“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This upcoming Monday is MLK Day, and for many people across the country, this weekend is one of service. Struggling to find a way to help better Columbia Heights this weekend? We have a few ideas to get you started.
826DC
826DC, whose official storefront is located in the historic Tivoli Theater building, is one branch of a national nonprofit organization that supports students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills. Volunteers craft and lead writing adventures, support publishing projects, offer edits, provide homework assistance, and more. Though much of 826DC’s work was once conducted in the classroom, their volunteer opportunities are now virtual. Begin your volunteer application today, or give the gift of a monetary donation. Feel like shopping? 100% of Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co.’s sales benefit 826DC!
Columbia Heights Green
If urban farming and food justice are your cup of tea, you should consider volunteering with Columbia Heights Green. The community garden opened in 2010, and last year alone produced over 750lbs of organic produce. The garden is currently open for seasonal volunteer hours every Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm. To begin volunteering, join their mailing list for future opportunities. Be sure to review Washington Parks & People’s COVID19 health and safety guidelines before entering the green.
Latin American Youth Center
Since its founding in the 1960s, the Latin American Youth Center has worked to empower and create safe spaces for low-income youth ages 11-24. Through bilingual programs, opportunities in academics, arts and recreation, job readiness, health and wellness, and safe housing, LAYC serves 4,000 DC-area youth and families each year. There are a range of opportunities to volunteer with the organization, and you can find open volunteer positions here. Want to make an immediate impact today? Consider making a monetary donation.
Martha’s Table
There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities with Martha’s Table! A quick glance at their events calendar shows opportunities nearly every day of the week working at their mini markets, supporting the clothing outfitter location, grocery bagging, and more. The application to volunteer is quick and simple, and signing up for shifts after you’ve been approved is even easier. Whether you want to volunteer this weekend, or anytime throughout the year, just check out their calendar for openings. In-person volunteering not for you? Martha’s Table also accepts in-kind donations of clothing, baby items, and food, as well as monetary donations.
We Are Family DC
We Are Family’s Senior Outreach Network has volunteer opportunities across the city, including right here in Columbia Heights. If you’re looking to volunteer in the coming weekends, there are still a few open spots for individuals with cars to help deliver groceries to senior citizens in the North Capitol area, Saturday, January 23rd between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Saturday, January 30th is the designated day for Columbia Heights and Park View deliveries. Sign up to deliver groceries on the 30th here, and check out their full list of volunteer opportunities here. Have some extra money burning a hole in your pocket? You can make monetary donations here.
It’s important to also remember that volunteering doesn’t require you to work with a nonprofit, it’s something you can do on your own. Whether you spend an afternoon picking up trash along the sidewalks of your neighborhood, organize a canned food or coat drive, or even check in on your elderly neighbors, acts of service can take on almost any form. Have any additional ideas for Columbia Heights volunteer opportunities? Drop a comment below!
