Call to Action: ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ needs help in D.C. area

Good morning Prince William. Hold on to your hats because “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is coming to the Washington market! Yes, here’s your opportunity to work on a house or a community center during the last week of August. I’m sorry that our own community wasn’t picked but these projects are within easy driving distance — it’s a big secret, but one is in D.C. and the other is in Prince George’s County, Md. They have a base of skilled workers but volunteers are needed for five-hour shifts around the clock to serve meals or snacks, working the check-in booth, checking credentials and other support services. Please contact Cynthia at the United Way of the National Capital Area via e-mail with your name, address, e-mail and multiple phone numbers. Shifts are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 3 to 9:30 p.m., 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 3 to 9:30 a.m. for seven days. You will receive a special T-shirt, access to the build site and of course be part of this huge mobilization to help transform a neighborhood and bring enormous joy to a deserving family.

Our pals at Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer Efforts Inc. still need volunteers especially teens to help with Kids Day this Saturday. What a super way to get back into the fall groove and it’s only for four hours. Volunteers are needed beginning at 11 a.m. for set up and then help with the moon bounce, face painting, crafts and other fun stuff. Please call Jacque at 703-367-6727 to sign up for this fun event for a group of super kids.

And speaking of super kids, please mark your calendars to attend one of the two information sessions to learn more about Special Olympics. As you recall these fabulous folks will be at Bull Run Library on Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and at Chinn Park Library on Tuesday Aug. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the program and all the sports activities going on throughout the year. Please give them a call at 703 -680-6661 and let them know what session you will be attending.

The wonderful folks at House of Mercy could use your help. They are currently looking for two four-wheel drive vehicles to send to their mission in Africa. These vehicles will deliver food, clothing and medical supplies to very remote areas. Please give serious thought to donating your four-wheel drive vehicle to them if it is in good working condition and has less than 125K miles. Please call Father Fullen at 703-659-1636 for more information.

Mary Foley is executive director of the Voluntary Action Center in Manassas.