Call to Action - July 25, 2023 - Back to School
Greetings, Prince William -"School's Out" for summer, but local nonprofits are working hard to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year with their Back to School programs! Donations of school supplies are needed to help kids have a successful start to the new school year, and volunteers will also be needed to help hand out school supplies and backpacks. Here's a listing of drives; as we learn of other Back to School programs, we will share the information.
- House of Mercy will be at 7001 Heritage Village Plaza this Saturday, July 29, for a Community Day-if you missed the deadline to donate school supplies, you can bring your donations to the Community Day 12pm-4pm! Please email scrooks@houseofmercyva.org for more information.
- Haymarket Regional Food Pantry needs donated school supplies to help the 700+ children of clients - double last year's amount! Donations should be dropped off at their facility, 7669 Limestone Drive #105, Gainesville 20155 by July 30. Please visit their Facebook or Instagram pages to view a graphic of requested school supplies. You can also order from their Amazon Wish List page (https://amzn.to/44dZ4fU) or Walmart Wish List page (https://bit.ly/3r6J2Gk) and have supplies shipped directly to the food pantry. Please call 703.754.5990 for more information.
- The hard-working staff at Keep Prince William Beautiful is accepting donations of school supplies in support of Prince William County Schools and SPARK. Donations of new backpacks, writing/art supplies, paper, notebooks, binders and headphones are being accepted through August 1 at KPWB's office, 4391 Ridgewood Center Drive, Suite F, Woodbridge 22192. For more information, please email info@kpwb.org or call 571.285.3772.
- The SERVE campus of Northern Virginia Family Service needs 7 volunteers to help with setting up the distribution site for their Back to School Drive for SERVE clients. Volunteers are needed August 7, 12:30pm-3pm at Manassas Church of the Brethren, 10047 Nokesville Road, Manassas 20110. Duties include unloading backpacks, placing backpacks in designated locations, and helping to set up tables, chairs and signs. Volunteers age 14+ welcome, volunteers under 16 must volunteer with a parent. Be prepared to lift fully loaded backpacks which may weigh up to 20 pounds. You'll feel great knowing you're helping to create a smooth distribution process which will allow a child to receive brand new school supplies for this coming school year! Please email ncannon@nvfs.org to learn more.
- Join Prince William County Community Foundation on Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12, as they host an expanded Back-to-School Community Event! On August 11, 9am-5pm, they're organizing a vaccine clinic that includes dental screenings and cleanings. Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Nurses, Physician Assistants, and volunteers are needed on this date. On August 12, 10am-2pm, their Community Event will provide children with the essential supplies they need for a successful beginning to the new school year, along with food distribution and other resources. Volunteers will also be needed! Please email info@pwccfoundation.org for more information on both dates and opportunities.
- Habitat for Humanity Prince William County is partnering with Prince William County Community Foundation to collect new backpacks and new school supplies for children in our community. The Manassas ReStore (10159 Hastings Drive, Manassas 20110) has a box where you can place your donated items. Those who donate will be given a 15% Off coupon to shop at the ReStore! The final day for drop-off at the Manassas ReStore will be August 10. They're also recruiting volunteers to help on August 12! In August, you'll see scheduling on Habitat's website calendar for volunteers to assist in the setup and packing of backpacks and distribution of the supplies to the children. Please visit their website at habitatpwc.org to learn more.
- Saved Hands Foundation is hosting a Community Health Fair/Free Backpack Giveaway August 19, 1pm-3pm at VFW Post 1503 Dale City, 14631 Minnieville Road, Dale City 22193. Volunteers are needed to "Pack the Bags" on August 19 starting at 9am. Volunteers age 18+ are welcome, volunteers under 18 can help but must volunteer with a parent. You'll have fun assembling backpacks and feel great as you help a child get new school supplies to start back to school! Please email info@savedhandsfoundation.org to request a volunteer application; forms are due NLT August 1.
If you are looking for other opportunities this summer, 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.
