Call to Action for 9/25/2024
Family-Friendly
Greetings, Prince William: We're getting so many requests for volunteers that we'll be publishing Call to Action twice a week for the time being. The mid-week column will focus on those events that are family-friendly to help younger volunteers looking for service hours. Please be sure to take note of all the volunteer possibilities available, email jhawkins@volunteerprincewilliam.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
· The dedicated staff at Boxes of Basics reports they have an URGENT need for short-sleeved shirts for both Boys and Girls since they're currently providing clothing for over 100 children weekly! Boys' sizes range from 5 through 16, for Girls' sizes from size 6 through 16. You can do one of three things to help: 1) Donate gently used, clean clothing; 2) Shop at home on their Amazon wish list: https://a.co/ig2zwK3; or 3) Pick up some shirts on your next shopping trip! You'll feel great as you help vulnerable kids have fresh, clean clothing they can wear to school, playtime, etc.! Please email info@boxesofbasics.org for more information.
· That rustling of feathers and "Gobble Gobble" you're hearing can mean only one thing - Thanksgiving is near! The hard-working staff at Prince William County Community Foundation is conducting a Thanksgiving Food Drive to provide those in need with a holiday meal! The drive runs through November 1 and items such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, veggies, mac and cheese, etc. are needed. Donations can be brought to Motiv8 Church, 14654 Joplin Road, Manassas 20112 on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am-3pm. Donations are also being accepted at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, 10159 Hastings Drive in Manassas! Your donations will help vulnerable families in our community enjoy a holiday meal! Please email info@pwccfoundation.org to learn more. PS - Volunteers will be needed in November, stay tuned!
· You can help vulnerable families receive needed clothing, shoes, etc.! Jenkins Donelson Foundation is holding a series of Community Giveaways on September 28, 30 and October 5 at Faith Christian Church, 6472 Duhollow Road, Warrenton 20187. All giveaways will be held 9am-1pm. Volunteers age 12+ are needed to help set up tables, sort/organize merchandise, assist customers with selections and clean up. Volunteers are also needed to help sort merchandise during the days leading up to the giveaways. You'll feel great as you help families in need obtain necessary clothing and shoes for the coming cooler weather! Please email thejdf@jdffeet.org to sign up and learn more.
· Please join House of Mercy's MercyFest 2024 fundraiser, benefitting their Food Pantry this Saturday, September 28 at 8170 Flannery Court, Manassas 20109. Volunteers age 16+ are needed to help with various tasks such as check-in, parking, various booths, activities and more! Event preparation volunteers are also needed Sept. 25, 26 and 27. This will be a wonderful day, and you'll feel great as you support their food assistance program which feeds over 100 families daily! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Bb64kE to sign up, email kjohnson@houseofmercyva.org with any questions.
· If you're an arts and crafts lover, here's a wonderful opportunity for you! The Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show needs volunteers age15+ to support their event being held September 28 and 29 in Historic Occoquan. Volunteers are needed for jobs such as Setup, Shuttle Stop, Vendor Assistance, Information Booth and more. This should be a fun event to support, and you'll enjoy viewing all the various crafts and creativity shown by the exhibitors (and maybe get in a little holiday shopping)! Please visit www.occoquanfestivals.com/volunteer to sign up, email jlittle@occoquanva.gov for more information.
· Enjoy some fresh air and be a River Hero! Friends of the Occoquan are holding their annual Fall River Cleanup October 5, 9am-12pm at five different sites in Prince William County and volunteers of all ages are needed! Volunteers are especially needed at Bull Run Marina, Town of Occoquan and Occoquan Regional Park. Please be sure to wear sturdy shoes and proper attire for getting muddy. Refreshments will be provided! You'll feel great as you get out with friends and family and help beautify these different sites in our community! Please visit www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org to view a list of sites, email foto@friendsoftheoccoquan.org to request a site. Pre-registration is recommended.
· It's that time again - Historic Manassas, Inc. needs volunteers to support the upcoming Fall Jubilee October 5, 6am-6pm in Old Town Manassas! Volunteers of any age are welcome, volunteers under age 16 must volunteer with an adult over 18. Duties include setup, keeping trash picked up, helping to monitor Kids Areas and the Stage Area. You'll have a fun time enjoying all the sights, food, and music of this event while you help to promote the advantages of visiting Old Town! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Sp91TJ to sign up, email lisa@historicmanassasinc.org to learn more.
· Here's a great activity for the whole family - join Keep Prince William Beautiful for the Fall Community Clean Up October 5, 9am-1pm at Marumsco Plaza, 1411 E. Longview Drive, Woodbridge 22191! All ages are welcome to participate, volunteers under 16 must have a parent or guardian with them. Participants aged 16-18 will need a parent or guardian's signature on the participant waiver. Supplies, including litter pickers, safety vests, gloves, and trash bags, will be provided, lunch and water will also be available. Don't forget to bring your reusable water bottle! You'll feel great as you actively contribute to the betterment of the community and helping to keep Prince William beautiful! Please visit https://bit.ly/4eesLTk to RSVP, email abrown@kpwb.org to learn more.
· The wonderful folks at ACTS are holding their IWalk for ACTS 5K and festival fundraiser October 19 at Stonebridge at the Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge. Volunteers are needed to help set up the course, act as Course Marshals and break down the course once the walk/run is finished. Volunteers age 16+ welcome, volunteers under 16 are welcome to volunteer with a parent. It's a wonderful way to get outdoors in the Fall weather and help raise funds which helps ACTS keep its many programs functioning! Please visit www.iwalkforacts.com and click on Volunteer to submit an online form.
· Mark your calendars for the NVFS Fall Food Drive to support the SERVE Hunger Resource Center and fight food insecurity! The whole family can get involved - donation drop-off dates are October 22 and 23 at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas 20110. Please visit www.nvfs.org/support/fall-food-drive/ for a list of requested foods. Volunteer opportunities are available October 18-November 1, please email ncannon@nvfs.org for details.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don't forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
