- CASA Children’s Intervention Services invites you to their next volunteer information session on Tuesday January 15th, 6-7pm at their Manassas office. Come learn how you can advocate for a child who has been abused or abandoned. Please email them at: [email protected] to learn more.
- Wreaths Across America will hold the Wreaths Out event at Arlington National Cemetery on January 19th starting at 8am and at Quantico National Cemetery on Saturday February 2nd at 8 a.m. No reservations needed just gather your friends and family to support this important effort.
- Northern Virginia Family Service needs volunteers for the Annual Point in Time survey on Thursday January 24th starting at 6:30 a.m. Volunteers will accompany professional staff into outdoor shelters and campsites looking for information on the homeless individuals and offering food, supplies and information on safer housing locations. Volunteers must be 18 yrs and up. Please dress warmly as this activity is held in all-weather situations. Please contact Julie at (571) 748-2674 for more info or via email at: [email protected].
- Volunteers are needed at The Saint Lucy Food Distribution Hub in Manassas to help sort, package and perhaps deliver food items to local food pantries in the area in 40 lb. boxes. Hours are Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm. Come help families in need. Please email Debra at: [email protected]Â to learn more.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension is having their Certified Master Financial Educator Volunteer Training on Wednesdays 1 – 4 p.m. starting March 6th – May 1st. or Mondays 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. beginning April 29th – June 24th. You will be fully trained to present credit & debit management, spending plans, cash management, identity theft, savings & investments personal financial coaching and more. One time registration of $75 includes a background check. Please visit the website at: pwcgov.org/money then click on volunteer to learn more.
- Here’s a huge cheers to ACTS! In celebration of their 50th Anniversary of service to our community. You are cordially invited to their Gala on February 28th at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 6-9 p.m. There are sponsorships available to help them meet a $50,000 matching gift! Tickets go on sale January 20th. Please visit their website: actspwc.org/gala to learn more.
- Saved Hands Foundation needs volunteers to be instructors, write grants and help in the office. Please visit their website: savedhandsfoundation.org to learn more and register as a volunteer.
- The Tough Mudder is coming to Silver Lake in Haymarket on June 1st & 2nd. This team oriented 8-10 mile obstacle course will have thousands of participants. Volunteers are needed in lots of locations and duties. You won’t want to miss this fun event. Please visit their website to learn more at: toughmudder.com/events/volunteer-information. This event is hosted by the PWC Office of Tourism.
- 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.
- Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers for their monthly shoreline cleanups to pick up trash and drift wood. The work days are 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.
- ACTS has a great way for you to celebrate spring by donating to their Prom Shop so more girls can enjoy that special day. They are collecting dresses, shoes, new make-up and accessories to share with the kids. Please call Lydia at (703) 441-8606 ext. 249 to learn more.
- 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.
- 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.
- Catholic Charities Hogar Center is looking volunteers to assist students with job applications, resumes, and mock interviews to prepare them for the workforce. Please email Arielle at: [email protected]Â to learn more.
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. Please visit our website at volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
Recent Stories
Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session. To keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes.
Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts. The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.
Amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s executive orders, local communities are grappling with confusion and fear sparked by social media posts warning of ICE raids and undercover operations.
The president issued numerous Executive Orders, some of which reinforced the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. In addition to targeted raids on known criminals across the country, the Trump administration has mobilized troops at the U.S.-Mexico border and reinstated the previous “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy requires individuals seeking asylum to stay outside the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their applications.
These enforcement measures have sparked concern among those residing in the country illegally. Despite the Trump administration’s assurances that it is focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, certain groups have seized on the uncertainty, pushing political agendas that confuse the undocumented community, causing fear and confusion. Numerous social media posts, in both English and Spanish, warn people to avoid common locations like grocery stores and shopping centers to prevent encounters with ICE.
(The Center Square) — Despite budget increases in the hundreds of millions and multiple statewide education initiatives, Virginia students still aren’t showing a definitive recovery from pandemic learning lows.
Their test scores from January 2024 declined from their 2022 scores – the scores that caused Gov. Glenn Youngkin to call for major education reforms – in several areas.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “nation’s report card,” measures several subjects but is most known for its 4th and 8th grade math and reading tests.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
