Community Service Opportunities Over Winter Break

If you're one of the many students looking for how to get some community service hours over the break, check out these six opportunities: 

*Remember to pick up your community service form BEFORE you leave for break! You can get a form from Ms. Hutchinson in the Main Office. 




1. Food and Friends is in Fort Totten and has holiday volunteer opportunities: http://www.foodandfriends.org/site/pp.asp?c=ckLSI8NNIdJ2G&b=7968713

2. Neighborhood Farm Initiative  is a farm right near the Ft. Totten metro station, and students can email Kristen Georger to see if they need any help over the break:

http://www.neighborhoodfarminitiative.org/volunteer/volunteer/

3. You can also email wangarigardens@gmail.com and ask Josh Singer or Sarah McLaughlin if they have any volunteer opportunities at Wangari Gardens, a community garden in NE DC, near the Washington Hospital Center. 

4. We Are Family DC has the following volunteer opportunities over Winter Break. To sign up, go to: www.wearefamilydc.org/calendar and click on the “Volunteer” button next to the date you want to volunteer.

Holiday Gift Wrapping Party

Tuesday, December 18 – 5pm-8pm

See Volunteer Spot sign up for location details

North Capitol Grocery Delivery

Saturday, December 22 – 10am-1pm

Meet at the Metro Community Church, 474 Ridge Street NW

2.5 blocks from the Convention Center metro, near 5th & M Sts NW

Holiday Gift Wrapping Party

Tuesday, December 23 – 3pm-6pm

See Volunteer Spot sign up for location details

Holiday Gift Delivery

Tuesday, December 25, 10 am – 1 pm

Meet at the Metro Community Church, 474 Ridge Street NW, 

2.5 blocks from the Convention Center metro, near 5th & M Sts NW

5. Books to Prisons: Information is Hope!

Location: Foundry Methodist Church

Address: 1500 16th ST NW, Washington, DC 20036

Date: Wed, January 2^nd  5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Description: Come spend an evening reading letters from prisoners and answering their book requests, some of which are very interesting! We will select books according to these requests from prisoners around the country and package them for sending.

Other Info: Please bring any paper grocery bags that you have at home and don't need. They use them to pack the books and have a tough time getting enough. The books we most need right now are African American books (about or by), Westerns, Spanish learning books, Native Americans, dictionaries, GED, math, basic literacy, drawing, and science paperbacks - donations are welcome!

Since 1999, a concerned all-volunteer group of individuals has been responding to requests from prisoners around the country for books. They also develop and support local prison libraries. Unlike many programs, they do not limit requests to a particular geographic area or, for example, to women. Thus they receive a tremendous amount of requests from prisoners around the country and are truly swamped. In the past twelve months, they have sent out close to 4,000 packages containing over 10,000 books. These packages have gone to prisoners in 150 different prisons in all 50 states. The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration levels in the world (1 in 37 adults), but many prisoners have little access to books or educational material. Many face substantial barriers and are cut off from family and friends on the outside. While some prisons have libraries, many do not. Of those that do, access and selection can be extremely limited. Often, prisoners are not allowed to receive books from friends or family.

Transit: Located 2.5 blocks east of Dupont Circle. To get there via metro, one can either take the red line to Dupont Circle, leave via the south entrance, walk partially around the circle to P St. and go east 2.5 blocks. To get there via the blue/orange line, one can go to McPherson Square, leave via the White House exit, walk one block west on I St. Once you get to 16th St., wait for buses heading north (come about every 5 minutes or so, before 7:30). When the bus goes through the tunnel, pull the "stop requested" wire and get off at the next stop which is the intersection of P St and 16th St.

Please Note: Once you get to the church (door on 16th St.) ring the doorbell to be let in, then go downstairs to the basement. Turn left, go to end of hall, then turn right, and we are the last door on the right after the bathrooms (B2). There is not a parking lot, but it is generally not too difficult to find street parking if you look around a bit.

1500 16th ST NW, Washington, DC 20036

6. 2011 Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser Arms Outstretched Ministry

GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE FUNDRAISER..VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Dec 7 through 24

Mon-Sat: 12:00-9:00 p.m.

