The Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted their 26th Annual Volunteer Day on Friday, April 11. More than 200 volunteers from member businesses volunteered at 14 nonprofit organizations to perform services from making DIY PVC pipe cat and dog beds for the Animal Welfare League, helping seniors declutter for Arlington Neighborhood Village and organizing the food pantry for the Bridges to Independence Sullivan House Shelter. 

The day began with a kickoff lunch hosted by the Crystal City Sports Pub. An addition to the volunteer work this year was free one-on-one-financial counseling sessions with Chamber member financial advisors for individuals who have been impacted by recent federal government reductions or are concerned that they may be affected. Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber President said, “It's one more way our businesses are stepping up to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

Melanie Anderson, Executive Director of Thrive, said they had eight volunteers signed up for the afternoon but were surprised when 15 showed up. “We finished in half the time.” The volunteers were filling 50 baby boxes with 26 brand new specialty items that the new moms might not be able to afford when they have new babies.” Anderson holds up a colorful baby blanket. “It’s beautiful and warm and cuddly; made by some church ladies for us.”

In addition, the box contained things for mom like nursing pads and some fun educational toys for the baby, as well as diapers and wipes and teething rings. “The mothers are focused on essentials and don’t have money for toys.” Anderson said the volunteers also made “Congratulations” cards to make sure the “moms feel excited about their new baby. They don’t have that moment that most of us have at the baby shower.”

Andersen says their organization has about 50 volunteers and a staff of eight, “small and mighty. We always love to have new volunteers; they give their time but also bring their ideas, skill set and commitment.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington kept 10 volunteers busy cleaning and painting two classrooms. Josh Rothman from Support Strategies says, “We cleaned out the rooms — took everything out, checked magic markers to be sure they still worked, sharpened pencils, painted the walls marked up by kids.” Denise Bing from the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and Alisa Hill from Mastercard were both first time volunteers. Hill says, “I had fun; I’d do this again.”

Lia Ferro, Educational Program Manager for the Museum says they have been participating in the Chamber Volunteer Day for several years. “You can’t imagine how helpful this is for us.”

Bates said, “This event is a long-standing tradition that highlights the incredible impact our business community makes when they come together to serve.  Over the past 26 years, this event has led to meaningful and lasting partnerships between businesses and nonprofits, strengthening our local nonprofit sector and enriching the Arlington community.”