a service project to your town! // Updated Mar 2020
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! // Updated Mar 2020
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! // Updated Feb 2020
Food for Others
Volunteers as young as 12 invited to volunteer with Food for Others, a volunteer organization committed to making sure no one goes hungry. The program serves locals in need by picking up and distributing food that would otherwise be discarded by grocery stores and various other retailers. 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! // Updated Feb 2020
Children’s Science Center
If you’re enthusiastic about math, science, and children, then volunteering with Children’s Science Center might be your new gig! This interactive museum is on the lookout for children as young as 13, teens, adults, and even corporate teams to help in a variety of different ways. Become a part of the lab, interact during community events, or be a part of daily operations offering a friendly smile! // Updated Feb 20200
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Thanks to the “Passion into Action Challenge,” volunteering at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is available for children in Kindergarten through the 12th grade. A variety of volunteer positions are open, including the Paws and Read Program, monthly service projects, and additional experience-based opportunities that include working directly with animals. // Updated Feb 2020
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 so 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. Updated Jan 2020
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-years-old, and multiple events are scheduled each month. Learn more about NEST Tutors, NEST Buddies, NEST Kares, and more online. // Updated Jan 2020
Sydenstricker Schoolhouse
In Springfield, VA, the historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse is often looking for middle and high-schoolers to help out with events and activities throughout the year! These opportunities serve as a great way 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, click here and contact them directly. // Updated Sept 2019
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. Youth 16-years of age, 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 are available online. // Updated Aug 2019
Cake4Kids
Delivering some sweetness to children in Northern Virginia, Cake4Kids is always looking for volunteer bakers to join their ever-growing team (18-years-old (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 in difficult circumstances, Cake4Kids can deliver a smile and a gesture of kindness to children on their birthday. // Updated June 2019
GIVE Youth
Created by high-schoolers, GIVE Youth is a nonprofit organization that offers free tutoring for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade! 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. // Updated June 2019
StageCoach Theatre Company
There’s no business like show business, and StageCoach Theatre Company is a great 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. // Updated Feb 2019
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 of at least 14-years of age and include reading with preschoolers, tutoring, cleaning, planting, and more! // Updated Jan 2019
Loudoun County Public Libraries
Loudoun County Public Libraries are bursting with both books and plenty of opportunities to get involved with them!
Volunteers are always needed to help with tasks like book shelving, material sorting, and more. Children as young as 12-years-old 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. // Updated Jan 2019
Color a Smile
Smiles are such a simple gesture that the world can absolutely use more of! Color a Smile, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to create more smiles by sending senior citizens, overseas troops, and anyone in need of a smile a unique, handcrafted coloring page!
Anyone can help support their mission by printing out one of their fun coloring pages, then color it, add your first name and age, and mail to those in need of a smile! Make it even more fun by getting a group together to color for a great cause. Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about the organization and print your coloring page today. // Updated Jan 2019
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 for this Adapted Aquatics program. Get ready to dive in for lap swimming and all kinds of water fun! This volunteer opportunity is open to individuals as young as 15-years of age, depending on the location. Learn more here or call (703) 324-8680 if no current needs are listed. // Updated Jan 2019
Capital Area Food Bank
In the Washington, DC area, 700,000 residents are at risk of hunger — that’s 16% of the region! Because of this need, the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) helps nearly half a million people each year get access to good, healthy food!
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. // Updated Dec 2018
Fairfax County Parks
Fairfax County Parks knows the important 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! // Updated Jan 2019
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 bigger 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 wonderful 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+). // Updated Jan 2019
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 great 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. // Updated Jan 2019
Disclaimer: Events/opportunities are curated from public sources and are subject to changes/cancelations that might not be reflected on DullesMoms.com.
