BEACON for Adult Literacy
BEACON for Adult Literacy needs volunteers age 18+ to host their Summer Conversation Classes this summer. Sessions will be held Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am-11 am, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 pm-8:30 pm. All sessions are online, so you can help students improve their English skills from the comfort of your home. Online volunteer information sessions are available; please visit https://bit.ly/43zEFTv to sign up. For more information, email [email protected] or call 571-531-5838.

• Just In: Is a safe community important to you? The PWC Office of Community Safety is hosting an open house, “Fostering a Safe PWC Together” on May 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge. Volunteers age 16+ are needed to assist with set-up/clean-up, greeting attendees and directing traffic. You’ll feel great as you support this event which provides the public with safety resources from county government agencies, nonprofits, faith-based, community-based and charitable organizations! Please email [email protected] to sign up and learn more. Note: This event is free to the public, please visit https://bit.ly/3y1B6JU for more information.
• Do you love going fishing? Brain Injury Services (BIS) is searching for a volunteer to be a PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for a brain injury client living in Prince William who would like to go on occasional fishing trips. PALS is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. You’ll feel great as you enjoy a day at your favorite fishing hole while helping a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• CRi (Choice. Respect. independence) is a community-based nonprofit organization with a focus on providing personalized resources to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. They are currently in need of an American Sign Language (ASL) volunteer age 18+ to service the public at CRi events. This volunteer will communicate with individuals who are hearing impaired and in need of socialization with those who speak ASL. Strong skills in ASL are necessary and you’ll feel great as you share your specialized talent to help someone communicate with the public! Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• The year is speeding by, and Girls on the Run of NOVA is already preparing for their 5K Celebration being held May 18 (Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax) and May 19 (Pentagon City, Arlington)! Over 100 volunteers age 13+ are needed for all sorts of jobs like Greeters, Water Stations, Cheerleaders and more. It sounds like it will be a fantastic event and you’ll feel great as you support and encourage these youth who have been working hard to build up their fitness and confidence! Please visit https://bit.ly/3TCr3lN to sign up or visit gotrnova.org. Hurry, volunteer slots will fill up quickly!
• Here’s a “Honey” of a volunteer opportunity! The Manassas Bee Festival is coming June 22 at Liberia House, 8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas and volunteer “Worker Bees” of all ages are needed to support this fun event. Volunteers under 18 are welcome to volunteer with a responsible adult or group leader. Volunteers are needed June 21 help set up the festival at Liberia House. Then, volunteers will be needed to help with the 2K Honey Hike 8:45 a.m. on June 22 at Manassas Museum lawn and also to help on shifts during the festival on June 22. Jobs include assisting with set up, helping vendors unload, helping at the welcome tent to show the map or answer basic questions. Volunteers who sign up will get a free green t-shirt but should complete the online form at manassasbeefestival.com/contact-donations-questions/. Please be sure to indicate you are a Volunteer on the form. Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Gardeners, here’s a fantastic volunteer opportunity for you! PWC Office of Historic Preservation is looking for Historic Garden Volunteers to help maintain the garden at Rippon Lodge Historic Site this summer. Help is needed with planting, weeding and harvesting the fruit and vegetables. You’ll enjoy being outdoors as you help the garden illustrate what plants may have been planted by the Ellis family in a Victory garden during World War II! Please call Rippon Lodge at 703-499-9812 for more information.
• St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Manassas needs a volunteer Team Leader for their Food Pantry on Tuesdays and Fridays. Jobs include instructing volunteers on how to sort/store donated food from local grocery stores, organize items for Saturday distributions, train new volunteers and help keep the pantry organized and clean. Training provided; no experience necessary! You’ll feel great as you help this busy food pantry get prepared for their food distributions which serve up to 800 food insecure individuals each week! Please email [email protected] or call 703.368.5161, ext. 122 for more information.
• Mark your calendar! Walk MS: Manassas 2024 will be held May 4 at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, and LOTS of volunteers age 15+ are needed to make this successful! Jobs include Event Set-Up, Volunteer Check-in, Route Marshals, Hydration Stations, and much more! You’ll feel great as you get involved with this community walk whose goal is to end Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forever! Please visit https://bit.ly/4cHgvut and to sign up, email [email protected] for more information.
• The Workhouse Arts Center (WAC) in Lorton needs volunteers age 16+ to be Volunteer Artist Building Representatives (VABRs). These individuals are the first point of contact for visitors entering the artist buildings on the WAC campus. Volunteers should be friendly, willing to engage with the public and be able to share information about the WAC. Onsite training is required but is offered to accommodate the schedules of volunteers and staff. If you’re an artist or are into art, this could be a wonderful opportunity to get involved with the growing art community! Please visit https://bit.ly/3WfOF2x for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.

-Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William.

• Brain Injury Services (BIS) needs volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury. This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, lunch, etc. can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• CRi (Choice. Respect. independence) is a community-based nonprofit organization with a focus on providing personalized resources to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. They are currently in need of an American Sign Language (ASL) volunteer age 18+ to service the public at CRi events. This volunteer will communicate with individuals who are hearing impaired and in need of socialization with those who speak ASL. Strong skills in ASL are necessary and you’ll feel great as you share your specialized talent to help someone communicate with the public! Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• The year is speeding by, and Girls on the Run of NOVA is already preparing for their 5K Celebration being held May 18 (Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax) and May 19 (Pentagon City, Arlington)! Over 100 volunteers age 13+ are needed for all sorts of jobs like Greeters, Water Stations, Cheerleaders and more. It sounds like it will be a fantastic event and you’ll feel great as you support and encourage these youth who have been working hard to build up their fitness and confidence! Please visit https://bit.ly/3TCr3lN to sign up or visit gotrnova.org. Hurry, volunteer slots will fill up quickly!
• You can celebrate Earth Day with Leopold’s Preserve! They need volunteers to help plant 200 donated trees on their facility at 16290 Thoroughfare Road in Broad Run on Saturday, April 20. Two shifts are available, 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.. This sounds like a wonderful activity for the whole family! Please visit leopoldspreserve.com/calendar to sign up. Please email [email protected] or call 571.358.2098 to learn more.
• Use your skills and knowledge of English to make a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees in our community! Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s English Empowerment Center (EEC) needs volunteers age 18+ to teach English to beginning-level learners at various locations in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton, Reston, and also online. They have a particular need for volunteers for classes in Lorton, Alexandria, and Annandale. Prior teaching experience is preferred but is not required - training, curriculum, and support will be provided. EEC also seeks committed office volunteers to assist with administrative tasks, special events, and data entry. Please come to an information session/volunteer orientation on Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. over Zoom. For more information or to RSVP for the orientation, email [email protected].
• If you love working with special needs youth and horses and you’re at least 14 years old, Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, 16198 Silver Lake Road in Haymarket, wants to meet you! They’re in need of volunteers age 14+ to spend a couple of hours a week supporting students with physical, cognitive, and mental health disabilities through therapeutic riding. No horse experience necessary, training provided, and you’ll feel great as you help this organization achieve their mission of “Changing Lives One Hoofbeat at a Time!” Please visit rainbowriding.org to fill out an online volunteer application, email [email protected] or call 703.794.5308 for more information.
• If your office, group or club is looking for a meaningful volunteer experience, the SERVE Family Shelter in Manassas needs groups of 5-7 people to provide, prepare and deliver nutritious meals for about 60 guests on weekends/holidays. Volunteers have the option to prepare the meal offsite and do a drive-by drop-off delivery of the meal to the shelter or to prepare and serve onsite in the shelter kitchen (must be at least 18 to serve meals onsite). You’ll feel great knowing you’re providing a home-cooked nutritious meal for those coping with homelessness! Dates are available Memorial Day weekend through the end of June! Please email [email protected] for more information and a list of other open dates in 2024.
• Mark your calendar! Walk MS: Manassas 2024 will be held May 4 at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, and LOTS of volunteers age 15+ are needed to make this successful! Jobs include Event Set-Up, Volunteer Check-in, Route Marshals, Hydration Stations, and much more! You’ll feel great as you get involved with this community walk whose goal is to end Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forever! Please visit https://bit.ly/4cHgvut and to sign up, email [email protected] for more information.

