November is one of the busiest months for nonprofits, food banks and community organizations. This DMV Thanksgiving volunteer guide highlights 11 ways to give back across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Whether you want to serve meals, distribute groceries, pack holiday food baskets or support a local charity through a fundraising event, there are plenty of opportunities to help.
Key Takeaways
- The bigger picture: The DMV has 11 holiday volunteer opportunities across DC, Maryland and Virginia, from meal prep and deliveries to food distribution and donation drives.
- Options include Food & Friends’ Thanksgiving meal deliveries, Bread for the City’s Holiday Helpings, race-day support at the Alexandria Turkey Trot and SOME’s Trot for Hunger, and gift card and food drives.
- Why this helps: Most roles require advance registration and Thanksgiving spots fill up quickly, so signing up early can help volunteers secure a shift.
From Thanksgiving meal deliveries to turkey trots and holiday gift drives, here’s where you can volunteer in the DMV this season.
Washington, DC
Bread for the City Holiday Helpings
For 34 years, Bread for the City’s Holiday Helpings program ensures community members with low income have what they need to celebrate the holidays. Families are provided with a whole turkey or chicken, sides and seasonal fresh produce leading up to Thanksgiving. In-kind donations of canned goods and clothing items from their wishlist are welcomed throughout November.
- Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Address: 1700 Marion Barry Ave. SE, Washington, DC; 1525 7th St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Setting: Indoor community center
- Crowd level: Busy during the holidays
- Reservation requirements: Volunteer registration required in advance
Food & Friends
Throughout November, Food & Friends prepares and delivers over 5,000 Thanksgiving meals to people living with serious illnesses throughout the area. Volunteers help prepare a meal of roasted turkey, dressing, gravy, sides and pie and deliver meals so recipients can enjoy the holiday without hassle. Volunteer opportunities are held from Nov. 9-26. Kitchen shifts begin at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the preparation period. Thanksgiving Day kitchen shifts begin at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. Kitchen volunteers must be at least 14. Thanksgiving delivery drivers must be at least 18, use their own vehicle, have a valid license and clean driving record, and complete required screening and orientation. Delivery pickups are at Fort Totten Metro.
- Hours: Vary throughout Thanksgiving meal preparation
- Address: 219 Riggs Road NE, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Setting: Indoor building
- Crowd level: Busy during the holiday season
- Reservation requirements: Volunteer registration required in advance
SOME’s Trot for Hunger
SOME’s annual Trot for Hunger raises money to provide meals, housing, healthcare and job training for DC residents in need. Volunteers help with race-day setup, registration, course guidance and cleanup to ensure a fun and safe event.
- Hours: 6:30-10:30 a.m. Nov. 26
- Address: 1325 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know
- Setting: Outdoor race
- Crowd level: Very busy
- Reservation requirements: Advance registration required for runners and volunteers
Martha’s Table Community Harvest Dinner
…