Volunteer Opportunities From: Volunteer Peninsula

Help us provide nutritious food directly to older adults in our community! During our Senior Living Food Distribution at the Paula Maria Complex, volunteers will travel to the senior living community to assist with distributing pre-packed food boxes and other nutritious food items to senior residents.

Volunteers Tasks May Include:

This opportunity offers a meaningful way to connect with our senior neighbors while helping ensure they have access to healthy food. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as this opportunity takes place outdoors rain or shine and involves standing, walking, and lifting food boxes weighing up to approximately 25 pounds. Every box distributed helps support older adults throughout the Peninsula, making a lasting impact in the lives of our neighbors.

Volunteers needed for general ground maintenance to remove vines from fencing and cutting back or removal of bushes for several properties in Hampton in order to maintain Section 8 housing requirements. Tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

Hi!

We’re excited to have you join Freekind for our Day of Caring event on Friday, September 18th!

Please arrive by 9:25 AM at Freekind’s office in Hampton. We’ll start with a brief introduction to Freekind and the work we do. Then, from 9:45 AM–12:00 PM, we’ll assemble guest gifts for our Celebrate Freedom Gala.

Come dressed comfortably! We’ll have coffee and donuts for you to enjoy while we work together.If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to AFaircloth@freekindva.org.

We’re looking forward to spending the morning with you and appreciate your help supporting Freekind!

Thank you!

Help us share our gratitude! Join Big Brothers Big Sisters for a card-writing session as we create handwritten thank-you notes for the volunteers, donors, and community partners who make our mission possible. We'll provide donuts, coffee, and card-writing materials! This is a simple, meaningful way to make a difference and help recognize those who support local youth.

At Peake, our curriculum is focused on S.T.R.E.A.M. (science, technology, reading, engineering, art, mathematics) and we learn it all through play! Help us put on a STREAM-themed field day for our children, where you'll run the hands-on learning stations. Volunteers will help set up the stations, work with groups of children ages 2-4 years old and and clean up after the event. Will you help kids explore their creativity at the process art mural? Or maybe you'll unlock their inner engineer at the construction station. Come play with us on the Day of Caring!

Throughout the busy summer season, our facility experiences normal wear and tear from hundreds of children, families, and members. A dedicated volunteer team can make a significant impact by helping us complete projects that improve the appearance of our YMCA and create a positive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Volunteers will assist with a variety of light maintenance and beautification projects, including:

Support the upkeep of the facility by assisting with indoor and outdoor maintenance projects. Volunteers will clean windows inside and out, complete general building clean-up, move furniture as needed, build steps for the shed, and install lattice on the shed. These improvements will help create a cleaner, more welcoming, and functional environment for staff, clients, and visitors.

Help enhance the outdoor spaces by tackling a variety of landscaping and grounds maintenance projects. Volunteers will spread mulch, trim tree limbs, pull weeds, clean up the playground, aerate and seed lawn areas, and help remove trash and debris by taking it to the dumpster. These projects will improve the safety, appearance, and usability of the property for everyone who visits.

Volunteers will support our partner, HEsources All, by helping sort, organize, and prepare donated items for their thrift store. This project helps ensure donated goods are ready to be displayed and available to serve individuals and families in the community. Volunteers will work alongside Ms. Mona and her team to organize donations, create a welcoming shopping environment, and support the mission of providing resources and assistance to those in need.

Come lend a hand at the sanctuary, where we will work on projects that directly benefit our rescued animals such as fixing fences, cleaning out barns, assisting with building projects, cleaning water dishes, etc.  We have tasks for most levels of physical ability, but at minimum should be able to walk on even or uneven ground, bend, reach, and lift at least 15lbs.   We will work on projects for approximately 2.5 hours, with the last half hour for spending time with the animals. 

Out of respect for our animal family, please do not bring any food or drinks that contain animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.).  Please bring sunscreen and water, wear close-toed shoes or boots, and if possible, do not wear anything red.  Sherman the turkey hates the color red.  He is a strange but sweet guy (as long as you are not wearing red).  

Our volunteers help us with so many fun projects and daily tasks like furniture restoration, testing small and large appliances, keeping our floor stocked, and processing donations.

