Alexandria, VA – Each year, the need for toys and essential items grows—and this year, the need is greater than ever. Many families in our community are struggling to provide food and gifts for their children, and we are calling on our caring neighbors to come together and lift these families up during this season of giving.
The holidays are a time to show kindness, compassion, and connection. When we volunteer, we don’t just help others—we strengthen our community and nourish our own hearts, minds, and spirits. Volunteer Alexandria (VolALX) is offering many meaningful ways to spread joy this holiday season. Visit www.VolunteerAlexandria.org/holiday-activities to find out how you can make a difference.
Our nonprofit partners are seeking volunteers to visit sick or lonely residents, bring cheer to children through holiday parties, collect toys, walk in parades to raise awareness, and support Alexandria’s First Night celebration. Every act of service, big or small, brings comfort, hope, and warmth to someone who needs it.
We are also asking individuals, families, and groups to help collect toys for our Annual Toys4ALX Donation Drive. This year, more families than ever need support to help make the holidays magical for their children. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys, books, and balls for children ages 0–10. Our goal is to brighten the season for more than 700 children—and to do that, we need at least 3,500 medium-sized gifts, ensuring each child receives four special items.
This effort is made possible with the heartfelt support of Alexandria & Company, Gilbane Building Company, Alexandria Singers, IBM, Elizabeth Murphy, Richard Merritt, and Potomac Yard Center.
A list of drop-off locations can be found at www.VolunteerAlexandria.org/toydrive.
Toy suggestions for children ages 7–10 include:
Magnetic tiles constructor sets
Chemistry Station science experiment kits
Solar robot toys
Arts and crafts kits
Sports balls and flying orb balls
Remote-controlled waterproof stunt cars
LEGO sets
Dolls of all colors
Please note that we are unable to accept used gifts, toy guns (including Nerf or dart blasters), or ANY clothing for children.
Donate to help us serve children at https://bit.ly/VolALXgive or scan this QR code
Did you know… that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lists the 2024 median income for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area for a four-person household as $46,400 for Extremely Low Income (30% of median)?
Other Engagement Opportunities can be found at www.VolunteerAlexandria.org:
Saturday, December 6, Help at the 2025 Scottish Christmas Walk Parade — Help with various roles, including banner carriers, vehicle lineup, and more.
Saturday, December 6, Join Volunteer Alexandria, Friends of Mt. Vernon Trail, and Alexandria Tutoring Consortium in the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade — Help promote volunteerism and civic engagement by walking with Volunteer Alexandria. Families of all ages are welcome!
December 11-13 Toys4ALX — Help at our Toy Drive by spreading some holiday cheer with a variety of tasks, including creating gift bags, assisting at the kids’ corner, setting up toys, decorating, and more! Bilingual volunteers are strongly needed.
Be A Snow Buddy this Winter — Help a senior or person with a disability by removing snow or ice on their property during the winter months.
AniMeals on Wheels Delivery Volunteer — Volunteers pick up pet food and pet supplies from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and deliver food.
Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) Training – Mobilizing Volunteers In Disaster. VolALX mobilizes volunteers in a disaster and seeks trained volunteer leaders to quickly register, train, and deploy new community volunteers. This helps support disaster response and recovery efforts safely and efficiently. VRC training gives you the knowledge and tools to be part of the operations staff of the VRC when it is activated after a disaster.
CALL 2ACTION: Our community is in desperate need of tutors and mentors to help children learn and grow! Literacy changes a child’s life. The Alexandria Tutoring Consortium still has seven children who need a volunteer reading tutor at Ferdinand T. Day School (T, W and/or Th, 12:40 – 1:10) and John Adams school (T and/or Th, 10:45 – 11:30 or M-F, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.) No experience is necessary.
If you would like to help a child, register at https://www.volunteeralexandria.org/mentoropps
