Volunteer in the neighborhood: NW Community Food Pantry and Northwest Neighbors Village

We often write about short-term volunteer opportunities, such as native species restoration events in Rock Creek Park with Rock Creek Conservancy. Van Ness Main Street often seeks volunteers to assist with programs including flower planting along Connecticut Avenue, Art All Night, and the annual holiday pop-up market.

Now, we’re shining the spotlight on two other organizations who are searching for more helping hands.

The NW Community Food Pantry (formerly Feed the Family) grew out of Ward 3 mutual aid efforts in the Covid-19 pandemic’s first weeks. The pantry, now two years old, finds the need remains acute. A year ago, The Washington Post reported that around 100 households were lining up every week for cleaning and personal hygiene products, groceries and produce. Now, its volunteers say NW Community Food Pantry serves 200 families every week.

The food pantry is a volunteer-run and staffed organization, and you’ll find it at the loading dock behind 4225 Connecticut Avenue (the former Walgreens) every Saturday (when it collects donated items) and Sunday (for collection and distribution) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers range in age from high school (students can earn community service hours) to retirees. The food pantry also needs people with cars, since some of its clients are unable to carry their groceries, or travel to the pick-up site. Volunteers with only a little time to give are just as welcome as those who can do a lot. Write to [email protected] to learn more.

Northwest Neighbors Village (NNV) has been serving older adults since 2009, and it was featured in one of our very first articles. This village, one of 13 in the District, offers members the resources and assistance they need to age in their homes and communities. That support, provided by volunteers, can include help with grocery shopping, tech support, simple repairs around the house, and transportation to medical appointments.

The benefits to members may be obvious, but the volunteers get a lot out of it, too. They meet people with fascinating life stories, find worthy chess adversaries, and provide a lifeline to the larger world. Volunteers under the age of 18 are welcome, with a parent or guardian’s participation.

Which organizations would you add to the list? Comment below or email us at [email protected].