City of Virginia Beach Office of Volunteer Resources

12/22/2022

VB Rescue - Volunteer EMS Squads; Virginia Beach EMS; City of Virginia Beach Office of Volunteer Resources

12/19/2022

The article below contains a City link that has info about the Winter Shelter program, which is supported by federal funds received by Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation.

To volunteer: https://www.beachcommunitypartnership.org/give-help

PiN Ministry, under a service agreement with the department, operates the program and provides participants with transportation. Participating faith organizations rotate weekly to provide overnight shelter and meals.

The Winter Shelter program runs through March 22, 2023.1

The Virginia Beach Winter Shelter program is up and running for people who need a warm place to stay overnight.

12/15/2022

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host a FREE COVID-19 & FLU vaccination clinic on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kingdom Cathedral, 3820 Stoneshore Road.

Virginia Beach Health Department to Host Free COVID-19 & Flu Vaccination Clinic Dec. 17Wednesday, December 14, 2022​The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host a FREE COVID-19 & FLU vaccination clinic on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kingdom Cathedral, 3820 Stoneshore Roa...

12/14/2022

It's a good day for an NLS audiobook! If you or anyone you know could benefit from library services for those with visual, physical, and reading disabilities, visit VBPL's special services page: www.VBgov.com/AccessibleLibrary

There are plenty of benefits to reading NLS audiobooks. They open up a world of knowledge and imagination to those who struggle to read traditional print books. Patrons will never face a waitlist for a popular title. And folks can read for as long as they’d like, without return dates or late fees to worry about. But today, on , we appreciate that audiobooks offer a hands-free reading experience. That way, you can use both hands to soak up the warmth of that sweet, chocolatey brew in your favorite mug. So add a couple extra marshmallows in honor of the day, fire up your latest read on BARD Mobile or on cartridge, and read on. To start reading with us this winter, visit: https://www.loc.gov/nls/thatallmayread/?loclr=fbnls

12/13/2022

Each year at our annual meeting, Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad recognizes its members with Longevity Awards for their years of service. Congratulations to those who were recognized for their service!

12/12/2022

REMINDER: If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, head to to the Drive-Thru Food Distribution by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, between 10am and 2pm or until food runs out. City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services

12/10/2022

Volunteers Needed for VB Annual Point-in-Time Count: The annual Count for Virginia Beach will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires cities that receive federal funding for homeless programs to conduct an unduplicated count of the homeless population, known as the PIT Count. The count provides a snapshot of how many individuals were sheltered and unsheltered during one day in January and helps determine how much funding a community will receive for homeless programs and services. Each year, approximately $2 million is granted through the Continuum of Care to Virginia Beach agencies that provide housing and supportive services to the homeless.

Housing & Neighborhood Preservation is seeking volunteers to help during the PIT Count, from 3:30-7 a.m. Volunteers will be part of a team assigned to canvass an area of the city, and count and survey individuals living unsheltered. Volun teers must be at least 18 years old and attend mandatory training. To volunteer, register online by Dec. 30.

Learn more about the PIT Count or volunteering at www.VBgov.com/PITCount . For more information about the PIT Count volunteer opportunity, contact Diane Hotaling, volunteer and community engagement coordinator, at 757-385-1278 or [email protected].

Information on community resources and other ways to join the effort to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in Virginia Beach can be found at www.BEACHCommunityPartnership.org.

 Point-in-Time Count Page ContentWhat is the Point-In-Time Count?The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires cities that receive federal funding for homeless programs to conduct an annual count of its homeless population.  This is known as the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, becaus...

12/07/2022

In only two weeks!

12/06/2022

Tickets for this 6 p.m. CrafTea are available online at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/.../activity/search...

·
The holidays aren't complete without your own wonderful winter wreath! ❄
Join us for some inspiration from colonial Virginia through Victorian Virginia, with a dash of modern-day versatility, to design floral wreath inserts that can be hung on their own, placed on tables or added to a fuller pine wreath. It wouldn’t be the holidays without some spiced sweets and specially curated teas, so we’ll sip and learn about holiday tea traditions alongside the sights and smells of the holidays.
Sessions are 90 minutes each, and guests may wish to bring an apron/smock, or dress casually, to avoid stains or mess from the materials being used. Tickets are $40 per person.

