With the holidays approaching, it’s a great time to give back to the community and help those in need. In addition to community service being rewarding, these events and programs can be used to get service hours for students. 

Soup Kitchens & Food Pantries: 

Food for Neighbors is a non-profit which strives to end hunger in Northern Virginia. Their Red Bag Program is a great way to help if you have a busy schedule. To start, request a Red Bag here. Once the Red Bag is received, fill it with food and toiletries based on the grocery list provided. All to do next is leave the Red Bag by your front door on January 11 by 8:30 AM for it to be picked up and brought to students in need. 

Another organization that provides food for those in need is Food for Others. Students ages 12-15 must be accompanied by adults, while older volunteers can go on their own. Based in D.C., students can volunteer to help out in their warehouse, distribute food, assemble food packs, and donate food. Shifts when volunteering at the warehouse are normally 2-4 hours during weekdays and happen between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Student volunteers must sign up in advance here. 

Drives:

Cornerstones is a Reston based organization that hosts a Winter Coat Closet. The nonprofit is accepting new and lightly used coats as well as gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves. Drop off these goods at the North County Government Building on December 17th. 

With a variety of ways to help out during the holiday season, there’s an opportunity for everyone to make the community a little bit stronger.