Fairfax County: Can You Lend a Helping Hand?

Most of my past blogs about Tysons Corner, McLean, and Vienna point out what's going on in this great area where people love to work, shop, and live. Tysons Corner is the "downtown" of Fairfax County, so what happens throughout the county is of great concern. As a lifelong resident and Realtor ® of Fairfax County, I want to take this opportunity to reach out to my fellow Fairfax County residents to lend a helping hand to many organizations that need volunteers. Whatever skill you have, there is an organization nearby that could use your services.

If you like retail, Inova Health Systems is seeking both adult and teen volunteers at all of their hospital locations to work in the gift shop.  For more information, please visit Inova Health Systems web site.  Also, The Treasure Shop in McLean needs volunteers to work in its thrift store that is part of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation. 

If you have children who love horses and are looking for a fun activity, Simply Changes Therapeutic Riding Center is looking for volunteers 14 years old or more with horse experience to lead horses during lessons. Even if you lack horse experience but love horses, the center will train you to sidewalk during lessons, groom horses, clean stalls and for special projects IF you are able to walk briskly for two to three hours at a time. Check out the You Tube video.

If you love cats and kittens, 4Paws Rescue Team has a need for a variety of volunteer positions. The most urgent need is for volunteers to help with cat care, including playing with them every day. They need help setting up adoption fairs, foster care, transportation, store, home visits, and voice mail.

Like to work with adults? The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna is looking for volunteers to provide services to people who are 50 and older.  They have a variety of volunteer positions from drivers to office assistance. Fairfax County also needs in-home caregivers, while Volunteer Solutions needs Meals-on-Wheels drivers and other support.  They have a special need for people who speak the language to work with Vietnamese Meals-on-Wheels.

Meanwhile, Vinson Hall Retirement Community needs "concierges" to aid with delivering and unloading residents' grocery bags, greeting and directing visitors, and working at the  front desk.  St. Mark English as a Second Language program in Vienna needs volunteers to teach computer classes and English classes. (You don't need to speak a foreign language for that.)

Have budgeting skills?  Our Daily Bread (ODB), a volunteer-based organization that works with low income residents in Fairfax County, needs helpers to serve as financial mentors and teach budgeting classes. They also need goods to fill their pantry with emergency food supplies.

These are just a few of the organizations that need volunteers.  Volunteer Fairfax can provide you with many others. Help make our area great.