The holidays aren't complete without your own wonderful winter wreath! ❄

Join us for some inspiration from colonial Virginia through Victorian Virginia, with a dash of modern-day versatility, to design floral wreath inserts that can be hung on their own, placed on tables or added to a fuller pine wreath. It wouldn’t be the holidays without some spiced sweets and specially curated teas, so we’ll sip and learn about holiday tea traditions alongside the sights and smells of the holidays.

Sessions are 90 minutes each, and guests may wish to bring an apron/smock, or dress casually, to avoid stains or mess from the materials being used. Tickets are $40 per person.

*the 3:30 p.m. CrafTea is full. Tickets for the 6 p.m. CrafTea are available online at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/vbparksrec/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=0&price_id=CUSTOM_RANGE&activity_category_ids=59&activity_keyword=craftea&viewMode=list

12/02/2022

Due to the likely rainy weather tomorrow, this event has been rescheduled to December 10th.

✅Pets are welcome!
✅No reservations required, though there may be a few minute wait between parties.
✅There is limited parking in the area, please avoid parking on or in front of private driveways, fire lanes, or between “No Parking” signs!

🏝️ Santa and your Chic’s Beach volunteers are SO excited to see you on December 3rd!

🚑 Thank you for supporting your volunteers!

cbvrs.org

12/02/2022

Jenni, your squad is so very proud of you and your service. You are truly the epitome of service and volunteerism. Our squad and our community are so lucky to have you!

Congratulations Jenni "JenniMac" McFarland, The MAC Team of Rose & Womble Realty, for being the cover of our December 2022 issue. Jenni believes her achievements are made possible by a life structured around God, family and career — in that
order. Read her story starting on page 18!

Story by Danielle Kidwell
Photos by Dave Schwartz, Coastal Exposures
Sold by Jennimac

12/01/2022

ATTENTION Virginia Beach! Be sure to save the date for a Drive-Thru Food Distribution by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, between 10am and 2pm or until food runs out.

11/30/2022

Bells are ringing, children singing, all is merry and bright
So hang your stockings and say your prayers, 'cause Santa Claus comes... Well, December 3rd. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

✅Pets are welcome!
✅No reservations required, though there may be a few minute wait between parties.
✅There is limited parking in the area, please avoid parking on or in front of private driveways, fire lanes, or between “No Parking” signs!

🏝️ Santa and your Chic’s Beach volunteers are SO excited to see you on December 3rd!

🚑 Thank you for supporting your volunteers!

cbvrs.org

11/27/2022

Pop-up opportunity for grades 6-12! Want to be involved in the library through volunteering? Or maybe you just need hours for school but can't commit to a year-long program. Either way, Pop-Up volunteering is for you! Come just one month or every month; it's up to you!
Dec. 1 at Windsor Woods Area Library, 4:30-5:30pm.
More info:
https://vbpl.librarymarket.com/pop-volunteering-0

11/23/2022

"On behalf of the City of Virginia Beach and our community, we extend our deepest sympathy to our neighbors in City of Chesapeake Government during this difficult time. As a regional family, when tragedy strikes, we all feel the pain and grief. As a City, we offer our support and are here to help in any way we can as the Chesapeake community recovers from these tragic losses."
- Mayor Bobby Dyer, Virginia Beach City Government

The VB Strong Center is open today to serve the community during this difficult time. For more information please go to https://thevbstrongcenter.org/.

"On behalf of the City of Virginia Beach and our community, we extend our deepest sympathy to our neighbors in City of Chesapeake Government during this difficult time. As a regional family, when tragedy strikes, we all feel the pain and grief. As a City, we offer our support and are here to help in any way we can as the Chesapeake community recovers from these tragic losses."

- Mayor Bobby Dyer, Virginia Beach City Government

The VB Strong Center is open today to serve the community during this difficult time. For more information please go to https://thevbstrongcenter.org/.

11/23/2022

You can find info about donating by doing a search for "Donation Process Overview"

Blood and platelet donations to the American Red Cross tend to drop around 20% in the holiday season. After a particularly difficult shortage last year, the group isn’t waiting around to see if it will happen again. The drop is the result of multiple factors including foul weather and busy schedul...

11/21/2022

Giving thanks and congratulations to all (including City staff and volunteers) who helped make the Mayflower Marathon Food Drive a success!

The annual food drive took place from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon at four locations across Hampton Roads.

