Looking for ways to get out of the house and help out your community at the same time? Here are some local volunteering opportunities in need of help:
Support your local health department and your community during a public health emergency! Volunteers for Medical Reserve Corps are needed to support several missions including public health education and outreach, disease investigation, vaccine clinics, and more! Medical experience is not required; Medical Reserve Corps have roles for everyone! Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, complete minimum training, and pass a state background check to serve. Please fill out an online application at vdh.virginia.gov. Questions? Please email Amy at [email protected]Â for more information.
* Ready to get out of the house and back into the world? ACT’s Hunger Prevention Center needs help in distribution on Wednesdays and Fridays, receiving on Monday through Friday, and drivers to pick up donations from grocery stores on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Note that all volunteers must complete and submit the online volunteer application found at actspwc.org prior to volunteering. Please contact Shirley at [email protected], or call 703.441.8606 ext. 212 for more information on how you can get involved.
* The Alzheimer’s Association is searching for volunteers to lead easing in some existing support and early stage groups in Manassas once the pandemic calms. Volunteer Support Group & Early Stage Facilitators help group participants develop coping methods, and encourages caregivers and family members to maintain their personal, physical and emotional health. Support groups provide a place for friends and family to share valuable information, caregiving tips and concerns about their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Experience working with Alzheimer’s patients is desirable, but training will be provided. Please email [email protected]Â to learn more.
* Habitat for Humanity has announced starting their Neighborhood Revitalization at East End Mobile Home Park in Manassas! This big project is in the early planning stages, but volunteer help will be needed. Please visit habitatpwc.org or email [email protected] for more information.
* You can hold a food drive and help House of Mercy re-stock their bare food pantry shelves! They have seen a big increase in clients seeking food assistance and urgently need donations of nonperishable items such as veggies, soups, mac and cheese, canned meats, etc., to re-stock their shelves. It’s so easy to conduct a food drive, even during this pandemic, and you’ll be helping to feed hungry families! Please call 703.579.0279 or email [email protected]Â to learn how you can help.
* Keep Prince William Beautiful is happy to announce that Community Litter Cleanups are returning! The first cleanup is scheduled for July 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Potomac Community Library. The cleanup will focus on the surrounding public roads and spaces near the library. Social distancing will be practiced, with check-in times at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.. Only 10 volunteers allowed for each check-in time. Face masks are required and KPWB will supply clean and sanitized supplies to volunteers. Please call 571.285.3772 or email [email protected]Â for more information.
* Prince William Food Rescue (PWFR) can still use volunteer Food Rescue Heroes as the program is super busy delivering food to both ACTS and SERVE homebound clients. Home food deliveries are no contact and follow social distancing guidelines. PWFR is an app-based program enabling volunteers to pick up viable, close to expiration food from supermarkets, restaurants, food pantries, etc., and then deliver it to a program that can immediately use the food. More info on PWFR may be found at pwfoodrescue.org. Please contact Shirley at [email protected]Â or call 703.441.8606 ext. 212 for more information.
* The Salvation Army is collecting items for seniors and other vulnerable populations. You can help by creating care packages from the security of your own home and safely drop off items at their Prince William location in Woodbridge. Food items such as canned soups and 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, Lake Ridge 22192. Please email Angela at [email protected] or call 202.345.2238 to learn more.
* SERVE needs donated canned vegetables to provide healthy choices for their food assistance clients! Donations can be brought to SERVE’s Hunger Resource Center loading dock on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., where they will be safely accepted. All veggies are welcome, but they have a big need for canned corn. Please contact Navara at [email protected]Â to learn more.
* Serve Our Willing Warriors in Haymarket needs volunteers age 21 and up to directly assist Warrior families during their check-in and check out at the Warrior Retreat in Bull Run. Volunteers should be available Wednesday and/or Friday mornings. Just an hour of your time will be a meaningful way to thank our veterans who have given so much for our country! Please contact Sarah at [email protected]Â for more information
* StreetLight Community Ministries urgently needs donations of nonperishable food for their Food Pantry so they can continue giving aid to our homeless and impoverished neighbors during this pandemic. Donations will be accepted every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Please email [email protected]Â to learn more.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call the wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703-369_5292. You can also visit their website at volunteerprincewilliam.org.
Recent Stories
Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a thriving 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 an active year of meetings, presentations, and valuable 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 in depth, 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 key 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.
(The Center Square) – The White House took steps to make good on its promise to cut the federal government down to size by giving federal workers a choice: return to the office full-time or leave with eight months of pay.
The Office of Personnel Management told federal workers Tuesday night that they have until Feb. 6 to decide to stay or go. If they step down, they will continue getting all pay and benefits and be exempt from in-person work requirements until Sept. 30.
However, the Trump administration said that even government employees who stay on could still eventually lose their jobs as the president reshapes the federal government and its workforce.
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.
