The Washingtonian has compiled a sampling of local places that welcome participation, including family participation, in volunteer work, both during the holiday season and year-round. The Committee for America's Walk for Diabetes needs volunteers for its committee now as well as several hundered volunteers for the day of the event in October. For online volunteer information, click here.
Volunteers do regular shopping for housebound individuals.
To tap into her children's interest in sports, DC mother Sara McIntosh started Challenger Little League last summer for kids who are mentally and physically handicapped. Each disabled team member has a buddy, ideally a child near his age, who plays the game with him. The buddy may hold the bat for a child whose arms aren't strong enough, push the wheelchair for a child who can't walk, or hold the hand of a blind child as he runs around the bases. Weekend and long-term projects. The organization also provides educational and vocational assistance, life-skills training, and job development in addition to legal aid and youth leadership development.