Sundays: 10:00 am-6;00 p.m.

Dec 24th: 8:00 am-6:00 p.m. To sign up, email:

armsoutstretchedministry@yahoo.com

Fashion Center At Pentagon City
100 South Haynes Street
Arlington, VA

View Map

We hope you can make it!

All proceeds benefit our wounded warrior and Adopt a Soldier programs, along with other programs to the community through ARMS OUTSTRETCHED MINISTRY, INC. Learn more about our cause and programs at www.armsoutstretchedministry.com armsoutstretchedministry@yahoo.com

Help Feed Seniors in Need with We Are Family DC

We Are Family coordinates monthly grocery deliveries to 450 seniors in the North Capitol/Shaw and Columbia Heights/Park View neighborhoods. We need your help to make this happen!  

We gather at either the Metropolitan Community Church or Kelsey Apartments to assemble the grocery bags and then split up into groups to deliver the groceries to seniors in various homes, individual apartments, and senior housing buildings. These seniors are facing poverty and social isolation that puts them at risk for hunger as well as other dangers. These deliveries are scheduled at the time in the month where their financial assistance is running low and they are likely facing tough choices like whether to keep their power on, pay for medicine, or feed themselves. 

With the current economic problems many seniors are getting less support and are facing higher costs, furthering their desperation. You can help make an immense difference in their lives!

We Are Family coordinates monthly grocery deliveries to 450 seniors in the North Capitol/Shaw and Columbia Heights/Park View neighborhoods. We need your help to make this happen! We gather at either the Metropolitan Community Church or Kelsey Apartments to assemble the grocery bags and then split up into groups to deliver the groceries to seniors in various homes, individual apartments, and senior housing buildings. These seniors are facing poverty and social isolation that puts them at risk for hunger as well as other danger...

Read More

To sign up for this and other volunteer opportunities, check out this webpage: http://www.wearefamilydc.org/volunteer/

8 Volunteer Opportunities with Washington Center for Aging Services

"First in Quality, First in Caring, First in Sharing"

The Washington Center for Aging Services(WCAS) is a long-term care nursing facility established by the D.C. Office on Aging for District residents 55years of age and older. The Center provides the elderly of D.C. with a full range of supportive, restorative and rehabilitative care in an attractive setting. WCAS is leased from the Office on Aging and managed by the Stoddard Baptist Global Care, Inc Board of Directors, a 501(c)3 corporation. We strive to:

• Foster an environment that emanates the utmost respect for the dignity of our residents, their families, staff, volunteers and others.
• Employ highly qualified individuals who possess integrity of character and who exhibit compassionate care to our residents and their families.
• Maintain the highest possible standards of quality in every aspect of our daily operations.

The Details

• Address

2601 18th Street, N.E.Washington, DC 20018
Get Directions

• Phone
• (202) 541-6269
• Fax
• (202) 541-6191

Opportunities with Washington Center for Aging Services

• Alzheimers Unit Assistance
• Friendly Visitors
• Office Assistants needed
• Visiting Pets Program
• Volunteer Activity Assistant
• Volunteer Art Teacher Wanted!!!!
• Volunteer Music Therapy Leader...
• Washington Center for Aging...

Upcoming Service Trips with Teen Action

If you're looking for a way to get community service hours while working with friends, look no further than Teen Action! This TMA club, which meets every Wednesday after school in room 104, connects students with volunteer opportunities throughout the semester. The group has these upcoming trips:

February

Saturday, 2/25:

We Are Family (Columbia Heights & Park View Grocery Delivery) 9:30am -1pm **rescheduled for later in the month!

March

Thursday, 3/1

Downtown Clusters Geriatric Day Care (Mt. Vernon Sq Metro) 3:45pm- 6:00pm

Saturday, 3/24:

We Are Family (Columbia Heights & Park View Grocery Delivery) 9:30am -1pm

Thursday, 3/ 29

Martha’s Table  (U Street Metro) 3:45pm- 6:00pm

April

Saturday, 4/ 14

The Anacostia Watershed Society Nash Run Trash Trap cleanup (Deanwood Metro stop) 9am-1pm

Thursday 4/26

Downtown Clusters Geriatric Day Care (Mt. Vernon Sq Metro) 3:45pm- 6:00pm

Saturday 4/28

We Are Family (Columbia Heights & Park View Grocery Delivery) 9:30am -1pm

If you're interested in going on one of these trips, please come to a Teen Action meeting or talk with Ms. Boehle-Silva! 

