25 ways to give back: Help others, meet people, make the world a better place

20. Little Falls Watershed Alliance

Join one of this organization’s monthly cleanups along Little Falls Parkway and streams in this Bethesda watershed or help on regular hunts for invasive plants. The events are the second Saturday of each month and are open to all 14 and older, making these ideal family outings. www.lfwa.org/volunteer. E-mail info@lfwa.org.

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21. Common Good City Farm

This Northwest Washington community farm provides fresh produce and teaches gardening skills to low-income locals to diversify their diets. Volunteers, who must attend an orientation session, plant seeds, weed and pick up trash. 202-330-5945. www.commongoodcityfarm.org/volunteer.

22. National Park Service

If you can tolerate the elements — and tourists — the Park Service looks regularly for volunteers on the Mall, as well as at other national parks. Docents work alongside park rangers at high-profile sites, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Old Post Office Tower. 202-245-4688. www.nps.gov/volunteer.

Education

Do you have a knack for teaching children or adults? Mentors, guides, teachers and givers need apply.

23. Literacy Volunteers and Advocates

This Washington organization promotes literacy, including math and computer literacy, and enlists tutors for such jobs as teaching basic computer skills and applying for jobs
online. Others might offer assistance
in reading, writing or math. Training is provided. 202-387-1772. www.lvanca.org. E-mail info@lvanca.org.

24. Facets

This Fairfax County-based organization helps low-income people and has myriad volunteer-staffed programs,
including a food pantry. One particularly worthy undertaking: community-based programs for youths, such as Homework Help, Computer Lab and
a reading club. Volunteers work one hour a week for the duration of a
program, usually two to six months.
703-352-5090. www.facetscares.org/volunteer.

25. Girls on the Run

This organization encourages healthful living and positive goals for girls in grades three to eight through running, and volunteers are its coaches. Over the course of a season, coaches lead girls through one-hour practices twice a week; meets begin in mid-September and end with a 5K on Dec. 4. Other once-a-week positions are available, too, and running experience isn’t necessary. A training session is required. www.gotrdc.org. E-mail kristen@gotrdc.org. 443-223-3356.