Charlottesville Area Volunteer Organizations
Listed below a number of area non-profit, volunteer organizations. However, students are not limited to the volunteer organizations on this list. Students must obtain their government teachers' pre-approval before service at a volunteer organization begins.
Service organizations
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank- An emergency food assistance agency that serves more than 120,000 people each month. To volunteer or donate, call 540-248-3663.
Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice- Promotes education and action for peace and justice and pursues governmentent responsibility; meets various times throughout the month. Meets every Thursday at 5 in front of Federal Building with signs to demonstrate for peace. Call the message line for updates and the next meeting time: 961-6278.
Emergency Food Bank- A volunteer organization that provides at least a three-day supply of food for hungry families. To volunteer or donate food, call 979-9180.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville- In addition to building homes for those who don't have one, the group runs the Habitat Store, which sells new and salvaged materials donated by the community. Habitat office: 293-9066.
The Haven- A group working to eliminate homelessness in central Virginia. Individual groups work on feeding, counseling, and advising and meet at different times during year. Information: 973-1234. [email protected]
International Rescue Committee (IRC)- Helps refugees rebuild their lives in a new country after fleeing from humanitarian crises. Call 979-7772 for more information.
Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA)- Works to establish, promote, and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit families and individuals of all ages. Seeking volunteers in over twenty different roles. Call 817-5222 for more info.
Kids Lift Foundation- Coordinate the Toy Lift and Books Lift Kids programs. Contact Cindy Payne at 434-975-TOYS.
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc- nonprofit food pantry providing groceries at no coast to low-income individuals and families in Charlottesville and surrounding communities. Contact Margaret Burruss at 434-996-7868.
Meals on Wheels- Since 1977, this organization has brought hot meals to the homebound at lunch every weekday, including holidays. Currently serving about 240 clients. Call Keith at 293-4364.
Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville- provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment or care for serious health issues or injury at medical centers in Charlottesville. Contact Ann Coffey at 434-295-1885.
Salvation Army- Services include emergency shelter, emergency services, childcare, a thrift stores, and transitional housing programs. The thrift store is located at 604 Cherry Ave. (979-5230). To volunteer call 295-4058.
The United Way– Thomas Jefferson Area- Brings together local people, organizations, businesses, and public servants to tackle health and human service needs, and also organizes the United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring each September. Its Volunteer Center website www.BeAVolunteer.info connects volunteers and nonprofits. www.UnitedWayTJ.org or 972-1701.
Animals
Caring for Creatures- a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to caring for homeless animals. Contact Mary Birkholtz at 434-842-2404.
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA- Provide a safe and nurturing environment for the injured, homeless and neglected animals of the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle, and to increase the number of these animals being placed in good and permanent homes through education, outreach, and adoptions. Contact Kaicee Robertson at 434-973-5959 or [email protected].
Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc.-Save horses, ponies, donkeys and mules from a variety of situations including, but not limited to: abuse, abandonment, neglect, slaughter or whose owners can no longer care for them. Contact Maya Proulx at 434-531-5688.
Service Dogs of Virginia- Acquiring, training, and placing service dogs with individuals with disabilities and children with autism. Call 295-9503 or email [email protected] for more info.
Search and Rescue
Albemarle County Fire and Rescue: It's "the home of the model volunteer/career fire and emergency medical services system." They say they aim to provide the highest quality services to preserve the lives, property, and environment of our community. Info on becoming a volunteer: 296-5833.
Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group- Composed of volunteers who spend time in rigorous training, search missions, group functions, preventive instruction, and raising public awareness. Also provides an opportunity for folks interested in the outdoors and emergency medical services. Contact president Laura Dodson at [email protected]u or call Michael Holroyd at 757-944-1132.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad- These dedicated volunteers render assistance at accidents and other times of need, provide safety instruction in schools, and help during flood, fire, hurricane, and famine. Info: 296-4825.
Community Emergency Response Team- People helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number is what this group is all about. Training courses available throughout the year. 971-1263 or [email protected].
Educational
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central VA- Provides A safe place to learn and grow... Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals... Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences... Hope and opportunity. Contact Sabrina Grant at 434-977-2001.
Computers4Kids- A non-profit after-school technology program for disadvantaged youth. To register a student or become a mentor, call 817-1121.
Friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library- A fundraising organization best known for its annual spring book sale. The group hosts biannual book sales in the fall and spring. For more information, call 977-8467 or email [email protected]
Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle- Provides free confidential tutoring sessions for adults in literacy and English as a Second Language and is always in need of tutors. The organization is flexible in its volunteers hours. To volunteer or to learn more, call 977-3838.
