5 ways to give back in Northwest Arkansas - Axios NW ArkansasLog InLog InAxios NW Arkansas is an Axios company.

5 ways to give back in Northwest Arkansas

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios The season of giving is almost upon us, so we found a few volunteer opportunities with local organizations that need your help.But don't stop here. There are dozens of other worthy causes in and around NWA.

1 Help out at a local animal shelter

Walk dogs or socialize cats at the . Why it matters: Volunteering helps animals at the shelter find a caring home. What to expect: Opportunities include advocating for pet adoption, foster care, bathing and grooming dogs and more. Details: While anyone can volunteer, those under the age of 16 will need a parent or guardian present. You must be at least 18 years old to walk dogs. What's next: Attend an upcoming volunteer orientation or the shelter to learn more.

2 Give back to service members

Donate supplies to , a local nonprofit that sends care packages to deployed troops. Why it matters: The donated snacks, hygiene kits and other items provide troops a "piece of home" while they are away from loved ones. How to help: Purchase items from the organization's or drop off donations at their . Other needs: The organization also collects donations for that support deployed military families.

3 Feed the hungry

Get involved at the . Why it matters: Last year, the organization distributed more than 14 million pounds of food and provided 11.3 million meals in the region. What to expect: Volunteers sort and pack items in the distribution center or prepare and load mobile pantries. Details: Peruse the schedule and online. You must be at least 13 years old to , and those under 16 need an adult present. Other needs: or host a for items on the food bank's .

4 Sustain a public library

Donate books or pick up shifts at , an all-volunteer operation supporting the Rogers Public Library. Why it matters: The store is stocked with donations, and sales proceeds go toward the library's lunch and learn programs, summer reading club and other community services. What to expect: Jobs range from greeting customers and checking them out to curating book sections and leading shifts. Details: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least four three-hour shifts a month. . Other needs: are accepted at the from 11am-3pm Tuesday through Saturday.

5 Support those experiencing homelessness

Volunteer at or donate from the organization's . Why it matters: The center food and other basic needs and resources to people experiencing homelessness and provides . What to expect: include serving meals, helping in the food pantry and organizing items in the donation room. Details: Commit to at least one day per week for at least two hours between 8:30am-3pm. .Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Other needs: Clothing, hygiene products and other items can be dropped off on weekdays at their in Fayetteville. Know a worthy cause? Email us at , and we may feature your nonprofit in an upcoming newsletter. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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5 ways to give back in Northwest Arkansas Axios NW Arkansas