Great communities are built by people willing to invest in one another. We often think of community through schools, events, and celebrations, but what happens when things go wrong? Weather events can test a community’s resilience. In those moments, we want Alexandria to be a place where neighbors come together.

For many, a snowstorm might mean a cozy day at home or simply an extra chore of shoveling if you need to get somewhere. But for elderly and disabled residents, snow and ice can make it impossible to safely leave home or access essential services. Did you know that elderly and disabled residents are more likely to need to call emergency services (fire and EMS) in a weather event than the general population?  If first responders must clear a sidewalk before they can safely reach a home, those precious minutes can make a difference.

Volunteer Alexandria’s Snow Buddy program helps fill that gap. This program matches residents in need (elderly or disabled) who otherwise cannot hire someone to clear access to their homes, with nearby neighbors to assist them with clearing before it becomes an emergency.  We saw just how important that neighbor-to-neighbor connection could be last winter during Snowcrete, when a layer of ice formed over the initial snowfall.  Requests for assistance poured in, and able-bodied volunteers stepped up to meet the enormous need.  Vulnerable residents safely made it to dialysis appointments, and caregivers could deliver hot meals.

The Snow Buddy program is supported by the City of Alexandria, which provides rock salt and shovels for volunteers, and funded through grants and donations. This year, the program is funded in part by the City of Alexandria, Fund for Human Services, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. We also welcome donations from community members who want to help make this program possible.

In November, we will begin recruiting for this winter's Snow Buddy program. We hope we can count on neighbors like you to help keep Alexandria’s sidewalks safer for all.  Sign up at volunteeralexandria.org/snow.

A donation to Volunteer Alexandria (https://bit.ly/VolALXgive) enables us to continue connecting caring people to needs in our community.   Thank you for your support.   

Want to get involved locally? Here are some current volunteer and board service opportunities:  

Distribute Food for the Community – Once a month, join the Department of Community and Human Services to sort and hand out groceries at Leonard Armstrong Rec Center.

Help Arlandria Youth with Homework – Spend an hour and a half on weekdays assisting with homework and projects with Tenants and Workers United.

 

Serve as an Usher at the George Washington Masonic Memorial – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra seeks volunteers to support performances. Enjoy the performance while you volunteer!

 

 

Join the World Crafted on King Board – This nonprofit lets customers shop their values and connect with global villages. Commit to monthly board meetings.

 

Join the Project Knitwell Board – Project Knitwell helps people by providing knitting instruction that promotes wellness and resilience. They are seeking people with nonprofit experience who can be a connector to funders or contribute in other valuable ways.