Guide to Giving 2020
These local nonprofits are providing support to those hit hardest by the pandemic. Here's how you can support them.
As of June 29, Arlington County, Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church had more than 16,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and Virginia’s unemployment rate was 9.4 percent. The nonprofits that follow are providing support to those hit hardest by the pandemic. Consider making a financial donation or volunteering your time.
Nurse practitioner Kasia with a patient, Laura. Courtesy Photo
A-SPAN
A-SPAN seeks to end homelessness in Arlington by helping to secure permanent housing and providing life-sustaining services for vulnerable individuals through outreach and relationships built on trust and respect. Its current needs include personal protective gear, masks, thermometers and hospital-grade cleaning supplies.
Headquartered: Arlington
Serves: Arlington County
What a donation provides:
❱❱ $100 buys commercial-grade Covid-19 cleaning supplies for the A-SPAN commercial kitchen.
❱❱ $250 buys extra cleaning supplies for more frequent deep cleaning at the Homeless Services Center.
❱❱ $750 buys supplemental food supplies in this time of additional capacity for all meal programs at the Homeless Services Center.
Volunteer opportunities: Single-day, weekly and monthly opportunities available, all following Covid-19 emergency and safety protocols. Volunteers prepare and serve bagged or hot meals; serve as shelter assistants, clothing room or program monitors; assist with front desk and mail duties; and sort donations and toiletries.
AHC Inc.
AHC provides quality affordable housing communities for more than 3,000 low-income families. It also offers educational programs and social services. AHC is currently seeking funds to help families suffering financial hardship to cover critical living expenses.
Headquartered: Arlington
Serves: Arlington County
What a donation provides:
❱❱ $35 provides a deserving child with literacy-building games and reading packets to help make learning fun while school is out.
❱❱ $150 provides emergency groceries to a family struggling with new hardships.
❱❱ $500 supports a college field trip (once travel conditions are safe again) or mobile tech devices for high school students.
Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers provide homework and studying support to elementary and middle school students and mentor college-bound students. They also teach life skills and SAT preparation, and provide organizational support including staffing AHC’s food distribution sites, delivering school backpacks and serving holiday dinners.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington seeks to improve the lives of animals and people by providing resources, care and protection, so that all may live together humanely and harmoniously. Amid the pandemic, AWLA has increased its pet pantry, vet assistance and safekeeping to accommodate families affected by Covid-19. It is currently facilitating virtual pet adoptions.
Headquartered: Arlington
Serves: D.C. metro area
What a donation provides:
❱❱ $250 buys insulin for a diabetic cat, physical therapy for a dog recovering from surgery or lime dip for ringworm treatment.
❱❱ $500 buys hernia repair surgery for a dog, dental care with extractions for a cat or one day of food for 100 shelter animals.
❱❱ $1,000 buys one month of lab work for shelter animals, hip surgery for a dog or X-rays for seven cats.
Volunteer opportunities: During normal operations, volunteers educate future pet owners, match animals with adoptive families and keep animals happy during their shelter stay. Some volunteers train to work with dogs, cats or small companion animals, while others may foster animals in their homes. Check for updates as social distancing guidelines change.
