While giving and receiving gifts is a big part of the holiday season, doing good for those less fortunate could become an annual tradition, too. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to charities in the Fairfax area, here are some great causes.

Remove Plant Pests in Americana Park with Team Accotink
Clean up the watershed in Americana Park with Team Accotink every Saturday in December.

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Board
Support the region’s largest annual sporting event for those 50-years or better by volunteering to be a part of the planning board. The NVSO aims to help spread fitness and social opportunities for those 50+ in Northern Virginia.

Fairfax Animal Shelter
Provide fresh food and water, clean kennels and spend time exercising animals at the Fairfax Animal Shelter. If you love animals and want to make a difference in their lives, this is a rewarding and instantly gratifying opportunity.

Wrap Gifts With SpeciaLove
On December 14, wrap gifts at Westfield Montgomery Mall to support children, teens and young adults with cancer. SpeciaLove provides assistance and funds for these cancer survivors and patients, plus scholarships for teenage cancer survivors.

Spanish-Speaking Drivers Needed for The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke
The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke is an organization that helps citizens over age 50 who no longer drive, and they are in need of Spanish-speaking drivers to help drive seniors to the grocery store and medical appointments in central Fairfax, Fairfax City and Burke.