FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1 this year, but you don't have to wait until then to make a difference close to home.
Throughout November, local nonprofits, food pantries, animal rescues, community organizations and other groups are looking for donations, volunteers and other forms of support. Whether you have a few hours to give, items to donate or simply want to support a local cause financially, there are plenty of ways to help.
Patch rounded up organizations and opportunities to give back in and around Fredericksburg. Needs and volunteer opportunities can change, so check directly with each organization for the latest information.
Here are some ways to make a difference in Fredericksburg this November:
The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, at 3631 Lee Hill Drive, supplies food assistance to people in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline counties and the Locust Grove area of Orange.
Volunteers sign up for shifts on the food bank's online volunteer calendar. Its listings include warehouse and food-sort work, Market Fresh shopping-floor attendants and car loaders, OrderAhead packers and harvest help at the Rappahannock Education Farm. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Dominique Thomas at (540) 371-7666, ext. 131. Monetary gifts go online or by mail to P.O. Box 1006, Fredericksburg, VA 22402.
Learn more about volunteering with the food bank.
Micah Ecumenical Ministries is a collaboration of local churches that serves neighbors experiencing homelessness. Its programs include a Neighbor Care Center at 1013 Princess Anne St., a Cold Weather Shelter in winter, Hesed House interim housing and a Respite House.
Its clothing closet takes only new T-shirts, jeans, underwear, socks and, in winter, thermals. Micah also keeps Amazon wish lists and posts individual neighbor needs on the Purposity app. A listing on Idealist runs through Dec. 30, 2026, for volunteers or groups to make bagged lunches of a sandwich, snacks and water. Micah typically asks for 100 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, though 5 to 10 meals also help.
Learn more about volunteering with Micah Ecumenical Ministries.
Loisann's Hope House, at 902 Lafayette Blvd., is the Fredericksburg region's largest family homeless shelter. It operates a 24-hour shelter on a campus of six homes, with room for up to 19 families.
Its Home Sweet Home initiative asks for household items for families moving into housing. The list includes toasters, microwaves, air fryers, crockpots, coffee pots, towels, pillows, twin bedding and laundry baskets. Donations are accepted at its offices Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or through its Amazon wish list. The shelter says to call 540-371-0831, ext. 202, before dropping off furniture or clothing.
Learn more about donating to Loisann's Hope House.
The Fredericksburg SPCA, at 10819 Courthouse Road, takes in homeless pets and relies on community support. Its wish list includes xylitol-free peanut butter, pill pockets, treats, collars, leashes, harnesses, litter boxes, toys and catnip. It can only accept items that are machine washable or can be disinfected.
Items can be mailed or dropped off at the shelter, and the SPCA also seeks foster homes and volunteers. Gifts can be made one time or monthly.
Learn more about donating to the Fredericksburg SPCA.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg, at 325A Wallace St., matches local children facing adversity with volunteer adult mentors.
Residents can give online or by check, and employers can arrange volunteer opportunities for their teams. Call (540) 371-7444 to ask about becoming a mentor.
Learn more about supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging, also known as the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, is at 460 Lendall Lane. It serves older adults in Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, and its programs include home-delivered meals.
Volunteers can assist at meal centers, pack home-delivered meals, help with medical transportation or the pet food program, or make telephone reassurance calls. Fill out a volunteer application or call (540) 371-3375. Because federal rules bar the agency from charging fees, it accepts voluntary donations.
Learn more about volunteering with Healthy Generations.
Headquartered on a 14-acre nature preserve at 3219 Fall Hill Ave., Friends of the Rappahannock is a river conservation nonprofit founded in 1985. Its volunteers do litter cleanups, tree plantings, oyster restoration and event support, and no experience is needed.
Its events calendar lists Fall Nursery Volunteer Hours at the Rappahannock Conservation Nursery in Rapidan through Dec. 10. Fill out the volunteer interest form or email Volunteer and Outreach Manager Lis Heras at elisabeth.heras@riverfriends.org.
Learn more about volunteering with Friends of the Rappahannock.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Fredericksburg. Donation needs, volunteer opportunities and hours can change, so check directly with an organization for the latest information before donating or volunteering.
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