Cornerstones values the many youth volunteers and families who are dedicated to serving our community. On-site Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age and those under 16 must have adult supervision. Due to the nature of our programs, we believe in skill-based volunteering and matching our youth volunteers to ongoing opportunities that are age-appropriate.
Please be aware that all on-site volunteers and persons accompanying them at the Connections for Hope Partnership and the Embry Rucker Community Shelter must be at least 18 years old, but there are off-site activities suitable for youth and families that can benefit the shelter.
NOTE: We currently do not have youth and family volunteer opportunities on Sundays and federally recognized holidays. For one-time or seasonal opportunities please check HERE.
Volunteers who are under the age of 16 are generally limited to the following on-site activities:
Food Pantry Drive Assistants (Individuals & Groups)
Support our Assistance Services and Pantry Program by helping out at our various community food drives! Volunteers help to sort and organize non-perishable donations to keep our pantry stocked for clients in need of emergency services. Interested volunteers can sign up here: https://signup.com/go/UfTtsFV
Who: Volunteers must be at least 8 years old. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have adult supervision When: Saturday mornings, times vary depending on event
Farmers Market Gleaning Assistants (Individuals & Groups)
Help to collect produce, bread, meat and other items from all interested vendors at the Lake Anne Farmers Market in Reston. Volunteers also organize the fresh produce at our pantry to provide our clients with nutritious food during the during the market season. Links for the Farmers Market Gleaning program will be available in mid-March.
Who: Volunteers must be at least 8 years old. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have adult supervision When: Saturday mornings 11:30am to 1:30pm
Seasonal Event Donation Drive Assistants (Individual & Groups)
Ensure that our clients celebrate the holidays and other important occasions. Programs vary throughout the year, including Back to School (August), Coat Closet, (November-March) Thanksgiving Food (November), and Gifts for Kids (December). Opportunities are available to help organize and/or distribute items.
Who: Adults, youth and children When: Varies depending on the event
Youth who are 16 years of age and older can participate in the activities listed above and generally these additional activities listed below unless otherwise noted:
Child Care Providers (Individual)
Supervise children while their parents participate in educational workshops and other important activities. Volunteers play with children using resources/materials provided by the program or the volunteers. Volunteers commit to participating “on call” as available for varying program needs.
Who: Adults and youth at least 16 years old When: Varies
Homework Helpers (Individual)
Make learning engaging and fun! Work individually and in small groups with children and youth on their homework to reinforce academic subjects that they are struggling in and bring out their individual strengths. Volunteers commit to participating on a weekly basis for the duration of the current school year.
Who: Adults and youth at least 18 years old When: Weekday afternoons & evenings, September – May
Summer Excite Volunteers (Individual)
Make a difference this summer! Each year roughly 80 to 100 youth engage in Cornerstones’ enrichment learning program which focuses on preventing summer learning loss. Volunteers are needed to help provide individual attention to youth participants and to assist them to complete engaging learning projects. Please note: This is an interactive learning program and not a childcare or homework/help tutoring program.
Who: Adults and youth at least 16 years old When: Weekday mornings & afternoons, June- August
Youth with a specific skill or those that have a community engagement project may be able to participate in on-site opportunities otherwise not advertised.
Looking to get engaged with an off-site opportunity? Please check HERE for a list of ways youth of ALL ages can get involved.
Please contact Susan Alger, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, at susan.alger@cornerstonesva.org or 571-323-1383 to get involved. Youth who are looking to complete or verify community service hours through Cornerstones for school or religious requirements are required to contact our Director.
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