HAMPTON ROADS, Va.— As we approach the holiday season, there’s an opportunity to give back and get others involved.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads is gearing up to celebrate Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 21. It’s a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their community.
“We thought how can we reach out to nonprofits that may not get that help during this time of year," said Stephanie Gorham, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads Executive Director.
This year, things will look different. Instead of gathering 500 or more people in one building, they’re offering a combination of virtual and outdoor activities that will support 14 local organizations.
Volunteers will help to complete 15 projects for organizations like the American Red Cross, the Chesapeake Humane Society, Norfolk Botanical Garden and Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads will provide people with the materials to complete projects that range from creating a new trail at Dunwoody Park to packaging personal hygiene kits for seniors.
Individual volunteers can sign up online starting Nov. 2, but right now, the organization is putting a call out for corporate sponsors.
“Getting some of these projects completed or getting these in-kind donations have been a lot slower and a lot less this year, so that's kind of where we're trying to step up and fill in that gap,” said Gorham.
They still need around 10 more sponsors to sign up by Oct. 30 so they can provide volunteers with the supplies need to complete their service projects.
Sponsors can build a team of volunteers through their network of employees, colleagues, friends and families.
It’s just one way to give back during a difficult year and bond with your family at home or your friends at work who feel like family.