11/18/2022

Pre-screening for the Virginia Beach Winter Shelter program is now open through Nov. 22. The Winter Shelter program will run Nov. 23 through March 22, 2023. For more info, visit https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=6049&title=pre-screening%20for%20virginia%20beach%20winter%20shelter%20now%20open%20through%20nov.%2022&fbclid=IwAR0shiHNSSvItB-FxzFYxjXqflIXHKC66wu3QOXLnVv6GHqpdpfPEfGZD9g

The Virginia Beach Winter Shelter program provides unsheltered individuals (18 and older) a warm place to sleep each night at various faith organizations throughout the city. Pre-screening is now open to help determine how many people will need Winter Shelter and identify the most vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness. It does not guarantee placement in the Winter Shelter.

Pre-screening is available during the following dates and times:

Now through Nov. 22
Monday through Thursday, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PiN Ministry
1164 Millers Lane, Suite A

Nov. 17, 18 and 21
9 a.m. to Noon
Housing Resource Center
104 N. Witchduck Road

The Winter Shelter program is a partnership between Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, PiN Ministry and the faith community.

Learn more: https://www.beachcommunitypartnership.org/news/pre-screening-for-virginia-beach-winter-shelter-now-open-through-nov-22

11/17/2022

🩸 Give Blood - Save a Life 🩸
Come out to Bayside Rec Center on Tuesday, November 22nd to participate in our blood drive. Click the link to reserve a time: https://rcblood.org/3WKvEDl

11/16/2022

Reminder — VBEMS is accepting donations for the Mayflower Marathon!
Non-perishable food items and hygiene products can be dropped off at The Bruce W. Edwards VBEMS Headquarters and Training Center (4160 Virginia Beach Blvd.) through Thursday, Nov. 17!
Please join us and our friends at the Virginia Beach Police Department in supporting this great cause!

Reminder — we are accepting donations for the Mayflower Marathon!

Non-perishable food items and hygiene products can be dropped off at The Bruce W. Edwards VBEMS Headquarters and Training Center (4160 Virginia Beach Blvd.) through Thursday, Nov. 17!

Please join us and our friends at the Virginia Beach Police Department in supporting this great cause!

11/15/2022

Volunteers Needed! The K5K - A Run for Kendra run/walk event will take place in Virginia Beach, Nov 19, 2022. https://www.k5k.run/
They are in need of volunteers. Please check their website for more information if you would like to help: https://www.k5k.run/Race/Volunteer/VA/VirginiaBeach/K5KARunforKendra

The K5K - A Run for Kendra is on Saturday November 19, 2022. It includes the following events: k5k Run/Walk and k5k Virtual.

11/15/2022

The VB FACE Restock-n-Roll event is happening Nov. 16th from 3pm-6pm at the FACE Center (641 Carriage Hill Rd, VB 23452)! They will be giving out backpacks, school supplies, weekend food bags, and food boxes. This event is free and open to all VB Schools families, no questions asked!

11/14/2022

🥳🤩 We were thrilled to award Amy Ward the Mary C. Russo Volunteer Manager of the Year Award for her fantastic work coordinating the Virginia Beach READS program. Virginia Beach READS is our city’s effort to rally the entire community around the critical issue of ensuring that all students can read on or above grade level by third grade. https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/virginia-beach-reads THANK YOU Amy for your outstanding work!!

11/14/2022

🤩🥰 We would like to give a big shout out and THANK YOU to Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation volunteer, Astrid!!! Astrid is a volunteer dynamo who has single handedly, with guidance and assistance from Ashe, created a pollinator area and cleaned up the POW garden at Redwing Park. She has faithfully shown up on Tuesdays and Thursdays for at least the last year and through cold and hot weather plugged away at cultivating, weeding, trimming, planting, transplanting, watering and in general has dedicated very productive time to Redwing’s special garden areas. We are lucky to have her on our team! Below are photos of Astrid and the gardens.

11/12/2022

They're in!

💦Grab your free 2023 Water Awareness Calendars at all Virginia Beach Public Libraries, Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, and the Public Utilities Business Office at 2809 S Lynnhaven Drive Suite 250! Illustrations were chosen through Public Utilities’ annual water-themed art contest, held earlier this year. K-5 students who live or attend school in Virginia Beach may now submit their entries for the 2024 Calendar Contest. For more info, visit https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=6044&title=free+water+awareness+calendars+available. Virginia Beach Public Library Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Virginia Beach Public Utilities

11/09/2022

PLEASE NOTE: Our office has received multiple inquiries from residents who may be referencing an old flyer/announcement regarding the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list reopening. The Virginia Beach HCV waiting list reopened LAST YEAR, TUESDAY, Nov. 9, 2021, and closed the same day.
The HCV waiting list remains closed and no new applications are being accepted at this time. There is no timeframe for when the waiting list will reopen.
If you have already submitted an application or need more information, a list of frequently asked questions can be found at www.VBgov.com/HCVWaitingList.
We apologize for any confusion.

