10 ways to give back in Virginia without spending a dime
From volunteering at a state park or library to mentoring youth, here are 10 meaningful ways to give back in Virginia without spending a dime.
Giving back doesn’t have to come at the expense of still being able to afford holiday presents. Organizations and community groups across Virginia are regularly in need of those willing to donate their time, offering a variety of opportunities, from clearing trails at your favorite state park to shelving books at your local library or mentoring a local youth. Here are 10 meaningful ways to give back in the commonwealth without spending a dime.
Volunteer at Virginia State Parks
With 44 parks across the commonwealth, Virginia State Parks is always on the lookout for volunteers willing to donate their time. Volunteer opportunities come in a variety of forms, like clearing trails and identifying plants in the parks for conservation purposes. Volunteers earn loyalty points that can be redeemed for discounts on such things as passes and cabin rentals.
Seven Bends State Park
Location: 1191 Lupton Rd. Woodstock, VA 22664
Seven Bends State Park, located in the Seven Bends area of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, is holding a volunteer workday for trail maintenance on a new trail that has yet to be named from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Be sure to register.
Mason Neck State Park
Location: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
A community clean-up day is slated for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Mason Neck State Park, on a peninsula formed by the Potomac River, Phick Bay, and Belmont Bay. The day will focus on picking up trash that washes onto the shoreline. Volunteers will be able to work at their own pace. They’re encouraged to bring water and dress for the weather.
Volunteer at your local library
Massanutten Regional Library
Location: 174 S Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Volunteers can help ensure the smooth running of the Massanutten Regional Library by shelving materials, performing general office duties, conducting research, and assisting with special events. Those interested are encouraged to contact the branch manager to discuss what opportunities might be a fit.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Location: 125 Olde Greenwich Dr., Ste 160, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Volunteers 13 years of age and up are welcome to donate their time at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Volunteers can work as computer tutors by helping community members learn basic computer skills, shelve books and other materials, contribute to the research efforts of The Virginiana Room, a collection of local history and genealogical resources, and converse with those who are learning English.
The volunteer inquiry form can be found here.
Volunteer as a museum docent
Virginia Holocaust Museum
Location: 2000 East Cary St., Richmond, VA 23223
The Virginia Holocaust Museum is seeking those interested in history, human rights, and meaningful conversations to join its team of volunteer docents. Docents bring history alive for visitors by leading tours and using dialogue to encourage visitors to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights through engagement with the museum’s exhibitions.
Volunteers should be 18 years or older, clear communicators, able to stand for extended periods, and available for 2 to 3 hours per week.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Location: 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23220
Volunteering at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture comes with the unique benefit of learning the inner workings of a museum. Volunteer opportunities extend to education docents, guest services, and special event volunteers.
The museum stresses that its volunteers should be effective in dealing with the public, good with computers, and reliable. Docent time commitments are flexible, while guest services volunteers are needed for at least two shifts per month. Apply here.
Volunteer at a retirement home
Birmingham Green
Location: 8605 Centreville Rd., Manassas, VA 20110
Birmingham Green, an affordable senior living facility in Northern Virginia, seeks volunteers interested in improving the well-being of their residents. The facility welcomes those interested in volunteering for only a couple of hours, as well as those looking to make a long-term commitment. Current volunteer opportunities include pet therapy, friendly visitors, activities assistants, adopt-a-grandparent, nutritional assistants, administrative support, and recreational therapy aides.
To become a volunteer, you’ll need to complete an application, which can be found on the website. To ensure a positive experience, orientation, training, and ongoing educational forums are provided.
Bridgewater Retirement Community
Location: 302 N 2nd St., Bridgewater, VA 22812
Bridgewater Retirement Community, an inclusive assisted living facility in the Shenandoah Valley, welcomes volunteers interested in supporting the vitality and independence of its residents. Volunteer opportunities on campus fall within four categories, including Household Friends for those who want to help residents with small tasks, Restorative Fitness Buddies for those who want to help with strength training, More Than Words for those with musical talents, and Rendever Armchair Travel Volunteers for those who want to help residents travel through virtual reality headsets.
Contact the volunteer services department for placements.