Be ready to work! Always dress for the weather (hot, cold or wet) in work clothes, no yoga pants or active wear. It's always a good idea to dress in layers. Do NOT wear jewelry; it can cause an accident or get lost. Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes to protect your feet, no crocs please!

We are excited for you to become a part of our ReStore family! It is such an honor to be a part of an amazing community.

Our volunteers help us with so many fun projects and daily tasks like furniture restoration, testing small and large appliances, keeping our floor stocked and clean and processing donations.

Be ready to work! Always dress for the weather (hot, cold or wet) in work clothes, no yoga pants or active wear. It's always a good idea to dress in layers. Do NOT wear jewelry; it can cause an accident or get lost. Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes to protect your feet, no crocs please!

We are excited for you to become a part of our ReStore family! It is such an honor to be a part of an amazing community.

Come get some sunshine while you volunteer with Heritage Humane Society! There will be a mix of indoor and outdoor opportunities to work on that include:

Volunteers who are interested in power washing will need to bring power washer(s) and required materials. All volunteers must be 16 years or older and will be emailed a Volunteer Waiver to complete prior to arriving for the project. 

The Active Lifestyles, with the support of AARP, is developing a kindness garden at Brittingham-Midtown Community Center to spread simple acts of kindness to the community.  Fresh flowers will be planted for all to share with others needing a little kindness.  Volunteers are needed to help further design the area for the next season of plants.  This will include putting together raised beds, weeding, and painting some of the hardscape areas.

Project: WILD: 

The National Fish and Wildlife Federation(NFWF) WILD grant funded project aims to eradicate invasive species in 100 acres of Mariners' Park to increase native insect populations to support 32 imperiled bird species. Throughout the areas of the Park, volunteers will assist Mariners' staff in removing a variety of invasive plants such as English ivy, stilt grass, privet, and more.

The Park Team will meet the volunteers at the business entrance and provide gloves, instructions and tools. We ask volunteers to bring a refillable water bottle, wear appropriate clothing for the weather, hats, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Join our team of professionals as they prepare for our busy season, inviting thousands of school children from across Virginia to learn and engage with history.

Together, we will prepare by performing a variety of general site maintenance tasks, repairs and projects to support our costumed Living History Interpreters across our outdoor living history sites. Material culture is an essential teaching tool, we use the buildings, clothing, tools, and other reproduction items to immerse folks in history, helping them make connections between our past and present. 

You may learn to scrub down a cannon carriage, weave mats for the Yehakins in the Paspahegh town, stand up a new ramada, weed a garden, or sand and oil furniture. We have a variety of tasks a group can assist us with!

Optional tour available after the project for those interested. 

Join us for a rewarding day of service as we work together to improve and maintain our Williamsburg property! Volunteers will assist with a variety of outdoor projects, including yard work, mowing, raking, weeding, trimming, sweeping, and cleaning gutters.

Your time and effort will make a meaningful difference in creating a clean, welcoming, and well-maintained space for everyone who visits.

What to Bring:

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Meeting Location: Volunteers will meet at Crosswalk Church before traveling together to the project site in Williamsburg. This is a great opportunity to serve alongside others, build community, and make a lasting impact through hands-on work. We appreciate your willingness to serve and look forward to working with you!

Join Soundscapes for a morning of gratitude and community connection! Volunteers will help us write thank-you cards to our generous partners and supporters and assemble appreciation gifts for golfers participating in our upcoming Rhythm & Greens Golf Tournament. Your time will help us recognize the people and organizations whose support makes Soundscapes’ programs possible.

Pack a box, support a mom, welcome a baby. Join us in assembling "Baby Boxes" packed with essentials for local newborns and new mothers. Your hands-on help will directly support families navigating the first weeks of parenthood, with boxes distributed right here in our community through Sentara Regional Medical Center and the HOPE Pregnancy Center.

This Day of Caring project will be at our warehouse located at 309 McLaws Circle, Suite G

Access to nutritious food should never depend on where someone lives, their age, or their ability to travel. Every box packed helps provide nutritious food to neighbors across the Virginia Peninsula. As a Box Packing Assembly Line volunteer, you will work alongside a team of volunteers to prepare nonperishable and nutritious food boxes for distribution through our Mobile Food Pantry and Senior Distribution programs. These boxes help ensure that individuals, families, and older adults have access to the food they need.

