NVFS offers myriad volunteer opportunities to give back during the holidays and all year-round.
With the holidays right around the corner, we often find ourselves with mile-long to-do lists, parties to attend, and presents to buy and wrap. We become immersed in the gift-giving spirit surrounded by our friends and families and find ourselves looking around and feeling grateful for what we have.
The holiday season is also a time where we can choose to look outward and ask what we can do for others around us who are in need. Perhaps helping a family put a Thanksgiving meal on the table, donating gifts for children to open on Christmas morning, or providing extra assistance with serving meals at shelters and stocking shelves at food pantries.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) offers myriad ways to give back to the community during the holiday season through our Operation Turkey and Gifting for Families drives, but we have volunteer opportunities that continue to impact the community throughout the entire year, too.
Between NVFS’ two homeless shelters, Hunger Resource Center (HRC), thrift stores and extra in-office support, there’s an opportunity for everyone to give back during the holidays in different ways. Here are four ways you can get involved with NVFS during the holiday season and give a gift that keeps on giving year-round:
- Shelter Meals Provider: If you’re dedicated to feeding Northern Virginia, consider donating your time and services to providing meals to residents at one of our two shelters. Both the SERVE Family Shelter and Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center are always looking for friendly, smiling faces to prepare and serve meals to guests in residence, especially during holiday weekends.
- Hunger Resource Center: If organizing is something you enjoy, NVFS invites you to volunteer with the HRC, where you can stock shelves, organize pantry items and assist customers as they shop for groceries.
- Thrift Stores: Organizational skills will also come in handy at our Clock Tower Thrift Stores in Centreville and Falls Church. We could use your help organizing, labeling items and helping to create a welcoming shopping environment for customers as they walk in to find the perfect new outfit or piece of furniture for their home.
- Administrative Assistance: Are you a fast-typer? Have a keen eye for detail? Providing administrative assistance is the opportunity for you! NVFS is always looking for energetic, friendly faces to join us in various tasks in our offices.
Regardless of how you choose to give back to your community over the holidays, you will be making a difference in the lives of your neighbors. With the amount of need in Northern Virginia, you’re guaranteed to find a volunteer opportunity within NVFS that suits you and your family well.
For more information on ways to become involved with NVFS, please see our list of opportunities.