Call to Action for 9/5/2024
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!
Mark Your Calendars for Volunteer Prince William's Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30pm at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Your $100 donation includes dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It should be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community will have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Please email president@volunteerprincewilliam.org for more information.
· Join the fight to defeat Cystic Fibrosis! Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is holding their Great Strides Walk September 7 at Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up, greet walkers, route monitors, finish line cheerleaders and more! It's a wonderful morning dedicated to finding a cure for this devastating disease! Please visit https://on.cff.org/4coCncF for more information on how you can help.
· Please join American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their Out of the Darkness Walk September 8 beginning at 7:15am at Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas. Opportunities include set up, check in walkers, activities areas, honor beads, cheer team and more! This family-friendly event will make you feel good as you join the fight to stop suicide and promote mental health! Please visit https://bit.ly/3WK1DEv to sign up, email kmahoney@afsp.org for more information.
· As part of 9/11 National Day of Service, Leopold's Preserve is holding a family-friendly project on Sunday, September 8, 1pm-3pm at their agency located at 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run 20137. Volunteers will be working to stain the fences around their parking area and the observation deck at their wetland. Please wear old clothes you don't mind getting ruined since you will be working with wood stain, which permanently discolors fabric. Please visit www.leopoldspreserve.com/events-1/9-11-national-day-of-service-2 to sign up, email info@whfarmfoundation.org to learn more.
· You can help clean up the Occoquan River! On September 21, 9am-2pm Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (PWTSC) is conducting its 15th Annual Clean-Up of the Upper Occoquan River from nine different sites along 25+ miles of the Occoquan River. Experienced kayakers, canoeists, Jon boaters, and pontoon boaters are also requested for the on-the-water portion of this conservation effort. Homeowners' associations, civic associations, and businesses are encouraged to join in this effort. T-shirts and refreshments provided, you'll feel great knowing you're helping to beautify an area which provides water for most of eastern Prince William and Fairfax counties! Please visit https://bit.ly/3MfMRjR to sign up, email waterquality@pwswcd.org to learn more. Rain Date September 28.
· Lace up your running shoes - Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is preparing for their Fall season September 23-November 24, and they need Volunteer Coaches age 16+ to coach teams in the greater Prince William community! No experience needed; just a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Must commit to 2-3 hours a week for the season with a few additional hours required for Coach Training and the GOTR NOVA season-ending 5K celebration. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give. You'll feel awesome as you help young girls gain confidence in themselves and their abilities! Please visit www.gotrnova.org/coach to learn more, email mfay@gotrnova.org for more information.
· You can help vulnerable families receive needed clothing, shoes, etc.! Jenkins Donelson Foundation is holding a series of Community Giveaways on September 23, 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.
· 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! 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.
· 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.