Foster an animal
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
Location: 3355 Berkmar Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901
The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA needs foster homes for its pets awaiting adoption. The SPCA stresses that home environments are best for a pet’s health and well-being. Animals in need of fostering include kittens and puppies too young to be spayed or neutered, nursing mothers and their litter, animals recovering from major surgery or illness, and animals that need training, socialization, or a break from the shelter.
The time commitment can range from a week for a dog waiting for its stitches to be removed to a couple of months for a nursing mother. As many supplies as possible are provided to the foster home.
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Location: 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
Foster caregivers of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provide animals with an extra level of care and attention. Those interested in fostering take on animals that might be too young or small for adoption, those recovering from surgery, and those that need a break from the shelter.
Those seeking to give fostering a try should consider short-term fostering, which involves housing the animal for one week. The information the foster home shares with the shelter about how the animal behaves in a home helps expedite the adoption process.
Adopt-a-Highway
The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Adopt-a-Highway program enables citizens to make a difference in the commonwealth by removing litter from roadsides. Volunteers commit to adopt a 2-mile stretch of highway for three years. At least two cleanups per year are required, with VDOT providing trash bags, safety equipment, and safety training. Those interested in adopting a highway must be 18 years of age.
Participate in a cleanup event
Clean Valley Council
Location: 2014 Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
The Clean Valley Council encourages individuals and groups interested in combating litter in the Roanoke Valley to register for an Anytime Cleanup. Volunteers can specify where they’d like to pick up litter, and the council will provide free supplies, like gloves, bags, and grabbers.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: 3663 Marlin Bay Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23455
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation welcomes those interested in contributing to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. Volunteer opportunities can be as unique as growing oysters or as straightforward as providing clerical support at one of the offices. Oyster restoration efforts extend to helping grow native oysters and transplant them to sanctuary reefs. The annual Clean the Bay Day event, which consists of 7,000 volunteers coming together to remove more than 100 tons of trash from the bay and its tributaries on the first Saturday of June, is another great way to get involved.
The Hampton Roads office is located at the Brock Environmental Center.
Mentor a youth
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia
Location: 1300 Diamond Springs Rd., Ste. 300, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Make a difference in the life of a youth by volunteering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia. Volunteers help with homework, career presentations, mentoring, coaching, and job shadowing. Volunteers must be 18 years of age.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia
Location: 2901 Langhorne Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24501
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia needs those interested in becoming a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” who are willing to pledge to be a consistent presence in the life of their “Little” by meeting with them on a regular basis and committing to building the friendship for at least a year.
Rather than spending their own money, volunteers simply need to be willing to spend time with a 6 to 14-year-old. The organization aims to make the most appropriate matches.
Donate unwanted items
Diversity Thrift
Location: 1407 Sherwood Ave., Richmond, VA 23220
Donations are accepted at Diversity Thrift Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gently used furniture, clothing, lamps, knick-knacks, and other items are accepted. The store can pick up furniture if you email in advance. Proceeds support programs run by Diversity Richmond, an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys
Locations: Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, Southside Virginia
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys welcomes gently used clothing, toys, books, housewares, furniture, and electronics at any of its donation locations throughout its 35-county and 14-city service area. Donations are sold in its stores, which generate funds to help individuals in need find a job or earn a life skill that will allow them to live more independently. The Excel Center, an adult education facility in Roanoke, is an example of a program funded through the stores.
Prepare or serve food at a community kitchen
Anna Sudha Community Kitchen
Location: 21100 Dulles Town Center, Ste. 190, Dulles, VA 20166
Volunteers interested in making healthy meals accessible to everyone are needed at Anna Sudha Community Kitchen. The kitchen stresses that opportunities can be tailored to fit a busy schedule, with shifts lasting between two and three hours. Volunteers are needed for food preparation, cleanup, packaging, cooking, and meal deliveries.
The Rescue Mission of Roanoke
Location: 402 4th St. SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
The Rescue Mission of Roanoke, a comprehensive crisis intervention center, encourages those interested in serving a hot meal while offering a friendly smile to volunteer to serve in its kitchen. Volunteers are needed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the year. Volunteers must be 14 years or older. Those interested can sign up for a shift through the website.
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