• Animal lovers, the Pet Food Pantry at City of Manassas Animal Shelter needs donations of pet food to help those who temporarily need assistance in feeding their pets. Donations of dry and canned pet food plus treats for dogs and cats, pet food for small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) and cat litter are welcome! Items can be brought to the animal shelter at 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas 20110. If your kids are looking for a Spring Break service project, they could hold a pet food drive! Please call 703.257.2420 for more information and shelter hours.
• And animal lovers in Prince William County, you haven’t been forgotten! Prince William County Police Department is holding a Fill the Cruiser event for the County’s Animal Services Center March 28, 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. Come by the Central District Police Station, 5036 Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge and help load up the police vehicle with your donations of pet food, pet toys, kitty litter and more to feed those furry friends! Please visit https://bit.ly/3TkJF9W for a list of requested items. Please email [email protected] or call 703.792.6465 for more information.
• Brain Injury Services (BIS) needs volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury. This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, lunch, etc. can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA Children’s Intervention Services needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on March 27, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• If you need service hours for school, church, etc., the Town of Dumfries is holding their Dumfries Spring Clean-Up on April 6, beginning at 9 a.m. Everyone’s welcome! Volunteers will meet at 17757 Main Street in Dumfries for check-in. Fresh air, volunteering with friends and family, cleaning up the community – what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning! Please visit https://bit.ly/48E96Ka to register, call 703.221.3400, ext. 119 or email [email protected] to learn more.
• Come out April 6 and be a River Hero! Friends of the Occoquan is holding their Spring River Cleanup at 5 different sites in Prince William County, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Preregistration is recommended by emailing [email protected]. Bottled drinks and snacks will be available. Enjoy your Saturday morning with friends by doing your part to keep the source of our drinking water safe and pristine! Please visit www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org and scroll down the Home page for more information.
• You can celebrate Earth Day with Leopold’s Preserve! They need volunteers to help plant 200 donated trees on their facility at 16290 Thoroughfare Road in Broad Run on Saturday, April 20. Two shifts are available, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.. This sounds like a wonderful activity for the whole family! Please visit www.leopoldspreserve.com/calendar to sign up. Please email [email protected] or call 571.358.2098 to learn more.
• Use your skills and knowledge of English to make a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees in our community! Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s English Empowerment Center (EEC) needs volunteers age 18+ to teach English to beginning-level learners at various locations in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton, Reston, and also online. They have a particular need for volunteers for classes in Lorton, Alexandria, and Annandale. Prior teaching experience is preferred but is not required - training, curriculum, and support will be provided. EEC also seeks committed office volunteers to assist with administrative tasks, special events, and data entry. Please come to an information session/volunteer orientation on Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. over Zoom. For more information or to RSVP for the orientation, email [email protected].
• Save the Date and get a jump on spring cleaning! Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a Free Document Shredding Event March 30, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or until trucks reach capacity. The event is located at Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge. This is for residents only, unavailable for businesses and commercial patrons. Please visit www.pwcva.gov/events/free-paper-shredding-residents for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
• StreetLight Community Ministries still needs volunteers who can 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 p.m. - 7 p.m. 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 homecooked 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.

