Greetings, Prince William – Volunteer Prince William is on the move to a new office! We will be relocating to 8621 Breeden Avenue, Manassas, on Monday, March 4. We will be closed Monday, March 4, but plan to re-open at our new location on Tuesday, March 5. Our phone numbers and website address will remain the same. Questions? Please email [email protected].

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

The annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia occurred on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.

Special Olympics Virginia spokeswoman Holly Claytor shared that the event saw participation from more than 280 plungers alongside approximately 400 spectators. In total, an impressive $140,000 was raised to support the cause.

Although adverse weather conditions prevented the scheduled 5K race, attendees still enjoyed various activities and amenities. A food truck offered sustenance, while Starbucks provided complimentary hot drinks and Wawa supplied snacks. Additionally, numerous exhibitors were present, offering diverse goods and services. Attendees could also indulge in the classic treat of s’mores.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium emerged as the top partner for the event, demonstrating significant support for Special Olympics Virginia’s mission. Other notable contributors included Toyota of Woodbridge, Trade Reps, and Lightbridge Academy, all of whom made the event a success.

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.

Rappahannock Goodwill (RGI) has recently announced significant changes within its leadership structure. The organization welcomed Felicia Ainsa, Director of Economic Development for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, to its Board of Directors. Ainsa's appointment reflects her alignment with RGI's mission of community development and individual empowerment.

Additionally, RGI disclosed the election of new officers for the upcoming year. Brian Roinestad, Director of Purchasing at Atlantic Builders, secured the position of Board Chair. Andy Withers, Senior Vice President, Central CRE Region Group Leader at Atlantic Union Bank, transitioned into the role of Vice Chair, having previously served as Treasurer. John Rogers, Local Sales Manager at Effectv, a Comcast Company, retained his role as Treasurer, while Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Credit Union, remained as Board Secretary.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Greetings, Prince William – StreetLight Community Ministries needs volunteers to provide a nourishing dinner for 30 people each night at the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge, through March 31.  Meals should be prepared at home and provided in disposable aluminum pans or serving trays; drop-off is between 6:15 pm and 7 pm only.  Desserts and sides are also appreciated but not required.  It’s a fantastic group project, and you’ll feel great knowing you are providing a delicious home-cooked meal for our homeless neighbors!  Please visit https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/lowvd4/ to sign up.  If you sign up to bring a meal and cannot honor your commitment/make it on time, please email [email protected] or call 571.677.2883.

