Alexandria, VA – Did you know that Volunteer Alexandria’s Winter Toy Drive sees 33% more participation than Food4ALX? This summer, let’s change that. The same children who delight in those December toys also need nutritious food during the summer months, when donations to local food pantries decline and shelves become harder to keep stocked.
Through August 14, we’re collecting high-need food items. With more than 20 drop-off locations across Alexandria, it’s easy to donate while you’re already out and about.
- Making a coffee run? All three St. Elmo’s locations have collection bins. Bring a jar of peanut butter on your next caffeine stop.
- Browsing the shops in Old Town? Stop by The World Crafted on King (formerly Ten Thousand Villages) and drop off rice or cooking oil, versatile staples.
- Heading to a City Council meeting? The Del Pepper Community Resource Center, home to DCHS, has collection bins throughout the building. Bring along canned tuna, chicken, or another shelf-stable protein to create filling, nutritious meals.
- Visiting the farmers market and need cash? Hosting seven drop-off locations across the city, United Bank is a convenient place to donate canned fruits and vegetables.
- Kids on summer break and looking for something to do? Challenge them to make a difference! Have them research the most-needed donation items, hunt for the best grocery store deals, and use our online map to find the nearest Food4ALX drop-off location at volunteeralexandria.org/food.
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our collection sites for helping to make Food4ALX possible. Together, we’ll reach our goal of 40,000 pounds of food to help feed 2,500 local families. All donations go directly to ALIVE! and Hunger Free Alexandria.
Alexandria Resident Honored as Daily Point of Light
“Volunteering can be fun and rewarding, and it can benefit not only your community but your own well-being. If you’re retired, it can be an extension of your career. There are so many people who can benefit from your skills. If you don’t take away anything else, take away that you have value.” – Elizabeth Murphy
Volunteer Alexandria is thrilled to celebrate our longtime volunteer, Elizabeth Murphy, recipient of Daily Point of Light Award #8353. A dedicated VolALX presence since 2016, Elizabeth received the award during the Points of Light Conference in Washington, DC. Established by President George H.W. Bush, the Daily Point of Light Award recognizes everyday Americans who take direct, meaningful, and unpaid action to address social challenges and strengthen their local communities.
When Elizabeth chose to devote more time during retirement to VolALX, she dramatically expanded our ability to serve Alexandria, notably project managing the Toy Drive, then overseeing our major fundraiser, the Arts & Crafts Fair. Her support also enabled us to launch Food4ALX, now in its fourth year. Thank you, Elizabeth, for everything you do for our community, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! (Read more at https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/community-leadership-in-retirement/)
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Volunteer Opportunities
Be a Spanish-Speaking Budget Mentor – Through Community Lodgings, meet with a client in Transitional Housing each month to track finances and reduce debt.
Join the Social Services Advisory Board – Meet once a month to monitor the implementation of and advise city officials on public or social welfare programs.
Help Set Up a Low Vision and Blind Fashion Show – The ImPerfeKtly Made Foundation will host “Unseen” in October. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, August 5.
Assist the Summer Fun Club – Prepare the event space and host children’s activities for Affordable Homes and Communities on Thursday, August 13.
Stuff the Bus with United Way – On Monday, August 17, help pack backpacks with grade-appropriate school supplies for students who need them most.
Remove Trash and Invasives from Local Trails – Join Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail to improve natural areas on various dates. These are all-ages events:
- Four Mile Run South on Saturday, August 8
- Fort Hunt Park on Saturday, August 15
- Belle Haven Park on Saturday, August 29
For more opportunities like these, visit www.volunteeralexandria.org/search
A donation to Volunteer Alexandria (https://bit.ly/VolALXgive) enables us to continue connecting caring people to needs in our community. Thank you for your support.
