Interested in making an impact on the community this fall?
Volunteering your time is a great way to do so. Here in Richmond, there are many amazing non-profits that could use your support. Yet, with so many ways to get involved it sometimes can be tough to find the right opportunity. We’ve highlighted five incredible initiatives that are currently looking for volunteers.
For those with a green thumb
Looking to get your hands dirty? Capital Trees may be the opportunity for you. The nonprofit is committed to enriching the Richmond community through developing environmentally sustainable public spaces. Some of its past projects include transforming Great Shiplock Park and The Low Line. Both of these projects not only beautified the community, but also were thoughtfully designed to remediate polluted water from entering the Kanawha Canal and James River.
In order to maintain the green spaces, Capital Trees relies on volunteers. There are multiple work days scheduled throughout the year to visit the sites and make improvements. It is important to note that physical activity such as bending, lifting, pulling and kneeling is required, although tasks can be modified. Maintenance is a large portion of its volunteer work, but Capital Trees does offer less physically-demanding opportunities such as marketing and fundraising.
To learn more about assisting Capital Trees, visit its website.
For those passionate about helping children
Interested in helping the youngest members of our community? Then Little Hands Virginia may be a perfect fit. Since its inception, the Richmond-area organization has been collecting new and “nearly new” items through donations and drives for babies (newborns to 3-year-olds). Little Hands Virginia supports several hundred children each year and partners with over 50 organizations including local agencies, shelters, hospitals and other nonprofits.
The organization offers four different types of volunteer opportunities, including on-site help, delivery drivers, recyclers and grab and go aides who are responsible for gently washing used clothes and soft items. Currently, its greatest need is for delivery drivers. Drivers are critical in helping to deliver requests to families and partners.
Visit its website to learn more about these opportunities and to sign up.
For those interested in assisting the homeless
During the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness in Richmond sharply increased. If you are looking to volunteer your time, consider working with HomeAgain, a local organization dedicated to serving the homeless community. Its first priority is providing safe and affordable housing to those in need. While working with families to develop long-term plans, the organization also offers temporary housing through three emergency shelters. HomeAgain currently is looking for volunteers in a variety of areas.
Visit its website to learn more and sign up to volunteer.
For those dedicated to fighting food insecurity
If connecting the community and improving health speaks to you, consider volunteering at the Welborne Community Pantry. The pantry is an initiative run by Welborne United Methodist Church in Richmond. Its impact is large, serving 125-150 community members weekly. A few of the ways the pantry gives back is through pre-packaged bags and a food box service.
Volunteerism is critical in helping the pantry distribute food to people in need. People can assist through stocking, bagging and distribution.
If you are interested in volunteering, fill out the form on its website.
For those who are open to a variety of opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering but unsure of exactly what opportunity would be the best fit? Consider filling out the Richmond Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer application. Neighbor to Neighbor is an initiative from the City of Richmond intended to leverage volunteerism to help solve problems and meet the needs of the Richmond community. By filling out the application, you can select a variety of volunteer fields that may interest you and align with your schedule.
