Strengthening Our Community Through Volunteerism
Our community thrives when its members come together with a shared goal of making a positive impact. Whether you’re passionate about supporting vulnerable animals, mentoring youth, or helping families in need, Hampton Roads offers countless opportunities to give back. Volunteering not only enriches the lives of those we serve but also fosters a stronger, more connected community. Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to building a compassionate and thriving environment for all.
Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP):
Volunteer to Read: Help children succeed by volunteering in the "Volunteers Who Read" program. Reading sessions take place Monday through Friday in the mornings and afternoons.
Food Pantry Assistance: Assist with collecting and distributing food to families in need.
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Volunteer Hampton Roads:
This platform connects volunteers with various local nonprofits. Opportunities include everything from participating in large-scale events to more niche volunteer needs, like literacy programs or mentoring youth.
Volunteer Hampton Roads
United Way of South Hampton Roads:
Day of Caring: Participate in their annual event, where volunteers work on community projects, such as renovating schools or supporting local shelters. Sign up for alerts on future opportunities.
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Lynnhaven River NOW:
If you’re passionate about the environment, you can get involved in cleanups, water quality monitoring, or oyster restoration projects. This is a great way to contribute to sustainability efforts in Virginia Beach.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampton Roads:
Be a mentor to children in the military community or underserved areas. This opportunity provides the chance to make a lasting impact in a young person’s life.
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore:
Help alleviate hunger by volunteering at the foodbank. Opportunities include working at the mobile pantry, assisting with special events, or providing customer service in the warehouse.
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Virginia Beach SPCA:
The Virginia Beach SPCA offers a range of volunteer roles, including walking dogs, socializing cats, and assisting with customer service. They also offer specialized programs for junior volunteers (ages 14-17) and court-ordered community service. Volunteers are crucial to the day-to-day care of the animals and help with various shelter tasks.
Norfolk SPCA:
At the Norfolk SPCA, volunteers can help with animal care, adoption services, and educational outreach. This no-kill shelter focuses on rehoming adoptable animals and educating the community about responsible pet ownership.
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Chesapeake Humane Society:
The Chesapeake Humane Society offers opportunities for those interested in fostering animals, working at adoption events, or assisting with shelter tasks. Volunteers also help with their Pet Food Pantry program, which provides food assistance to pet owners in need.
Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter:
This shelter serves multiple localities, including Newport News, Hampton, and York County. Volunteers help with animal care, adoptions, and assisting with the shelter's veterinary services. It is an "open-admission" shelter that handles everything from stray intakes to adoptions.
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Why Volunteering Matters
When we volunteer, we are not just giving our time and effort; we are building bridges that connect individuals across different walks of life. Volunteering brings people together to work toward a common goal—whether it's caring for homeless animals, mentoring youth, or helping families in need—which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and unity in our community.
Together, we can make Hampton Roads a better place for everyone. Volunteering not only enriches our own lives but creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved and contribute. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more compassionate community. Every small act of service counts, and when we come together, we can create lasting change.