Youth Opportunities by Age Group

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A friendly reminder that anyone under the age of 18 participating in an event hosted by Volunteer Alexandria must have a parent or guardian sign for them. Either sign during event check-in, or email mail@volunteeralexandria.org for a copy of the waiver to sign virtually. 

7 and older:

Help Dogs Get Adopted – Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is holding an adoption event on Sunday, February 1. Volunteers will hold the dog’s leash and talk to potential adopters! Attendance with an adult is required.

8 and older:

Help Fight Hunger by Making Sandwiches – Volunteer Alexandria is teaming up with Great Harvest Bread Company to prepare peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for a local food pantry and shelter. Using gloves, youth will prepare the sandwiches, assemble them, and individually package them. The next session is on Saturday, January 24, from 10 to 11 am. Youth must be ages 8 to 12!

12 and older:

Miracle League of Alexandria "Angels in the Outfield" Buddy Volunteers -- Be an Angel for a day and assist players by running for them or pushing wheelchairs. Multiple opportunities are available between April and May 2026.

Serve Hot Meals on Saturdays -- Prep and serve lunch at Meade Church! Attendance with an adult is required.

13 and older:

Join a Policy Committee – SAPCA’s Policy & Advocacy Committee is seeking youth and adults to learn how substance abuse policies are made, contribute to policy ideas, and monitor legislation. The next virtual meeting is on Wednesday, January 14, with more on Wednesday, February 11, and Wednesday, March 11. 

Join a City Board -- The City of Alexandria is looking for high school and middle school students to fill board seats on the Gang Prevention Community Task Force.

Join a Video Development and Production Committee – SAPCA is seeking individuals to create short videos on substance abuse prevention. Tasks include brainstorming, filming, and editing.

14 and older:

Pack School Kits - Pack school supplies for middle and high schoolers in the DMV with United Way on Wednesday, January 21.

Sort and Pack Materials as a Materials Master (Stuff the Bus) – Efficiently package kits to distribute essential supplies to community members with United Way on Wednesday, January 21.

Sort Packages for Materials Masters (Stuff the Bus) -- Prepare for events by opening, sorting, and packaging at United Way! Volunteers must be able to lift heavy boxes. This event takes place on Tuesday, January 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

15 and older:

Unload Furniture for ALIVE! -- Help move furniture for delivery and donation to local families. Attendance with an adult is required.

16 and older:

Classical Music Usher -- Usher for concerts at the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, then view the concert once attendees are seated. 

Do It Yourself Projects:

Support the Animal Shelter -- You can support the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria by completing projects at home. Support can include making portraits, cutting food, decorating bags, creating blankets, and more. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter. At-home projects are eligible for service hours.

Agencies that work with youth volunteers 16 and older: City of Alexandria Parks & Recreation | Fly Minds Youth Development Club | Girls on the Run NOVA | The Child & Family Network Centers | Wright to Read 

Community Events:

Teen Science Cafe --  Join the Chrysalis Development Group for a monthly cafe series where teens can learn about different scientific topics and enjoy beverages and snacks! The next session is on Thursday, January 15, from 3:30 to 5 pm, and will take teens through a Virtual Reality Storm Lab. Registration is required.