A Call to Action: Resolve to volunteer

Good morning Prince William, Happy New Year. Have you made your New Year's Resolu-tion yet? Well, consider including a volunteer job this year! There are so many worthwhile causes and you can make such a difference.

Quoting Charles Kingsley: "We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief require-ments in life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about."

We have a long list of things you can get enthusiastic about. If you don't find anything in today's column that jumps out at you, then visit www.1-800-volunteer.com and shop around.

Here is something to start you off:

» The Prince William County Sheriff's Department offers volunteer opportunities in its com-munity services and administrative offices. They seek outgoing individuals who enjoy working at fast-paced, fun, community events or fundraisers. All events take place within the greater Prince William/Manassas area. General administrative opportunities are available at the Sheriff's Office if preferred. Applicants must pass a criminal background check. Contact Nancy at 703-793-5817 or e-mail nedwards@pwcgov.org.

» How about lending a hand to our furry friends with a supply drive for our local animal shelters? I know there are many students out there looking to complete community service hours for various clubs and organizations. What a perfect way to participate in Voluntary Action Center's Martin Luther King Day of Service! Organize a few friends and gather donations for the city or county shelters.

» The Prince William Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has a wonderful program called A Brush with Kindness and is in need of sponsors for a number of community projects. Recipient families are chosen based on an evaluation of need, meeting the home income criteria and the willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. If you can help one of your neighbors in need, either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact Joanne or Traci at 703-369-6708 or info@habitiatpwc.org.

» Those good folks at the Carteret Boys and Girls Club are starting up a girl's volleyball league for ages 10 through18. Tryouts are Jan. 8 and 9 at 6 p.m. at 9501 Dean Park Lane. Coaches are needed as well! Call Tyrone at 703-365-2582, Ext. 233.

» Last but not least, don't forget your own Voluntary Action Center is hosting a Volunteer Recruitment Fair Feb. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bull Run Regional Library. Here is your chance to fulfill that New Year's resolution. Want to lose some weight? A volunteer job will keep you more active. Want to meet new people? Volunteering will bring you together with folks of similar interests. Want to give back to the community? Here is your chance! Come visit with all the organizations and agencies who will join us and find your niche. So far we have Amateur Radio Emergency Services, American Red Cross, Capital Hospice, City of Manassas Parks and Recreation, Medical Reserve Corps, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Securing Emergency Resources through Volunteer Efforts (SERVE), and Community Development Corporation. Stay tuned to find out who else will attend!

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don't forget to call my wonderful team.

» 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.

Visit our Web site at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.

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