Volunteer opportunities abound this holiday season

WASHINGTON – As the holiday approaches, many are thinking of giving back. There are hundreds of opportunities in the D.C. region to volunteer.

When this time of year rolls around, there’s always a flood of volunteers wanting to give of their time, charities say. It’s a great thing, says Nancy Roman from Capital Area Food Bank, but after the holidays end, the interest dies back down.

“We’re unbelievably grateful that people are focused on it now because it’s cold, wages are low, and hunger is intense in the Washington area, but hunger will exist in January and February and March and April, as well,” Roman says.

There are a few holiday opportunities left, including at So Others Might Eat, where volunteers are needed for the organization’s Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Email the event coordinator to volunteer.

Miriam’s Kitchen is in need of volunteers. The available duties are listed on its website.

Community Club needs mentors for weekly week one-on-one tutoring with students grades 7-12.

The Washington Animal Rescue League asks its volunteers commit to eight hours a month. But with jobs like walking dogs and socializing cats, it’s not a hard request for animal lovers to meet.

The Arlington Community Volunteer Network holds events for young adults to help out from landscaping for the elderly to river clean-ups.

The Transitional Housing Corporation could use help running activities for kids without permanent homes.

Also try sites like Volunteer Match that let individuals choose from a number of volunteer openings available in their area.

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