Piedmont Family YMCA- The goal of all YMCA programs and services is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Contact Mallory Dunn at 434-974-9622.
Virginia Discovery Museum- a hands-on children's museum for youth ages 1-10. Contact Margie Rein at (434) 977-1025.
Nature and the Environment
Ivy Creek Foundation- Enriching lives by fostering environmental awareness through education and connecting the community with nature. Contact Bruce Gatling-Austin at (434) 973-7772.
The Nature Conservancy in Virginia- protects habitat for rare and endangered species throughout the state. Our most well-known technique is buying land to establish nature preserves. Contact Jennifer Dalke at (434) 951-0585.
Wintergreen Nature Foundation- For the crunchy among us, this group offers guided hikes, canoe trips, educational programs, and much more. Visit twnf.org for a complete list of events. 325-8169 or email [email protected].
Political Organizations
American Reform Party of Virginia- Not to be confused with the AARP, the ARP wants to spice up two-party elections and make them amenage a trois– but with Ross Perot. Info: [email protected].
Democratic Party of Virginia- Supports national, state and local Democratic candidates and issues. Call party headquarters at 804-644-1966.
The Green Party of Virginia- They're lean, green, tree-hugging machines. Call Audrey Clement at 703-532-5339.
Republican Party of Virginia- Supports national, state and local Republican candidates and issues. Contact state party headquarters at 804-780-0111.
Jefferson Area Libertarians- Support less government and more freedom. Call 973-5958
Historical Societies
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society- They keep local history alive with exhibits and tours. Located near the Downtown mall. Whether you're a Charlottesville transplant or a native, take advantage of the tours offered on Thursdays and Saturdays! 296-1492 or[email protected]
Preservation Piedmont- They're all for saving Charlottesville's rich architecutral history. Info: www.ppiedmont.squarespace.com/
Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello)- nonprofit organization that owns and operates Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson. Contact Emily Tenhundfeld at 434-984-9869.
Medical and Mental Health
Alzheimer's Association Central & Western Virginia Chapter- the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research, is dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. Contact Andrea Gaines at 434-973-6122, ext. 117
American Cancer Society - Charlottesville-
voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. Contact Kelly Jones at 434-978-7423.
Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)- Intervention and support for survivors of sexual assault. Call the hotline at 977-7273 or, for other information, call the office at 295-7273 or email Rebecca Weybright, Executive Director
[email protected].
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank- An emergency food assistance agency that serves more than 120,000 people each month. To volunteer or donate, call 540-248-3663.
Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice- Promotes education and action for peace and justice and pursues governmentent responsibility; meets various times throughout the month. Meets every Thursday at 5 in front of Federal Building with signs to demonstrate for peace. Call the message line for updates and the next meeting time: 961-6278.
Emergency Food Bank- A volunteer organization that provides at least a three-day supply of food for hungry families. To volunteer or donate food, call 979-9180.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville- In addition to building homes for those who don't have one, the group runs the Habitat Store, which sells new and salvaged materials donated by the community. Habitat office: 293-9066.
The Haven- A group working to eliminate homelessness in central Virginia. Individual groups work on feeding, counseling, and advising and meet at different times during year. Information: 973-1234. [email protected]
International Rescue Committee (IRC)- Helps refugees rebuild their lives in a new country after fleeing from humanitarian crises. Call 979-7772 for more information.
Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA)- Works to establish, promote, and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit families and individuals of all ages. Seeking volunteers in over twenty different roles. Call 817-5222 for more info.
Kids Lift Foundation- Coordinate the Toy Lift and Books Lift Kids programs. Contact Cindy Payne at 434-975-TOYS.
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc- nonprofit food pantry providing groceries at no coast to low-income individuals and families in Charlottesville and surrounding communities. Contact Margaret Burruss at 434-996-7868.
Meals on Wheels- Since 1977, this organization has brought hot meals to the homebound at lunch every weekday, including holidays. Currently serving about 240 clients. Call Keith at 293-4364.
Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville- provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment or care for serious health issues or injury at medical centers in Charlottesville. Contact Ann Coffey at 434-295-1885.
Salvation Army- Services include emergency shelter, emergency services, childcare, a thrift stores, and transitional housing programs. The thrift store is located at 604 Cherry Ave. (979-5230). To volunteer call 295-4058.
The United Way– Thomas Jefferson Area- Brings together local people, organizations, businesses, and public servants to tackle health and human service needs, and also organizes the United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring each September. Its Volunteer Center website www.BeAVolunteer.info connects volunteers and nonprofits. www.UnitedWayTJ.org or 972-1701.
