Call to Action: Un-Trim-A-Tree, MADD, SERVE and more need your help this holiday season

Potomac Local News November 18, 2018 at 8:00am

Good Morning Prince William and Happy Thanksgiving!

The Un-Trim-A-Tree Holiday Gift Program is in full swing and needs your help to provide toys and warm clothes to needy kids in our community. We still have 1,500 little people who are waiting to be “adopted!” It’s simple and fun to share the joy by buying 2 gifts for each child from their wish list. Please visit http://www.volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn more. You can also support Un-Trim-A-Tree by donating a new, unwrapped toy at the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on December 1st! A wagon will walk the parade route before the parade begins to accept toy donations. What a great way to help 5,000 kids have a Happy Christmas!
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched their annual Tie One On for Safety program to remind the public that drinking and driving do not mix, especially during the holidays. Last year, 891 people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents, 26% of total traffic fatalities during this same time period. You can display a MADD red ribbon to remind others to always designate a non-drinking driver. Visit http://www.madd.org to learn more.
Help feed the homeless during the holidays! SERVE needs a volunteer group (6-8) age 16+ to provide, prepare and serve a simple Dinner on Nov 22 (Thanksgiving Day). The holiday meal is covered, so this can be a standard dinner. You’ll feel great as you make the day more home-like for adults and kids in a homeless situation! Meals are also needed during the Christmas/New Year’s period as well as through January. Please call Julie at (571) 748-2674 for details.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers age 55+ to deliver noon meals through the Meals on Wheels Program. Shifts are just 2-3 hours and available in throughout the greater area. RSVP members receive a mileage reimbursement and additional insurance coverage at no cost to the volunteer. Please call Jan at (571) 292-5307 to learn more.
The Trillium Center is hosting their Annual Christmas Party at the Drop-In Center and is looking for gifts such as gift cards, hats, gloves, pet supplies, book bags or anything else fun you can think of to share. The Center provides stress-free, stigma-free atmosphere for people 18 and over who are mental health consumers. Please call Cynthia at (703) 763-3865 to learn more.
Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers for their monthly shoreline cleanups to pick up trash and drift wood. The work days are December 1st, January 19th, February 16th, March 23rd, April 13th and May 18th. Please register by calling the visitor center at (703) 583-6904 so they have your name to waive the entry fee of the park.
The Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps needs both medical and non-medical volunteers to join their ranks. These volunteers are trained to respond to public health emergencies as well as day to day activities. They offer tons of training topics to build your skillset. Please call Amy at (703) 792-7341 to learn more.
Youth for Tomorrow needs volunteer mentors to spend a couple of hours a week with young person. We’ve all had good people support us along the way- here’s your chance to do the same. You can apply online at http://www.youthfortomorrow.org or by calling Vernell at (703) 396-7203 to learn more.
Wreaths Across America invite you and your family to the Annual Wreath Laying event on Saturday December 15th at both Arlington National Cemetery and our own Quantico National Cemetery. You can register to volunteer on their website wreathsacrossamerica.org. Come Remember, Honor and Teach our youngsters these values.
The Center for the Arts needs volunteer docents Monday – Friday during the day. This volunteer opportunity includes greeting visitors and sharing the Center’s history and programs. Please call Jordan at (703) 330-2787 to learn more.
House of Mercy also needs lots of help and food donations year-round to feed over 400 families a month. Hold a food drive, share this on all your outlets and give them a call at: (703) 659-1636 to learn more.
Virginia Service invites you to nominate your favorite volunteer for the 2019 Governor’s Award in Volunteering Excellence. The categories include Adult, youth, senior, family, faith-based organization, educational institution, community organization, small business and corporation. Nominations are due by December 15th. Please visit http://www.virginiaservice.virginia.gov for all the specifics.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call my wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William. Jan can help you with the Retired and Senior Volunteer (RSVP) opportunities at (703) 369-5292 ext. 1, Shelley can help with any individual or group projects and send you weekly updates if you’d like. Shelley is at (703) 369-5292 ext. 2, and Bonnie can help you with opportunities available in Disaster Preparedness at (703) 369-5292 ext. 3.