Volunteering in Virginia

Photo courtesy New River Bike Kitchen

This all-volunteer organization located in Christiansburg supplies cheap, recycled bikes to underprivileged citizens. With 19 percent of the New River Valley population under the poverty line and half of the population living within a 10-mile commute to work, New River Valley Bike Kitchen embarked on a mission to provide a reliable source of transportation to those in need. The program depends on volunteers with “mad bike mechanic skills” as well as untrained do-gooders to keep the organization running. Get Involved! Visit: nrvbikekitchen.com — M. Warfield

JABAcares

Anyone can help serve Charlottesville’s elderly community at Jefferson Area Board For Aging through a variety of volunteer positions ranging from social gatherings coordinator, craft activity leaders, musicians and tutors for adults. Volunteers can also participate in the Friendly Visitor and Phone Buddy programs. Scheduling is flexible. Get Involved! Call 434-817-5222 or visit jabacares.org — M. Warfield

Plenty Local

This Floyd County community organization provides a hands-on approach for anyone looking to help those in need and learn about organic farming. Plenty Local seeks volunteers to help plant and harvest once a month at their farm and garden. For those more interested in cooking or working with the community, Plenty Local also recruits volunteers to help with weekly picnics, winter Souper Douper lunches and their Food Bank bag lunch program. Get Involved! Contact 540-357-5657 or visit plentylocal.org — M. Warfield