Animals
Caring for Creatures- a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to caring for homeless animals. Contact Mary Birkholtz at 434-842-2404.
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA- Provide a safe and nurturing environment for the injured, homeless and neglected animals of the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle, and to increase the number of these animals being placed in good and permanent homes through education, outreach, and adoptions. Contact Kaicee Robertson at 434-973-5959 or [email protected].
Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc.-Save horses, ponies, donkeys and mules from a variety of situations including, but not limited to: abuse, abandonment, neglect, slaughter or whose owners can no longer care for them. Contact Maya Proulx at 434-531-5688.
Service Dogs of Virginia- Acquiring, training, and placing service dogs with individuals with disabilities and children with autism. Call 295-9503 or email [email protected] for more info.
Search and Rescue
Albemarle County Fire and Rescue: It's "the home of the model volunteer/career fire and emergency medical services system." They say they aim to provide the highest quality services to preserve the lives, property, and environment of our community. Info on becoming a volunteer: 296-5833.
Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group- Composed of volunteers who spend time in rigorous training, search missions, group functions, preventive instruction, and raising public awareness. Also provides an opportunity for folks interested in the outdoors and emergency medical services. Contact president Laura Dodson at [email protected]u or call Michael Holroyd at 757-944-1132.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad- These dedicated volunteers render assistance at accidents and other times of need, provide safety instruction in schools, and help during flood, fire, hurricane, and famine. Info: 296-4825.
Community Emergency Response Team- People helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number is what this group is all about. Training courses available throughout the year. 971-1263 or [email protected].
Educational
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central VA- Provides A safe place to learn and grow... Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals... Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences... Hope and opportunity. Contact Sabrina Grant at 434-977-2001.
Computers4Kids- A non-profit after-school technology program for disadvantaged youth. To register a student or become a mentor, call 817-1121.
Friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library- A fundraising organization best known for its annual spring book sale. The group hosts biannual book sales in the fall and spring. For more information, call 977-8467 or email [email protected]
Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle- Provides free confidential tutoring sessions for adults in literacy and English as a Second Language and is always in need of tutors. The organization is flexible in its volunteers hours. To volunteer or to learn more, call 977-3838.
Piedmont Family YMCA- The goal of all YMCA programs and services is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Contact Mallory Dunn at 434-974-9622.
Virginia Discovery Museum- a hands-on children's museum for youth ages 1-10. Contact Margie Rein at (434) 977-1025.
Nature and the Environment
Ivy Creek Foundation- Enriching lives by fostering environmental awareness through education and connecting the community with nature. Contact Bruce Gatling-Austin at (434) 973-7772.
The Nature Conservancy in Virginia- protects habitat for rare and endangered species throughout the state. Our most well-known technique is buying land to establish nature preserves. Contact Jennifer Dalke at (434) 951-0585.
Wintergreen Nature Foundation- For the crunchy among us, this group offers guided hikes, canoe trips, educational programs, and much more. Visit twnf.org for a complete list of events. 325-8169 or email [email protected].
Political Organizations
American Reform Party of Virginia- Not to be confused with the AARP, the ARP wants to spice up two-party elections and make them amenage a trois– but with Ross Perot. Info: [email protected].
Democratic Party of Virginia- Supports national, state and local Democratic candidates and issues. Call party headquarters at 804-644-1966.
The Green Party of Virginia- They're lean, green, tree-hugging machines. Call Audrey Clement at 703-532-5339.
Republican Party of Virginia- Supports national, state and local Republican candidates and issues. Contact state party headquarters at 804-780-0111.
Jefferson Area Libertarians- Support less government and more freedom. Call 973-5958
Historical Societies
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society- They keep local history alive with exhibits and tours. Located near the Downtown mall. Whether you're a Charlottesville transplant or a native, take advantage of the tours offered on Thursdays and Saturdays! 296-1492 or[email protected]
Preservation Piedmont- They're all for saving Charlottesville's rich architecutral history. Info: www.ppiedmont.squarespace.com/
Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello)- nonprofit organization that owns and operates Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson. Contact Emily Tenhundfeld at 434-984-9869.
Medical and Mental Health
Alzheimer's Association Central & Western Virginia Chapter- the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research, is dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. Contact Andrea Gaines at 434-973-6122, ext. 117
American Cancer Society - Charlottesville-
voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. Contact Kelly Jones at 434-978-7423.
Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)- Intervention and support for survivors of sexual assault. Call the hotline at 977-7273 or, for other information, call the office at 295-7273 or email Rebecca Weybright, Executive Director
[email protected].