Here’s where volunteers are needed the most in Prince William County

Good Morning Prince William – For the latest information on the continuing Coronavirus outbreak, please visit cdc.gov/covid19, coronavirus.gov, vdh.virginia.gov, and coronavirus.pwcgov.org.

As stated in Governor Northam’s Executive Order Number 55, “…Individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of…Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services…”  If you’re healthy and looking to give back during this pandemic, here are several volunteer opportunities:

As our communities face unusual circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic, many individuals would like to volunteer to help in some way.  Volunteer Prince William is designated by Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park to provide coordination of unaffiliated volunteers during emergency declarations.

If you would like to be contacted to help during the COVID 19 outbreak, please register on our website by clicking SIGN UP in the top right-hand corner (blue box) at volunteerprincewilliam.org.  When you are completing your registration form be sure to check the box that asks if you wish to receive a disaster notification.

If you are already registered as a volunteer on our Volunteer Prince William website, please log in to edit your user profile and check the box to indicate you wish to receive a disaster notification.  When we receive requests for volunteers in the greater Prince William area we will send emails out to those volunteers who have indicated they want to receive a disaster notification and will include instructions on what to do if you are interested in volunteering to help meet that request.

It may be a bit of a process and may also include a liability waiver form.  Please contact Bonnie for more information at 703.369.5292, ext. 3, email bnahas@volunteerprincewilliam.org.

* ACTS needs volunteers in their Hunger Prevention Center weekdays for the morning (9:30-11:30 a.m.) and afternoon shifts (12:30 to 3 p.m.) to prep grocery bags and distribute groceries.  Volunteers must complete and submit the online volunteer application found at www.actspwc.org prior to volunteering.  Please contact Shirley at [email protected] or call 703.441.8606 ext. 212 for more information.

*Brain Injury Services is looking for a virtual pals volunteer (that will turn into a regular pals volunteer after restrictions on visits are lifted) for a Prince William County woman with a brain injury.  Friendly calls, zoom chats, texts and emails would take place weekly.  They’re also calling on all BIS volunteers to email a photo of the phrase “THANK YOU” by April 15 for a National Volunteer Week video.  It can be on a cake, with Lego’s, painted – be creative!  Please email Michelle at [email protected] to learn more.

*Habitat for Humanity has an urgent project that’s quarantine-safe and needs to be completed by the end of April.  A townhome rehab in Manassas is nearly done, but the back-yard needs mowing, seed and straw.  One corner of the back yard would be ideal for a raised planter bed.  The front yard could also use some creative thought and planning.  If you’re willing to take on the design, planning and implementation of the project, please email [email protected].

*House of Mercy is now seeing a marked increase in clients seeking food assistance.  They are in urgent need of donations of nonperishable items for their food pantry so they can continue food assistance during COVID-19.  Please email [email protected] to learn more.

* Keep Prince William Beautiful has quarantine-approved, family-friendly volunteer opportunities available!  They’re looking for individuals and families who can do small-scale litter cleanups which you can do in your own neighborhood. The staff is happy to safely deliver the cleanup supplies you need.  Please email Aleta at [email protected] for more information.

*Prince William Food Rescue has a great opportunity for those who are healthy and want to get out of the house while still practicing social distancing.  Become a Food Rescue Hero! Have the kids ride along, slap on some gloves and rescue some food.  Pick-up and drop-off with minimal interaction.  Search Prince William Food Rescue your smartphone’s app store, download the app and create a profile, and you can start rescuing food right away!  Please visit pwfoodrescue.org for more information.

*The Salvation Army is collecting items for seniors and vulnerable populations. You can help by creating care packages from the security of your own home and safely dropping items at their Prince William location in Woodbridge. Food items such as canned soups/other dry or canned foods are requested.  Non-food items such as socks, toiletries, diapers/baby wipes and sanitizing supplies are also needed.  Donated items can be dropped off at 1483 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge Suite 102, Woodbridge 22192.  Please email Angela at [email protected]my.org or call 202-345-2238 to learn more.

*   SERVE needs volunteers in the Hunger Resource Center to assist with assembling food packages to distribute to clients who face food insecurity.  Minimal client contact involved as volunteers will just pack up the food and take the food to the clients’ vehicles for them to load in.  If you’re healthy, are not a part of the identified high-risk groups, and are comfortable leaving your home at this time, they would love to have you-even just one volunteer shift helps!  Interested volunteers should visit nvfs.volunteerhub.com/ and create an account.  Once they have created an account, they can sign up for HRC Warehouse Volunteers & HRC Warehouse Volunteers Short-Term Shifts.  Please email [email protected] to learn more.

*   StreetLight Community Ministries has re-opened their Food Pantry, but donations of nonperishable food are desperately needed so they can continue giving aid to our homeless and impoverished neighbors during this pandemic.  Donations will be accepted every Tuesday, 9:30 to -11:30 a.m.  Please email [email protected] to 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 volunteerprincewilliam.org.

Thanks so much for all you do in our community.