By Marion Brunken
Alexandria, VA – The weather is changing, hot chocolate and candy canes are back on the shelves, and our seniors are getting ready for their Snow Buddy volunteers. This winter season has started even though snow is waiting to fall. For many of us, winter and the holidays are a time of festivities, but for others, it’s a time of stress and sadness. With more federal programs being cut, finances are tight, so gifts and celebrations may not be a high priority. Many nonprofits seek assistance to make this season great for everyone. A list of needs can be found at www.volunteeralexandria.org/holiday-activities.
Family Volunteer Day – Save the Date – Saturday, November 22
VolALX is hosting its annual Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 22, benefiting our Toys4ALX collection drive. Families of all ages are invited and encouraged to spend time to ensure that every family in Alexandria has a special holiday season. Volunteers will create decorations, wrapping paper, and gift tags. Register at https://www.volunteeralexandria.org/family
Toys4ALX Toy Collection runs from November 17 through December 10. VolALX believes that each child deserves to experience the delight of the holidays and open their own special present. Therefore, we host a community toy drive to bring a sense of holiday cheer to families. We support the annual Holiday Sharing Program, implemented by the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services Fund for Alexandria’s Child. Families register to be part of their program. In addition, this community-wide Toys4ALX drive will benefit several additional agencies and some families who otherwise fall through the gap.
This year, together with your help, we aim to support 800 children aged 0-10 years old and to collect over 3,500 toys so that EVERY child receives a minimum of three items plus books to make their holidays as memorable as possible.
How you can help:
- Become a Sponsor: Support our cause by becoming a sponsor – https://bit.ly/toys4alxsponsor
- Become a collection site. Collect new unwrapped educational and fun toys, dolls, and sports items from friends, colleagues, clients, churches, clubs, or schools, through December 10. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VY8Z9V3 or visit volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive for details.
- Donate a toy. Purchase a new toy or order online. For questions to find a drop-off location near you, visit our website volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive.
- Volunteer to make decorations, wrapping paper, and gift tags. Visit our website volunteeralexandria.org/family.
- Volunteer to help sort and count toys, wrap items, and support families picking up toys. Sign up for an opportunity at volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive.
- Make a financial donation to help make this happen. A six-week event takes time, resources, and money. Donate online at volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive or write a check payable to Volunteer Alexandria.
Did you know… when you help other people, it activates the reward center in your brain and releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins? This is why many people often feel better after volunteering.
Other Engagement Opportunities can be found at www.VolunteerAlexandria.org:
Become a Snow Buddy this Winter — Help a senior or person with a disability by removing snow and ice on their property during the winter months.
Give Tours to School Groups — Provide tours of the historic Gunston Hall to visiting students. Training is required.
Help Prevent Substance Abuse in Alexandria — Advocate for healthy choices and learn about policy with the Policy and Advocacy Committee for the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria.
Help Advance Youth Programs in Alexandria — Alexandria Beyond the Classroom is seeking volunteers to join its Executive Committee, especially people skilled in communications, marketing, fundraising, and law.
Call Seniors as a Friendly Caller — Talk to socially isolated seniors over the phone with Senior Services of Alexandria. Friendly Callers make regularly scheduled calls to older adults to check in. Times are flexible.
