7 Places in Hampton Roads you should definitely volunteer for

Do you want to get involved in the local community? Do you want to volunteer, but don’t know where to start? Well, if so, here’s a list of seven great local places you should volunteer for.

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1.) Ronald McDonald House
What: “Individuals and groups are wanted to donate their time by preparing a delicious, home cooked meal for the families of ill children who are residing at our House. The people who stay here give so much of their time, energy, and love to their sick child that sometimes they have little time left to spend on anything else.” – Volunteermatch.org
Where: 404 Colley Ave. Norfolk,VA 23507
Why: I personally know how wonderful this organization is. Children and their families can end up staying for both long or short term periods of time. Such a wonderful impact can be made by simply providing a home-cooked meal for these families
More information: http://www.rmhcnorfolk.com/support-us/volunteer/

2.) The Norfolk Animal Shelter
What: The Norfolk Animal Shelter cares for 400-600 animals each month. Volunteer and help care for the adorable pets at the shelter.
Where: 5585 Sabre Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
Why: Because it’s puppies.
More information: http://www.norfolk.gov/Index.aspx?NID=260

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3.) Nauticus
What: You can volunteer to run 3-D films at Nauticus!
Where: One Waterside Drive Norfolk,Virginia 23510
Why: Are you a CTV major, or even just interested in film and want to volunteer? Then this might be just right for you!
More information: http://www.nauticus.org/get-involved/volunteer-positions

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4.) Samaritan House
What: “This program provides volunteers an opportunity within a community-based setting to assist people who have experienced domestic violence. Volunteers will offer victims of domestic violence emotional support and connect them to community resources during and following court proceedings at the Virginia Beach Juvenile Domestic Relations Court.” – Volunteermatch.org
Where: 2620 Southern Blvd. Virginia Beach,Virginia 23452
Why: To help support someone who really needs it.
More information: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org64390.jsp

5.) My Charity 4 Kid’s Inc: Savannah’s Cards for Kids
What: You can create cards for children that will really brighten child’s day. My Charity 4 Kid’s Inc’s mission statement is: “To Fund medical research in the field of congenital eye disorders, Autism, the granting of funds and supplies to these children, families, and non-profit organizations that share a common interest.” -Mycharity4kids.org
Where: Online
Why: You get to be creative and be a part of a worthy cause, while still staying in your dorm room!
More information: http://mycharity4kids.org/savannahscardsandcakes4kids/

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6.) Virginia Beach Aquarium
What: There are a plethora of random volunteer opportunities at the Aquarium.
Where: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Why: Because who doesn’t want to volunteer at a building that has otters?
More information: http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/join/volunteer#adult-volunteers

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7.) Virginia Beach Reads
What: This organization has set out to help all students in the community learn to read on at least a third grade level.
Where: 4525 Main St. Suite 700 Virginia Beach, Virginia 3462
Why: Low reading levels are not only linked to the likelihood of dropout rates, but reading is also a necessary life skill.
More information: http://www.vbgrowsmart.com/virginia-beach-reads

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Looking for another great organization? Check out http://www.volunteermatch.org/