Note: You must have a permission slip to participate, so sign up early!

Emmaus Services for the Aging - Grocery Bagging

Emmaus Services for the Aging 
 
Join Emmaus Services for the Aging on the third Thursday of the month to help package groceries that will be delivered to home-bound seniors. Emmaus is a local nonprofit that reaches out to build trust with seniors to provide support, advocacy and services that help them remain active, respected, and independent members of the community. 

Located in DC. Metro accessible. No minimum age. This project is accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing.

For more information, check out: http://www.emmausdc.org/

To sign up, click here: http://www.greaterdccares.org/

Support Individuals with Disabilities as a Quality Trust Volunteer

Ongoing Opportunity; Various Times   Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities (Quality Trust) serves as an independent catalyst for change in the lives of people of all ages with developmental disabilities, so they can succeed, thrive and experience full membership in the communities they choose. Quality Trust welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities, and ongoing volunteer opportunities include working directly with people with developmental disabilities or supporting their work with administrative, fundraising, communication and event assistance. For more information or to sign up, please visit the Quality Trust Volunteer Page or contact Vernessa Broddie via email or call (202) 448-1441.

Work with Elderly District Residents at Downtown Cluster's Geriatric Day Care Center

Ring in the new year with community service! If you're interested in working with Seniors, check out DC's Geriatric Day Care Center, a community resource for DC residents located at Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church.

The Day Care Center provides seniors with many services, including classes, group activities, meals, transportation, medical care, and therapy. Volunteers can work with one of the Center's many programs. To sign up, email  clustersdc@aol.com or complete this form on their website to learn more about available opportunities.

Experience the Student Program at Washington Hospital Center

The Washington Hospital Center, the District's largest hospital, has a volunteer program geared toward high school students wishing to earn community service hours. Volunteers can work in many different departments of the hospital, and receive complimentary meals and parking!

Note: Washington Hospital Center's Student Volunteer Program has many steps, including:

• an online application
• a reference from a teacher or employer
• a one-page typed summary/description of yourself
• an interview

All applicants must be at least 14 years old.

Click on this link to get started with your online application. If you have any questions, please come talk with Ms. Boehle-Silva in Programs.

Check out Georgetown University Hospital's Volunteer Program THIS Saturday!

The Georgetown University Hospital is offering its final Volunteer Open House event this Saturday, December 10. Volunteers can find out about Georgetown's programs and fill out an application on site!

As volunteers at GUH, students can:

• Assist employees, patients and visitors in inpatient and outpatient areas
• Provide clerical assistance in hospital administration offices
• Guide individuals through out the facility with the hospital's Wayfinding Program
• Use your creative and musical skills with in the Arts Humanities program
• Provide Pet Therapy through National Capital Therapy Dogs
• Participate in the Reach Out and Read Program

Note: Students must be at least 15 years old and ready to commit to at least 4 hours of community service a week for one year.

Ready to apply right now? Head to the High School Volunteer Page.

So Others Might Eat (SOME): Options, Options, Options!

SOME has served Washington, DC for more than 40 years, working to

• Feed and clothe DC’s homeless and poor 
• Treat ill, homeless people at their medical, dental and mental health programs
• Train people for jobs and house homeless families and single adults

Over the years, SOME has helped thousands of people get off the streets, transform their lives, and live independently.

SOME has over 10 different areas in need of volunteers, including:

 

Administrative 

Professional Services 

Elderly Services 

Tutoring Adults 

Tutoring Children 

Food Service 

Special Occasions 

Landscaping 

Activity Leaders 

Material Donations 

Opportunities for Children 

Long-term Volunteers

After you've looked over the many options on SOME's volunteer page, fill out their volunteer application (here).

