Donation Intake, MV Big Flea

About the Event

The MV Big Flea is a large, community-driven fundraising event that brings together families, neighbors, and local supporters from across Alexandria and the Del Ray community. Now in its 20th anniversary year, the event is known for its fun, upbeat atmosphere and the incredible teamwork of volunteers who help sort, organize, and prepare thousands of donated items for sale in support of Mount Vernon Community School students.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Donation Intake Volunteers help ensure a smooth and welcoming drop-off experience by:

• Directing traffic and guiding donors to the appropriate unloading areas
• Greeting and welcoming community members who are dropping off donations
• Helping unload cars (light lifting)
• Organizing incoming donations into broad categories for sorting
• Politely reinforcing donation guidelines and informing donors that we cannot accept clothing, fabric items, books, or older electronics

Volunteers should bring a friendly, upbeat attitude and help demonstrate our appreciation for the generosity of our community.

Why This Role Matters

This role is the public face of the donation event. A positive, organized intake process sets the tone for the entire Big Flea and helps donors feel valued. It’s also important that we accept only items that can be sold. When unusable items are donated, the school must dispose of them, which can become costly and reduce funds available for students. Fabric items, in particular, cannot be accepted due to the possibility of bedbugs or related issues.

The Big Flea is a major source of revenue that funds tutoring, enrichment, and educational programs for local elementary students, and careful donation intake helps protect both the quality of the sale and the event’s financial impact.

Experience Needed

No past experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive guidance on traffic flow, donation guidelines, and organizing items. Comfort with light lifting and being on your feet is helpful.

What to Expect

• A friendly, energetic, high-energy environment that will keep you moving
• Teamwork with volunteers from across Alexandria and the Del Ray community
• Work taking place both outdoors and indoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather

Why Volunteer?

This is a great way to meet neighbors, support local students, and be part of a long-running Alexandria tradition while having a genuinely fun afternoon.