With locations in both Silver Spring and D.C., A Wider Circle aims to end poverty once and for all
AREA - D.C., Maryland
AGE RANGE - All ages
REMOTE OPTIONS AVAILABLE
What is A Wider Circle?
A Wider Circle is an organization with locations in D.C. and Maryland that is committed to ending poverty once and for all. They provide a variety of services, such as helping people furnish their homes, providing items essential for daily life, and assisting with job interviews and career advancement. A Wider Circle serves the community in almost every aspect. It's a truly wonderful organization with a plethora of volunteer opportunities.
How do I volunteer?
Note that all in-person volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
A Wider Circle has a variety of volunteer opportunities, both remote and in person. If you want to volunteer in person, you can do so by sorting through donated items in one of A Wider Circle's centers. This opportunity also involves packing donated items up for the families that A Wider Circle serves. Volunteers of all ages can participate in sorting and you can learn more about those opportunities here.
If you'd rather go the remote route, there are plenty of options there as well! You can help deliver care packages, essential items, groceries, and more to families that A Wider Circle serves. The process consists of picking items up from one of the Wider Circle locations and delivering them to the given address. You could also create a care package from your own home. There are two care package ideas that A Wider Circle suggests: the essential package, which consists of toilet paper, body soap, toothpaste, dish soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner, or the oral care package, which consists of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. After putting the kit together, all you have to do is drop it off at one of the locations.
The last two opportunities are more suitable for adults, particularly those with experiences in a certain career. A Wider Circle welcomes people with trade or professional skills to provide pro-bono services, whether it's simply sharing your expertise or providing services. Another way to use your professional experience is to participate in a Virtual Workforce Workshop. You could either help run the workshop by participating in the main presentation, or you could lead one of the smaller breakout groups in working on the workshop's activities. These workshops cover the hiring process, leadership, career advancement, and more. Adult volunteers can also help out on the administrative side by answering phone calls or doing data entry. Your help is always welcome!
To pursue any of these opportunities, email volunteer@awidercircle.org or call A Wider Circle at 301-608-3504.
Feel free to share extra information and personal experiences in the comments below, or head over to the forum!
I have volunteered with my kids over the years and they have appropriate projects for every age (now my teenagers go alone to work there!). It has really helped them gain a deeper understanding of the needs in our community.
I've volunteered at A Wider Circle many times over the years. They are very accommodating and friendly, and it's a terrific place to volunteer!