PLEASE NOTE: Our office has received multiple inquiries from residents who may be referencing an old flyer/announcement regarding the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list reopening. The Virginia Beach HCV waiting list reopened LAST YEAR, TUESDAY, Nov. 9, 2021, and closed the same day.

The HCV waiting list remains closed and no new applications are being accepted at this time. There is no timeframe for when the waiting list will reopen.

If you have already submitted an application or need more information, a list of frequently asked questions can be found at www.VBgov.com/HCVWaitingList.

We apologize for any confusion.

11/07/2022

Are you ready to vote? Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Check this list before you go to the polls!
✔️ Voters will only be able to select a City Council and School Board representative for the district they live and vote in.
✔️ Bring your ID.
✔️ You can register to vote on Election Day.
✔️ Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
✔️ Know where you vote: elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup
For more info, visit https://www.vbgov.com/.../Pages/Voting-On-Election-Day.aspx. Virginia Beach Voter Registration & Elections

Are you ready to vote? Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Check this list before you go to the polls!

✔️ Voters will only be able to select a City Council and School Board representative for the district they live and vote in.
✔️ Bring your ID.
✔️ You can register to vote on Election Day.
✔️ Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
✔️ Know where you vote: elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup

For more info, visit https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/citypage/Pages/Voting-On-Election-Day.aspx. Virginia Beach Voter Registration & Elections

11/04/2022

International Volunteer Managers Day is tomorrow, November 5, 2022! The Virginia Beach Office of Volunteer Resources would like to send a huge THANK YOU to all of our rockstar Volunteer Resource Managers who coordinate volunteers at our City's departments. Through your efforts, thousands of Virginia Beach residents have opportunities to become involved in local government and to help their community. 🤩🥰🥳

11/02/2022

Serving as an election officer is a commitment to learning a complicated job, putting in long hours on Election Day and on trainings, and dealing with the unexpected.

News 3's latest Everyday Hero, Denise Toupin, has done that for 31 years, but there's more: "She brings us goodies!," said Donna Jordan, who also works in the voter registration office. She brings us food, she usually brings it herself. She has a great heart!" Jordan said.

Tracy Gibson, a voter registration and elections supervisor added it's not just the treats Toupin brings. "She has a really calming presence, very much so," Gibson said. "She's wonderful and we're grateful to have her!" In addition to Toupin's three decades of service helping out with elections in Virginia Beach, she's also given 25 years of support to Special Olympics and, for more than 30 years, has helped out with the Neptune Festival.

For all Toupin is doing, News 3 presented her with an Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from their community partner Southern Bank, which Toupin hinted, in part might be used for more treats!

Outside the Virginia Beach voter registration and elections office, our News 3 cameras catch a glimpse of Denise Toupin heading inside. The surprise is about to unfold.

10/31/2022

You know what's not scary? More volunteers becoming released EMTs and serving the Virginia Beach community!
Congratulations everyone and Happy Halloween!

You know what's not scary? More volunteers becoming released EMTs and serving the Virginia Beach community!

Congratulations everyone and Happy Halloween!

10/29/2022

https://www.13newsnow.com/article/life/animals/cold-stun-season-comes-early-sea-turtles/291-6782cecc-1232-42a8-8ac7-367ebfdd5353

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is asking people to be on the lookout for cold-stunned sea turtles. On Wednesday, the aquarium posted on Facebook that the "cold stun season" had come weeks early. That's a condition sort of like hypothermia, which keeps sea turtles from swimming correctly. "Sea turtles are ectotherms, meaning that unlike humans, who produce our own body heat for warmth, sea turtles rely on their environment for the warmth needed to function. Because of this, sea turtles usually head south out of our area before the colder months arrive," the aquarium wrote. "However, when temperatures drop too low for them too quickly, they may end up in an almost comatose state, stranded, and in need of assistance." If you see a sea turtle lying still on a beach, it may need help. Don't touch it, but call the aquarium's Stranding Response Team at 757-385-7575. It's helpful to have the turtle's specific location figured out when you call, so rescuers can find it.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is asking people to be on the lookout for cold-stunned sea turtles. That's a condition similar to hypothermia.