Volunteer responsibilities may include:

This role requires standing for the duration of the shift and may involve lifting up to 25 pounds. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing suitable for a warehouse environment and closed-toe shoes are required.

This year JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 as we will be making 2,026 (or more!) period packs for our students in elementary, middle, and (hopefully soon) even high schools all over Hampton Roads. Come make period packs with us and help keep students in class comfortable and confidently with No shame. Period. 

Help us turn our café storage closet into a well-organized, efficient hub that supports exceptional service to our members every day! Volunteers will play a key role in transforming this space by sorting supplies, removing outdated or unnecessary items, cleaning shelving, and creating an organized system that is easy for staff to maintain. This hands-on project will improve daily operations, enhance efficiency, and create a more functional workspace for the Hampton Family YMCA team.

Every item sorted and every shelf organized will have a lasting impact, helping staff spend less time searching for supplies and more time serving our community.

Volunteers Needed: 10
Project Duration: 5–7 Hours
Project Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Project Activities:

Why It Matters:
A clean and organized storage area helps our team operate more effectively, reducing clutter and improving productivity. By investing a few hours of service, volunteers will create a lasting improvement that supports staff, enhances member experiences, and strengthens the YMCA's ability to serve the Hampton Roads community.

Help us refresh and beautify the Pinedale Manor Club! Volunteers will work together to improve both our indoor and outdoor spaces by spreading fresh mulch, removing overgrown brush, and repainting select program rooms. These projects will create a cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming environment where Club members can learn, play, and thrive. No special skills are required—just a willingness to lend a hand and make a lasting impact on the youth we serve. All necessary supplies and materials will be provided.

We have several projects that would be excellent opportunities for a volunteer group, including:

These projects would make a significant difference in the appearance, safety, and overall upkeep of our property. We typically have projects that can be tailored to groups of approximately 8–10 volunteers.

As a service to our clients and their caregivers, The Arc provides door-to-door transportation on our five vans. Each Day of Caring, we invite groups to register to provide interior cleaning on each of our vans. This service is extremely appreciated by our clients and our organization, and helps keep them in impeccable shape to continue serving our deserving clientele! 

Cleaning consists of vacuuming, wiping seats, cleaning windows, sweeping, etc. and does require walking up a few steps and bending down under seats occasionally. Thanks so much for your consideration. 

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg has proudly served adults with developmental disabilities in our community since 1976. Our programs provide educational, health and wellness, life skills, cultural, social, and recreational enrichment. In addition, we provide much-needed respite time for families and caregivers.

General landscaping, trimming, weeding, etc 

We’re excited to welcome United Way’s Day of Caring volunteers to Camp Skimino on September 18 for a hands‑on project that keeps camp beautiful, safe, and ready for every girl’s next adventure.

We’re looking for 10 amazing adult volunteers to help us:

All tools, materials, and supplies will be provided — just bring your teamwork, your energy, and your love for making a difference. Your service ensures girls can explore the outdoors this fall with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Thank you for helping us keep Camp Skimino a place where courage grows.

Help THRIVE prepare for our holiday season fundraiser by assisting with our Let Christmas THRIVE mailing. This annual initiative raises funds to provide gift cards to families who received financial assistance through THRIVE this past year.

Volunteers will organize materials, stuff envelopes, and prepare mailings to connect our community with ways to support local families this holiday season. 

Volunteers needed: 3-6 people.

Support families experiencing hardship in our free grocery store by volunteering in The Market at THRIVE from 12:30-3:00pm. Volunteers will be stationed throughout The Market to assist families as they shop for groceries, helping create a welcoming and dignifying experience. 

Most volunteer tasks require standing for long periods. 

Volunteers needed: 4-6 people

Serve at Grove Christian Outreach Center on September 18th, 2026 for the annual Day of Caring! Projects will include brush clearing, shed organization, stocking and cleaning in The Gathering Place, GCOC's free grocery market, cleaning GCOC's vehicles, and supply inventory! Thank you for helping us make light work of big projects! 

