Call to Action for 10/8/2024
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!
· History Lovers! Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation is looking for volunteers to help with the luminaries program at Bristoe Station Battlefield (corner of Iron Bridge Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow) to commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station. Volunteers are needed to help assemble the luminaries prior to October 12. The bulk of the volunteer help needed is on October 12, 5:30pm-7pm, setting and lighting the luminaries along the trails. Please email historicpreservation@pwcgov.org or call Bristoe Station Battlefield at 703.366.3049 to sign up and learn more.
· Help support our firefighters! Prince William County Fire & Rescue is holding their All-County Public Safety Expo October 12, 12pm-5pm at Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex in Woodbridge. Volunteers age 18+ are needed to provide event support during the day. Bilingual skills in Spanish are not required but will be helpful. This promises to be a fun, family-friendly event and you'll feel good as you support our brave first responders who do so much for our community's safety! Please email KHylander@pwcgov.org to sign up and 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.
· Save the Date! The Bull Run Watershed Protectors invite families, work colleagues, friends and school organizations to their Bull Run Watershed Fall Cleanup 2024 on November 9, 9am-11am. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help with cleaning the stream valley behind Costco, across Lomond to Ashton Rd. and the shops/restaurants adjacent down to Walgreens at Sudley Manor Road in Manassas. Volunteers should meet at Walgreens parking lot, 10671 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas 20109. Safety vests, grabbers and gloves will be on hand to borrow; water to refill reusable water bottles will be provided (bring your bottles!). Prior volunteer groups have helped to remove over 12,000 lbs. of trash since 2018, resulting in the return of birds and amphibians to the area! You can be a part of this successful project! Please visit https://bit.ly/4eyYi2x to sign up and learn more.
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.
