CALL TO ACTION: Summer means volunteer opportunities

Good morning Prince William and happy Fourth of July weekend.

Of course we should be reminded that with summertime come additional volunteer needs. First on my list are those fabulous Meals on Wheels volunteers delivering a nutritious warm meal to homebound seniors. Volunteers continue to be needed to fill-in. You pick up the meals at the senior centers and then deliver to a set route. Please call Rosemari at 703-792-4156 for more information on how you can not only be a lifeline to a senior but also a new friend.

Those fabulous folks at Bull Run Mountain Conservancy have a wonderful opportunity to get outside and get a little exercise by reminding hikers on the preserve of guidelines, directions and staying safe while enjoying another real jewel in our community. Please call 703-753-2631 or check out the Web site at http://www.brmconservancy.org for more information.

Our super folks at the Prince William American Red Cross Chapter also have volunteer opportunities in the office at both of their locations as well as positions requiring specific training. As always the Red Cross volunteers answer the call throughout the community day and night as well as offering families another way to communicate with soldiers serving around the world. Please call Linda at 703-368-4511, Ext. 223, to learn more.

Last but certainly not least, we here at the Voluntary Action Center is gearing up for our big dinner dance event — Christmas in July on July 31. Volunteers are needed in several capacities including selling raffle tickets, serving and picking up the salads, keeping water glasses full and helping with raffle. Teens and adults are most welcome from 7 to 10 p.m. We are so excited to have Courtney Robinson from WJLA Channel 7 with us for the evening. This event supports the Un-Trim-A-Tree Holiday Gift Program for needy kids. We’ll have dinner from the Macaroni Grill, dancing by the St. Thomcats, great raffle items with a live and silent auction. It’s all for just $50 a ticket. Just think where you’d like to vacation — is it a beautiful beach in the Caribbean or golf in Scotland or family fun at Disney World — and the worldwide timeshare auction item can make your dream vacation come true. Please call Diane at 703-369-5292, Ext. 207, for more information on volunteering and to purchase your ticket. I promise you will have tons of fun.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call my wonderful team at the Voluntary Action Center.

» Diane can help senior volunteers with Retired and Senior Volunteer (RSVP) opportunities at 703-369-529, Ext. 207.

» Shelley can help with 1-800 volunteer opportunities at 703-369-5292, Ext. 201.

» Sue can help you with the Medical Reserve opportunities available in Disaster Preparedness at 703-369-5292, Ext. 204.

» Bonnie can help you with all other opportunities available in Disaster Preparedness at 703-369-5292, Ext. 202.

Also visit http://www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.

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