• Back by popular demand, BEACON is bringing back their Scrabble Scramble Fundraiser on February 24, 5 pm-8 pm!  The venue has changed; it’s now at Linton Hall School Gym, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow 20136.  Tickets for a team of 4 are $120 and include two rounds of competitive Scrabble, food, and drinks.  Raffle prizes and 50/50 add to a fun evening for a fantastic cause!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3SbALec to purchase tickets, and email [email protected] to learn more.
• You’re under 12 and need to do service hours for school, church, or club, but most agencies want youth volunteers to be at least 12 or older and volunteer with an adult.  The wonderful staff at Boxes of Basics has some great ideas on how you can help kids in urgent need of clothing!  Help out and feel great as you learn the joy of giving back and making a difference in the lives of kids your age!  Please visit www.boxesofbasics.org/young-volunteers for suggestions, email [email protected], or call 571.338.3369 for more information.
• Capital Caring Health is seeking certified dogs (with their owners) to provide friendly visits to their hospice patients and families. Dogs need to be certified by a dog certifying organization and must be current on shots and a dog license.  You’ll feel wonderful knowing your pet will bring much love, comfort, and great joy to those facing life-limiting illnesses.  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas 20110, is holding its next session of ESL from March 11 to May 22.  They need volunteers age 18+ to help as Classroom Aides on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings, 7 pm-9 pm.  No experience is necessary, and you’ll enjoy working with students as they improve their English language skills!  An orientation/training will be held on March 3 at 12:30 pm, and a light lunch will be provided.  Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• It may be chilly outside, but Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is already preparing for their Spring season, March 4 to May 19!  Girls on the Run is more than a running program; it’s also a positive youth development program that teaches key life skills like confidence and teamwork through various activities.  They’re looking for volunteer Coaches to coach teams in greater Prince William County for the session.  No running experience is needed; just have 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!  Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3tD9md1.  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• The fun folks at Habitat for Humanity-Prince William County are holding a Cleanup at the Hylton Boys & Girls Club, 5070 Dale Boulevard, Woodbridge, on February 17, 9 am-3 pm.  Volunteers (including volunteers with muscles) are needed to help trim weeds, tear down a couple of sheds, assemble furniture, and stain benches.  It’s a terrific way to spend the Presidents Day weekend and the staff at the Boys & Girls Club will appreciate all your hard work!  Please visit www.habitatpwc.org and click on their Volunteer Calendar to sign up; email [email protected] to learn more.
• The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center in Woodbridge needs volunteers aged 21+ to assist their residents in finding jobs, including jobs that allow for remote work.  Meetings would be held with shelter residents at Hilda Barg on any day and time that would fit the volunteer’s schedule.  Volunteers must successfully complete a background check; computer and job searching experience is a must.  You’ll feel great as you help a resident get back on their feet by helping them find steady employment and become independent again!  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Attention Theatre Lovers!  Prince William Little Theatre needs volunteers to help build sets for their next play, “Stick Fly,” beginning this Saturday, February 3, 10 am-1 pm through March 2.  No experience is necessary.  It's a fantastic way to get involved with a production; behind-the-scenes work like sets are just as important as the actors themselves!  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Save the Date!  Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition is hosting the Neabsco Boardwalk Cleanup March 2, 9 am-12pm.  Two locations will be worked on:  Neabsco Regional Park and Neabsco Eagles Park.  All ages are welcome and it’s a beautiful chance to get out with the family and beautify these two spots in Prince William County!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3U7NlOi for more information and a link to register.  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Saved Hands Foundation is marking its 35^th anniversary this year, and they have a busy schedule ahead!  If you enjoy event planning, they need your skills to help them prepare for their upcoming Community Health Fair/Backpack Giveaway in August and their Gala to celebrate 35 years in October.  Admin skills are a tremendous help, and a desire to connect with the community will do much to make these events successful!  Please call Pam at 571.406.5112 or email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• If you enjoy helping in the kitchen, the staff at SERVE wants to meet you!  They’re looking for a volunteer Shelter Kitchen Assistant age 18+ to help the shelter cook on weekdays, 11 am-2 pm.  Duties include assisting with meal preparation, serving lunch/cleaning up after the meal, maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen, including countertops, dishes, etc., and more.  You’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to keep daily kitchen operations going smoothly and also serving a nutritious meal to those coping with homelessness!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3UpvFxD for details, and email [email protected] for more information.

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.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Despite being far from the Arctic Circle, Fredericksburg is quickly gaining national attention for its “coldest night of the year.”

Area churches and local supporters will gather on Feb. 24, 2024, for its annual fundraiser, “Coldest Night of the Year,” a family-friendly walk to benefit Micah ministries. Micah is a coalition of area churches dedicated to helping Fredericksburg city residents with unmet needs.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

OmniRide: "OmniRide will hold an Extended Season of Giving Food Drive January 16 – January 19 in an effort to be a good partner in service to the community. In addition to accepting non-perishable donations on the buses, the organization will be accepting non-perishables in-person at several local government locations, and monetary donations online at the organization’s website."

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Habitat for Humanity Prince William County: “Habitat for Humanity PWC partnered with Ms. Katherine Howell to provide much-needed repairs on her Dale City [in the 5200 Block of Miles Court on December 7 and 8, 2023] home through our critical home repair program. Shingles, facia boards, soffit, guttering, and rotted trim boards on nine windows of Ms. Howell’s home had to be updated to combat the wear and tear her home has gone through.”

“Then it was time to move into the interior. The biggest project would be to blow insulation into the attic, but our volunteers handled this task with the greatest of ease. Dave Williams threw on his suit and got to work in the attic, while Bob Swenson kept the insulation machine fed. These two bring a whole new meaning to teamwork and showing what it takes to get the job done.”

“This concluded our last critical home repair for 2023, and special thanks to our volunteers for stepping in to give us a hand-up for Ms. Howell’s home repair.”

The total repair cost $5,500.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: "Applications are being accepted through Feb. 16 for the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an annual all-expenses-paid, week-long event in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)."

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Aquia Harbour Host Lions Club: “On the evening of 9 December, Aquia Harbour Host Lions Club held the 8th Annual Blue Santa event in Aquia Harbour. While traversing through the Harbour neighborhood, the 24 volunteers from the Lions, Leos, Aquia Harbour Police Department, and Rescue Squad collected over three pickup trucks of donations valued at over $5,000 for Empowerhouse.”

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.