By Marion Brunken
Alexandria, VA – Let’s come together to spread kindness and lend a helping hand this holiday season. Service unites us, and volunteering is not only beneficial to our community but also good for the body, mind, and soul. Volunteer Alexandria (VolALX) is offering multiple ways to make a difference with various holiday activities. Visit www.VolunteerAlexandria.org/holiday-activities to see how you can get involved. Our nonprofit partners are looking for volunteers to visit sick or lonely residents, host holiday parties for children, collect toys, walk in parades to raise awareness, and assist with Alexandria’s First Night.
We are also seeking individuals and groups to collect toys for our 10th Annual toys4ALX donation drive. This year, more families than ever need support to make the holidays brighter for their children, so we are collecting new, unwrapped toys, books, and balls for children aged 0–10 years. Our goal is to serve over 700 children, which means collecting at least 2,800 medium-sized items so that each child receives four toys.
This initiative is supported by Alexandria & Company, Alexandria Women for Good, United Bank, Alexandria Singers, and Fairlington United Methodist Church.
You can find a list of drop-off locations at www.VolunteerAlexandria.org/toydrive.
Here some toy suggestions for the 8–10-year-old children:
• Science kits and solar robot toys
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Sports balls in various colors and flying orb balls
• Remote-controlled waterproof stunt cars
• Lego sets
However, please note that we cannot accept used gifts, toy guns (such as Nerf guns or dart blasters), or clothing for children under two years old.
Children and Youth in Action
VolALX actively engages children and youth in community service. Recently, children learned about food insecurity while making sandwiches to donate, thanks to our partnership with Great Harvest Bakery. VolALX also collaborated with students from Episcopal High School to make kindness wreaths for seniors, dog toys for rescued dogs, and gift tags for the toys4ALX toy drive.
Learn more about how your child can get involved at www.volunteeralexandria.org/youthopportunities.
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