Affordable Housing in the District: Sarah's Circle

Sarah's Circle is an affordable housing residence and Wellness Center in Adams Morgan that provides comprehensive programs and services for very low-income seniors.

Whether you are looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity for a group or to volunteer as an individual, Sarah's Circle can accommodate your schedule and your needs. Volunteer opportunities range from serving meals to providing landscaping and painting assistance to coordinating fun and lively activities and parties for the seniors.


For more information about volunteer opportunities and to discuss your specific needs, please call 202-332-1400 ext. 23 or email info@sarahscircle.org.

Follow Sarah’s Circle on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/sarahscircle 

Holiday Volunteer Opportunity at Bread for the City

Take some time in December to prepare holiday meals for those in need!

During the holidays (November and December), Bread for the City’s Food Pantries offer each of our clients a complete holiday meal, including a turkey and all the trimmings.  This year, we want to provide Holiday Helpings to more than 9,000 families.

Bread for the City needs extra help to make this happen, and can take small groups of 3-5 volunteers each weekday afternoon (excluding Fridays) during November and December. These volunteers help package the meals, sort and organize donations.  

Note that Bread for the City does not have volunteer opportunities on Christmas Eve or Day.

To sign up, email Volunteer Coordinator Anna Tahtamouni at atahtamouni@breadforthecity.org.

 Still not sure how you want to volunteer? Check out Bread for the City's volunteer page for a full list of opportunities: http://www.breadforthecity.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Many Hands Make Light Work: Thrive DC

Over 6,000 people in Washington, DC face the night without knowing where they will sleep or what they will eat. Thrive DC makes sure that no one has to face homelessness alone or on an empty stomach. Each day, Thrive DC provides over 200 meals and supportive services to help homeless men and women end their homelessness and change their lives.

Thrive DC volunteers:

• Work in Thrive's Daily Bread/Daily Needs, preparing meals and distributing emergency supplies
• Provide assistance in the computer workshop
• Help individuals apply for jobs and prepare for interviews
• Work in the Links program, leading enrichment activities and teaching educational classes
• Assist with administrative and development tasks
• Lead special projects
• Offer a familiar face and kind word

To see all current volunteer opportunities, check out Thrive DC's handout here.

Students seeking to volunteer with Thrive DC must sign up for a volunteer orientation session here. 

You must also download and fill out the volunteer form (find it at the bottom of the volunteer page.

Martha's Table: Volunteer to Help Fight Poverty

Martha's Table tackles DC-area poverty through short and long term solutions. Martha's Table's mission is to help at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in the community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.
They do this by providing tutoring and extracurricular programs for students and youth; preparing and serving meals to the homeless at various places around DC; and running a thrift store from clothing donations from the community.



Volunteers are usually able to assist in the following areas:

• Preparing Food - 7 days a week from 10 to 1 pm. Must be 9 years old or older.
• Working with children in the Day Care - 5 days a week from 9:30 to 1 pm.  Must be 14 years old or older.
• Tutoring and/or mentoring in the children and youth programs.  Must be 16 years old or older.
• Sorting clothes in Martha's Outfitters - Tuesday through Saturday from 9 to 3 pm.  Must be 16 years old or older.
• Staffing McKenna's Wagon, mobile soup kitchen - 7 days a week from 4:45 to 6:45 pm.  Must be 15 years old or older.
• Organize an event.

Note: Martha's Table has a specific program for students seeking to earn community service hours.

Contact their Volunteer Assistant at 202.328.6608 x 212 or email them at volunteer@marthastable.org to schedule a School Community Service appointment and Orientation.

Bring Your Pet With You: People-Animals-Love

People Animals Love (PAL) has a Pet Visit Program that allows volunteers and their pets to visit nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, and other places in need of TLC in the DC metropolitan area.

Note that PAL's Pet Visit Program has several requirements: 

• Pets and their owners must take a certification class (which costs $100).
• Volunteers must be 16 years old, or accompanied by an adult.
• Pets must be well-behaved, spayed, or neutered.
• Pets must also have a health certificate with a current rabies vaccination signed by a veterinarian.

 To begin volunteering, click here. This volunteer page will walk you through the steps to becoming a Pet Visit volunteer.