If you could just clone yourself on April 16, you’ll find dozens of service projects throughout the greater DC area.
By Jane Hess Collins
Servathon 2010 volunteers brighten the staircase at Malcolm X Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Greater DC Cares).
Like those pretty daffodils and cherry tree blossoms, great ways to give back are everywhere during National Volunteer Week, especially on Saturday, April 16. Here’s the rundown.
Greater DC Cares (GDCC) is gunning for their largest “day of service” ever on April 15 and 16 by signing on 8,000 volunteers at 150 service sites to help out with projects that support education, the environment, and the economy. GDCC is over 75% there already, but click here now to sign up-the deadline is Monday, April 11.
As always, you can count on Greater DC Cares to host an after-party. This year you and thousands of your volunteer friends can join in the “Celebration of Service” with exclusive free and reduced-price food and drinks at The Front Page, Sign of the Whale, and James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant.
Volunteer Fairfax is targeting the younger crowd with its first-ever participation in Global Youth Service Day. Fairfax County communities and nearby cities from Alexandria to Woodbridge have family-focused projects ranging from landscaping to library work to helping with fun runs and Multiple Sclerosis walks in Manassas, Reston and Washington, DC.
Feeling green? The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is hosting Earth Day projects throughout the month.
Single Volunteers of DC will be in three places at once on April 16-in Alexandria for the Center for Alexandria’s Children Family Fun Day; at the Arlington Food Assistance Center and at the Russian Embassy for the Cradle of Hope Adoption Center’s Children’s Easter Party. Click here to find more about each of these events. Bonus points if you have an Easter Bunny costume.
Get Out and Give Back is now on Facebook and Twitter. Jane Hess Collins helps and encourages people to give back through her writing, speaking, coaching and workshops. She also established game nights for at-risk families throughout the country. You can contact her at www.getoutandgiveback.com.
