The 5th & 6th graders are packing lunch bags to feed our neighbors struggling with homelessness in Arlington County. All packed bags will go to Path Forward, one of our local partners. There’s no need to register your kid for this event – they will pack as a group after their lessons on Sundays, November 13 and December 11.

One of the easiest ways to start a conversation about serving their neighbors with your kids is by making it relatable and fun! That’s why Grace KIDS is encouraging parents of kids all ages to collect needed snacks (use list below for guidance) and bring it all to our packing days on December 4th & 11th – the kids will pack all snack boxes with the assistance of our volunteers.

There are many ways you can serve our partners at Bridges to Independence. From mowing the lawn to volunteering at front desk, from proofreading policies to translating forms. Take a look at the opportunities below and make a difference in the lives of their staff and clients!

The NoVA Doughnation Ministry is an incredible group of volunteers that pick up left-over food from Panera Bread before they close in the evening and donate those leftovers to food banks and homeless shelters in our community. So far, the group has been able to donate over 8,000 lbs of food, and with your help they can do much more.

Come sing Christmas Carols for and with our neighborhood on Thursday, December 8 from 5-7pm. Bundle up and wish the Chirilagua community a Merry Christmas through song. If you'd like to join us, please sign up below.

Strong Readers Strong Leaders (SRSL) is a program that builds both the literacy and leadership skills among elementary aged students in our community. The program was designed so no experience is necessary, and any volunteer can be trained in 15 minutes. SRSL is currently running for the academic year on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45-6pm at the Willston Multicultural Center. Volunteers can come on either day.

Do you love organizing? You're in the right place! Join Path Forward's Day Program Team to help organize and sort clothing donations in our Clothing Closet. This volunteer activity is offered every Monday from 9-10am and no more than two volunteers per shift are needed. Complete their volunteer application and write down “Clothing Closet” on comment box.

Become a meal server helping provide food security for Arlingtonians experiencing homelessness by signing up for breakfast, lunch or dinner service! You will assist Path Forward's Chef and Kitchen Staff to set up, serve and clean up meals. Breakfast: 6:30-7:30am; Lunch: 11:45am-12:45pm; Dinner: 5:30-6:30pm; 7 days a week. All meals have a maximum capacity of two volunteers per shift. Complete their volunteer application and write down “Meal Serving” on comment box.

Give the gift of “cozy” this holiday season! For this year’s holiday gift for CRi residents, we are soliciting community members to make homemade no-sew fleece blankets. Many CRi individuals are sensitive to extreme temperatures, particularly the cold weather. Blankets are comforting and a way to make us feel safe. This is a family-friendly remote volunteer opportunity! You can find more information and instructions to this project below.

AHC Inc., an affordable housing developer, believes Housing + Education = Success. AHC runs tutoring programs at their community centers in Arlington, and a bag of healthy snacks will keep students energized while they learn and play. Volunteers can help by purchasing and assembling snack bags at home. This is a family-friendly opportunity.

When one of Path Forward's clients moves into a new home (yay!!), they receive a gift basket full of goodies and useful tools that help make a client's transition more enjoyable and manageable. You can help support housed clients by donating the following items for Path Forward to compile into one gift basket per client: laundry baskets, laundry detergent, bedding (sheets, blankets, comforters), bathroom and kitchen cleaning supplies, kitchenware, bathmats and bath towels, picture frames. Items can be donated directly to Path Forward at 2020A 14th St N, Arlington, VA 22201.

Tis the season of giving! Help us make a child at Bridges holiday wish come true by donating a toy. We're currently collecting new toys until Wednesday, December 14. Please drop off or deliver unwrapped toys to Bridges to Independence office at 46 S Glebe Rd. Suite 201, Arlington, VA.

We're currently looking for volunteers to help us make Christmas magical for Bridges' youth. We're looking for many volunteers to help us wrap and deliver presents before Christmas. Also seeking a volunteer who has that jolly spirit and can dress like Santa Claus!

Give the gift of cozy this Christmas by joining Grace Women to make no-sew blankets for CRi. Homemade delicious cookies & punch will be served, along with a fun raffle of gifts just for you! This serving opportunity is happening on Sunday, December 11 from 1:30-3:30pm. Please register as space is limited.