• BEACON for Adult Literacy is recruiting teachers and subs for their Spring Session which begins March 18th. Their current needs are for in-person morning and evening volunteers, as well as substitutes for both online and in person morning and evening classes. No experience necessary, they will train you! Please visit https://bit.ly/4bOEUxw to sign up for an information session. Please email [email protected] for more information.
• The wonderful staff at Boxes of Basics reports they have a critical shortage of boys' pants in sizes 6 & 12, girls' tops in sizes 14 & 16, and girls' size 8 pants. If you’re clearing out closets and have clean, gently used kids’ clothing in these sizes, they would welcome your donation! You can also purchase clothing from their Amazon Wish List or make an online donation and they’ll do the shopping! You’ll feel great knowing you’re helping disadvantaged children in the local community get the clothing they desperately need! Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Do you love going fishing? Brain Injury Services (BIS) is searching for a volunteer to be a PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for a brain injury client who would like to go on occasional fishing trips. PALS is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. You’ll feel great as you enjoy a day at your favorite fishing hole while helping a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• Mark your calendars for the Bull Run Watershed Cleanup 2024 on March 9, 9am-12pm! Everyone’s welcome – individuals, families, groups, Scout troops, etc.! Volunteers will meet at the Walgreens parking lot, 10671 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas 20109. It’s a wonderful way to get in those service hours, spend time on a meaningful project with friends/family and beautify a piece of Prince William County! Please visit https://bit.ly/49AMZEm for more information and to sign up.
• Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas 20110, is holding their next session of ESL March 11-May 22. They need volunteers age 18+ to help as Classroom Aides on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings, 7pm-9pm. No experience necessary and you’ll enjoy working with students as they improve their English language skills! An orientation/training will be held March 3 at 12:30pm, light lunch will be provided. Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.
• Play Bingo, Fight Hunger! Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is holding their Soup-er Bingo Fundraiser March 16, 3pm-5pm at Piney Branch Elementary School, 8301 Linton Hall Road in Bristow. You can’t beat the price - $1.00 per Bingo card or 1 non-perishable food donation for each card! Early Bird tickets are available through March 9. It’s a great fundraiser and will help to feed food-insecure families in our community! Please visit https://bit.ly/49fPzzP for more information and to purchase your cards.
• Keep Prince William Beautiful is holding a March Cleanup March 23, 10am-12pm! They’ll be picking up litter in an area along Sudley Road and Battleview Parkway. Volunteers should meet in the rear parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 10801 Battleview Parkway, Manassas 20109. Supplies provided, please bring a water bottle. Here’s another way to get those service hours and clean up litter in our community! Please visit https://bit.ly/49tRBMP to sign up, email [email protected] or call 571.285.3772 to learn more.
• Nature Lovers! Leopold’s Preserve is holding their next monthly Saturday Volunteer Day March 16, 8:30am-11:30am and 1pm-3pm. Volunteers age 13+ are welcome; volunteers age 13-17 must volunteer with a parent/guardian. Rotating activities include trail maintenance, invasive plant management, and brush clearing. It’s great for the whole family, and you’ll learn about the natural wonders of this facility! Please visit https://bit.ly/47E4u5n for more details, register at www.leopoldspreserve.com/calendar. Please email [email protected] or call 571.358.2098 to learn more.
• Save the Date and get a jump on spring cleaning! Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a Free Document Shredding Event March 30, 9am-1pm or until trucks reach capacity. The event is located at Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge. This is for residents only, unavailable for businesses and commercial patrons. Please visit www.pwcva.gov/events/free-paper-shredding-residents for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
• Saved Hands Foundation is marking their 35th 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.
• StreetLight Community Ministries still needs volunteers who can 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 6:15pm-7pm 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 homecooked 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.

—Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William

• Back by popular demand, BEACON is bringing back their Scrabble Scramble Fundraiser on February 24, 5 pm-8 pm 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, 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.
• Do you love going fishing? Brain Injury Services (BIS) is searching for a volunteer to be a PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for a brain injury client who would like to go on occasional fishing trips. PALS is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. You’ll feel great as you enjoy a day at your favorite fishing hole while helping a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA Children’s Intervention Services needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on February 28, 6pm-7pm. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• Girls on Run Northern Virginia is preparing for their Spring season from March 4-May 19, and they need Volunteer Coaches age 16+ to coach teams at the Manassas Park Community Center on Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 pm-5:30 pm. No experience is needed, just 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! Please click below to learn more, including how to apply. Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Save the Date and get a jump on spring cleaning! Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a Free Document Shredding Event on March 30, 9 am-1 pm, or until trucks reach capacity. The event is located at Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge. This is for residents only and is unavailable for businesses and commercial patrons. Please visit www.pwcva.gov/events/free-paper-shredding-residents for more information, and email [email protected] to learn more.
• Mark Your Calendar! Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition is hosting the Neabsco Boardwalk Cleanup on March 2, from 9 am-to 12 pm. Two locations will be worked on: Neabsco Regional Park and Neabsco Eagles Park. All ages are welcome, and it’s a wonderful 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 35th 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 to 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 kitchen cleanliness, 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.
• StreetLight Community Ministries needs volunteers who can 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-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.

–Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William