10/27/2022

🏆 Congratulations to Walter Camp of Virginia Beach for receiving the 2022 Virginia Governor's Award on Volunteerism and Community Service for Outstanding Adult Volunteer!! 🥳

Walter has been a City of Virginia Beach volunteer for many years and involved in community service for decades. He provided over 1,000 hours of volunteer service in 2021-22 with various boards and commissions and other initiatives. As Secretary of the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission, he went above and beyond his normal role to join other volunteers in the 2021 Great American Cleanup, helping scoop debris from the Virginia Beach shorelines in his kayak to collect over 6,000 pounds of litter in three hours!

For more information, read the Governor's Office press release: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2022/october/name-941696-en.html and the bios of the award winners: https://virginiaservice.virginia.gov/2022/10/2022-governors-awards-on-volunteerism-and-community-service/.

In the photo: Governor Glenn Youngkin presents the Volunteerism and Community Service Award to Walter Camp at the Governor's Executive Mansion on October 25th, 2022. Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of the Governor.

10/26/2022

Things tend to last longer if they’re taken care of.... That's why Virginia Beach resident Meagan Keith decided to volunteer on an early morning this October to help restore a piece of land usually unseen by the general public. "It's part of your community, part of your lifestyle. If you live in Virginia Beach, you’ve got a beach."

Although not usually seen by the general public, volunteers embarked on a stretch of NAS Oceana land to help restore and stabilize the beachfront.

10/24/2022

🎪It's back! The after-hours Teen Lock-In at Central Library! This year it closes out TeenTober, carnival-style on Friday, Oct. 28.
Step right up and test your luck on games of skill, show bravery at the Cart of Curiosities, sample tasty snacks, plus – a costume contest and door prizes!
More details and to register for the lock-in:
https://vbpl.librarymarket.com/teentober-carnival

10/21/2022

Ghosts of Thoroughgood Past kicks off TONIGHT! Join us for a paranormal tour of the Thoroughgood House from 6-9 p.m. October 20-23 and 27-30! We'll have campfires, cider, cookies and kids activities to compliment your haunted fun. 👻

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase online, visit https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/.../activity/search.... Call 757-385-5100 or email [email protected] if you have tour questions.

Ghosts of Thoroughgood Past kicks off TONIGHT! Join us for a paranormal tour of the Thoroughgood House from 6-9 p.m. October 20-23 and 27-30! We'll have campfires, cider, cookies and kids activities to compliment your haunted fun. 👻

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase online, visit https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/vbparksrec/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=0&activity_keyword=ghost&viewMode=list. Call 757-385-5100 or email [email protected] if you have tour questions.


Virginia Beach City Government The Zeiders American Dream Theater Visit Virginia Beach

10/20/2022

💞 What better way to celebrate Friends of the Library Week than volunteering? If you love the library and would like to help the Friends of VBPL with marketing and PR needs, like this summer's Jefferson book donation event, social media, website and newsletter creation, etc., the Friends need you!
For more details and to apply:
https://www.volgistics.com/od/5915/assignment/1828/profile
http://www.friendsvblibrary.org

10/18/2022

🚨The American Red Cross is recruiting volunteers in Hampton Roads! You can help provide immediate assistance (such as food and shelter) to people in our region who have been impacted by home fires, flooding, or other emergencies.
To apply, go to: https://redcross.org/volunteertoday

Over the past week, the American Red Cross Virginia Region responded to 31 disaster events, providing emergency assistance such as temporary lodging and support for food and clothing to 31 families and 64 individuals. Thank you to all of our Red Cross volunteers & staff for their support!

10/17/2022

Operation Safe Haven at Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad is coming! We are an all volunteer event that provides a safe alternative to trick or treating! Come enjoy a haunted house, games, candy, the Sheriffs office is doing I-denti-kid, and more! It’s a blast and such a good time for all ages!
**WE NEED CANDY DONATIONS!!!!! If you’re willing to donate, please let me know or drop off at the rescue side of the station!
Thank you!

Operation Safe Haven at Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad is coming! We are an all volunteer event that provides a safe alternative to trick or treating! Come enjoy a haunted house, games, candy, the Sheriffs office is doing I-denti-kid, and more! It’s a blast and such a good time for all ages!
**WE NEED CANDY DONATIONS!!!!! If you’re willing to donate, please let me know or drop off at the rescue side of the station!

Thank you!

10/15/2022

There's still time to sign up to volunteer at the Creek Cleanup event that's happening on Saturday, October 22 from 9:00-11:00am.
Register by October 18 at noon.
Click the link below to register.

Volunteer Events & Opportunities and the Virginia Aquarium