Provided by Volunteer Prince WIlliam

Greetings, Prince William! Volunteer Prince William had a great time at the Historic Manassas Farmers Market Emergency Preparedness Month event and enjoyed helping you make your emergency preparedness kits! On Oct. 10, they’ll be at Hispanic Heritage Friends & Family Day in Woodbridge. Come say hello, learn more about what they do, ask questions, and get to know the team—they’d love to meet you!

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

The 3rd Annual Prince William County Fire & Rescue Expo & Fall Festival is taking place on Saturday in Woodbridge from 12 noon until 5 p.m.! They’ll have fire truck tours, rescue demonstrations, games and kids’ activities, food, and more! Come enjoy the festivities, connect with local organizations, and celebrate the community with friends and family. It’s a great way to kick off the fall season and enjoy all that our community has to offer!

NAMI Prince William’s “Family-to-Family

Here’s a helpful resource from the National Alliance on Mental Health Prince William that may be valuable support for families in our community. NAMI Prince William’s “Family-to-Family” is a free, eight-session course for family members, partners, and friends supporting someone living with mental health conditions. The course will be held Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Oct. 14 through Nov. 18, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Woodbridge. Additional sessions around the holidays will be scheduled, with dates to be announced. The course is offered at no cost, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please email info@nami-pw.org

Upcoming events and volunteer opportunities:

Happening THIS WEEKEND

The Manassas Journal will hold a candidate forum on Sunday (Oct. 4) from 4 until 8 p.m.  This will include candidates for the Manassas City Council, City of Manassas School Board, and Virginia House of Delegates District 20.  If you want to be involved in local politics, need volunteer credit for school, or love debates; this is the volunteer opportunity for you!  You’ll greet guests as they arrive and help the candidates with anything they may need during the debate.  Sign up here:

If you wish to attend the Candidate Forum, it is open to the public as capacity allows.  The event will be held at the Manassas Museum located at 9101 Prince William St.  Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 3:45 p.m. as the forum will start promptly at 4 p.m.

Neabsco District Supervisor’s Office Community Day

The Neabsco District Supervisor’s Office is committed to keeping residents informed, listening to community concerns, and connecting residents with county services and resources. On Oct. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., they’re hosting a Community Day to celebrate neighbors, families and local organizations coming together! Volunteers can play an essential role in helping the event to be a success. You can help by:

• Setting up/cleaning-up event
• Greet attendees and provide event information
• Support activity areas, such as games, crafts or community booths

Must be 15 and older to volunteer and must register by Oct.9. This family-friendly event is outdoors, so make sure you wear the proper attire. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3s65srau

Girls on the Run of NOVA

Join Girls on the Run of NOVA for their Fall 5k Celebration! This event takes place at the end of the running season and brings thousands together! Volunteers can serve as

• Greeters
• Running buddies
• Water stops manager
• And so much more…

Times vary for each position; Volunteers are needed mornings between 6 and 10 a.m. The event takes place on Sunday, Nov. 22, at Pentagon City, Arlington. Spots are available! Register on the site and join the fun: tinyurl.com/nhdmbcm3

We Are Artistic

We Are Artistic is known for supporting artists in a variety of ways, creating a welcoming space not only for artists but also for those who appreciate and enjoy art. They have many opportunities for those interested in volunteering! Their newest opportunity is Booth Support at the Best Buddies Gala on Oct. 30. Volunteers will help run a fun and creative craft activity, welcome guests, and assist with set-up and take-down. With flexible two-hour shifts between 5 and 10 p.m., this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, support the arts, and help create a memorable experience for gala guests. For more information on this opportunity, visit the site: https://tinyurl.com/4dyddea7

The Boys & Girls Club

Every child deserves the opportunity to feel supported, discover their strengths, and believe in what they can achieve. The Boys & Girls Club provides the encouragement, experience, and guidance participants need to build character, grow in confidence, and become compassionate, responsible members of their communities. Volunteers play an important role in that journey! Through the youth sports program, volunteers help young athletes develop their skills, teamwork, discipline, and confidence while encouraging them to reach their full potential. Must be 18 or older. Background check required. tinyurl.com/bdaa3dnt

St. Thomas United Methodist Church Food Pantry

Join St. Thomas United Methodist Church believes in helping to serve our community. They are looking for volunteers to help in their Food Pantry.

• Weekday Receiving/Sorting Volunteer
• Saturday Food Distributor
• Food Packer-Senior Delivery Program
• Interpreter-English/Spanish

Whether you can give a few hours a week, a Saturday morning, or simply lend your skills when needed, your hands can help put food on a table and hope in a heart. Your next opportunity to get involved starts here: tinyurl.com/5n96hv7t

Humane Society Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pet

Humane Society Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets are comprised of volunteers working together to help pets find their forever family. They’re looking for fellow animal-loving volunteers to help make that possible. The opportunities include:

• Being a Volunteer and Foster Coordinator
• Pet Care Warrior

A3P’s goal is to place pets in forever homes no matter how long it takes. Be the reason a lonely tail starts wagging. Want to learn more and get involved? Visit tinyurl.com/mry9cm3c

Did you know that posting your volunteer needs and community events are free on VPW’s website? Visit the site for more information on getting your volunteer needs posted! volunteerprincewilliam.org/

If you’re out at any of these events or volunteering, please tag Volunteer Prince William in your posts!