Point of Contact: volunteer@groveoutreach.com

Help prepare fresh produce for distribution by sorting and bagging fruits and vegetables for our neighbors. Volunteers will work together to create ready-to-distribute produce bags that help provide healthy food to individuals and families throughout our community.

Tasks will include:

Help us breathe new life into one of the Victory Family YMCA’s most-used outdoor gathering spaces! Volunteers will work together to refresh the pavilion with a fresh coat of paint and install new ceiling fans with integrated lighting, creating a more comfortable, inviting, and functional environment for members, families, and community events. This project will enhance both the appearance and usability of the space, making it a welcoming destination for year-round programs and activities.

From painting and beautification to improving comfort and visibility, every volunteer contribution will help create a lasting improvement that benefits the entire community.

Volunteers Needed: 8–12
Project Duration: 4–6 Hours
Project Time: 9am-3pm

Location: Victory Family YMCA

Project Activities:

Why It Matters:
The pavilion serves as a valuable gathering place for YMCA programs, community events, family activities, and member engagement. By refreshing the space and improving its functionality, volunteers will help create a more enjoyable environment where people can connect, learn, and build relationships. Your efforts will leave a visible and lasting impact that strengthens the sense of community at the Victory Family YMCA.

Exterior ceiling, columns, doors, and fence need painted.

The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Community Pantry, operated in partnership with Sentara Healthcare, serves neighbors with fresh, nourishing food while also connecting them to vital health and wellness resources. Often referred to as a Food Pharmacy, the pantry offers nutritious food options that support individuals and families in managing health conditions and improving overall well-being.

As a Shopping Assistant, volunteers work directly with neighbors during their scheduled pantry appointments. The pantry is set up like a grocery store, allowing neighbors in need to select foods based on posted quantities.  Volunteer responsibilities may include:

Volunteers should be comfortable walking, standing, and engaging with neighbors in a compassionate and supportive manner.

We are looking for strong folks to help us move some boxes into storage and get some filing cabinets and office supplies stored. 

Volunteers needed for general ground maintenance on several Hampton Virginia properties that will require vine removal from fencing, bush and hedge trimming or removal, and tree pruning. Tools, supplies, snacks, and water will be provided.

Join the Outdoor Refresh Team! Tasks may include:

If you have any of your own tools or materials to help, we would be more than grateful if you could bring them along! 

Project Activities:

Why It Matters:
A fresh, inviting wellness space encourages healthy lifestyles, supports member engagement, and demonstrates the power of people coming together to make a lasting difference. Every brushstroke helps build a stronger, healthier community.

Help us create a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming home for our young athletes! This hands-on project will enhance the Mathews Family YMCA soccer field and surrounding areas, ensuring local children and families have a positive experience throughout the youth sports season. Volunteers will work together to improve the appearance, functionality, and safety of the field by tackling landscaping projects, improving access points, and upgrading team seating areas.

From clearing pathways to building better spaces for athletes and spectators, every effort will directly support the success of our youth sports programs and strengthen this important community gathering place.

Volunteers Needed: 10–12
Project Duration: 4–5 Hours
Project Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mathews Family YMCA, 33 Cricket Hill Road, Hudgins, VA

Project Activities:

Why It Matters:
Youth sports provide children with opportunities to build confidence, learn teamwork, and stay active. By improving the field and surrounding areas, volunteers will help create a safe, functional, and attractive space where young athletes can thrive. Your efforts will leave a lasting impact on countless children and families who gather here each season to learn, play, and grow together.

Day of Caring Volunteer Opportunity: Homeless Services Day Center Fall Clean-Up

Join us for our annual Day of Caring as we work together to refresh and beautify our Homeless Services Day Center. Volunteers will help prepare our facility for the months ahead by completing a variety of indoor and outdoor improvement projects that create a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Volunteer activities may include:

No special experience is required—just a willingness to help! Most tools and supplies will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes, and bring a positive attitude.

Your time and effort will make a meaningful difference by helping us provide a clean, safe, and welcoming space for our community's most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you for helping us care for those we serve.