Spring2ACTion, 24 hours of online giving to benefit nonprofits serving Alexandria, is almost here!

My name is Shante Johnson, and I am a Northern Virginia SCAN volunteer. Currently, we are recruiting for the Alexandria-Arlington CASA.

The City of Alexandria, Alexandria City Public Schools, Neighborhood Health and Inova Alexandria Hospital are partnering to provide a free health fair to all Alexandrians who are uninsured on Saturday, November 14 from 9am-4pm at Francis Hammond Middle School. The fair will provide a variety of free preventative health services, including flu shots, glucose and blood pressure tests, mental health screens and dental education.

Save the date for Fall into Giving, an online donation drive for goods and items benefiting nonprofit organizations serving Alexandria from Monday, September 21 to Friday, September 25. 

What if we all gave on one day? Let's find out! On April 22, join thousands of other community members for Spring2ACTion, 24 hours of online giving to benefit nonprofits serving Alexandria at www.spring2action.org. Be a part of this incredible day of giving! 

On April 22: 

WHAT IF WE ALL GAVE ON ONE DAY? 

On Wednesday, April 22, we can! Join us for Spring2ACTion, 24 hours of online giving to benefit nonprofits serving Alexandria. Last year, Spring2ACTion raised $1,031,282 in one day for 121 nonprofits. This year, our goal is to raise more than million dollars and engage 10,000 donors to give! To meet this goal, we need your help.

We want to see you and your favorite nonprofit in ACTion on #GivingTuesday! 

We're in the homestretch of Fall into Giving, a virtual donation drive for goods and items to benefit nonprofits serving Alexandria. Through Friday, October 31, the links to Amazon wish lists of 28 local nonprofits will be posted on ACTion Alexandria.

On April 9th during Spring2Action — one day of incredible giving in Alexandria — hundreds of local nonprofits raised an unprecedented $1,000,000+ in 24 hours. SCAN was thrilled to be a part of the day, surpassing its own goal of $10,000 thanks to the generosity of more than 80 donors.

ONE WEEK until we all give on one day for Spring2ACTion, Alexandria's online giving day!

Happy Third Birthday ACTion Heroes!

In the past three years, you have helped to create an innovative, online platform for solving challenges and sharing ideas in Alexandria. Together, we have contributed toys, desks, books and diapers.

Captain Willie Bailey and Fairfax and Alexandria firefighters in partnership with Operation Warm provided over 3000 brand new winter coats for kids in the Fairfax and Alexandria are this year.

Welcome to ACTion Alexandria's Idea Challenge! We're asking locals, "What's your bright idea for Alexandria?" to learn what YOU think would make our city even better. 

Whether it's an issue about bike lanes, a new community group, a useful tool to help locals or whatever you can think of, we want to hear about it. 

WHAT WE STAND FOR: 

Volunteer Alexandria is hosting its first Family and Youth Community Service Day on Saturday, May 21 from 9:30am-12:00pm. Children ages six and older with their families are encouraged to come together to make a difference in the community.

Are you a nonprofit fundraising professional? Register for this 3 session course on increasing revenue from corporate sponsorships hosted by the United Way of the National Capital Area. Click here to register and find more information. 

Join Brighter Strategies and the Alexandria Collaborators (ACT for Alexandria, Alexandria Regional Council for the United Way of the national Capital Area and the City of Alexandria) for Data +

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) wants to hear from the greater community about priorities for improving WMATA’s transit operations and customer service. Recognizing Metro’s critical role in the region’s economy and quality of life, NVTC is sponsoring two regional forums.

Join the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy's KeepIt360 Club and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria's Teen Night! Email [email protected] or text "Titan" to 30644 to RSVP. 

USA Track & Field (USATF) invites runners of all abilities to its 12K championships! Find out more and register at: http://www.national12k.us/About.aspx. 

SCAN of Northern Virginia is hosting its Toast for Hope fundraiser on Saturday, November 7.

Save the date for Spring2ACTion on Wednesday, April 20, 2016! Spring2ACTion is 24 hours of online giving benefiting nonprofit organziations serving Alexandria, VA. Find out more at: www.spring2action.org. 

If you are uninsured, living in the City of Alexandria, this free health fair will offer flu shots, glucose tests, blood pressure tests, BMI screenings and more valuable free health services. For more information, call: 703-746-4357 or email: [email protected]. 

Alexandria to Kick Off Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Process with Community Meetings: This fall, the City will kick off the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget process with a series of com

Alexandria to Kick Off Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Process with Community Meetings: This fall, the City will kick off the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget process with a series of com

From Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 25, Click for a Cause for Access Hope, a nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate barriers to mental health services for under-served populations by building local partnerships. Just by one-click, you can help Access Hope win up to $12,000 during WTOP's Click for a Cause contest.

From Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 25, Click for a Cause for Access Hope, a nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate barriers to mental health services for under-served populations by building local partnerships.

Join friends and neighbors for an evening of play hosted by Project Play! 

The Therapeutic Recreation Program provides a full array of programs and services for residents with disabilities. From specialized therapeutic recreation programs to inclusion support to full inclusion, residents with disabilities can choose programs that meet their interests and needs.

Please see the following information on mammograms provided by the Mammovan on Monday, August 10. Appointments must be made by Monday, August 3. 

Join Brides Against Breast Cancer for a fun-filled fundraiser with a twist! Enjoy an evening of networking, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment hosted by local real estate agents.

Give them your heart and soles at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's Walk for Animals. More details, to be announced, can be found at: http://alexandriaanimals.org/. 

Have your questions answered about Medicare at the City of Alexandria and Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assitance Program's New to Medicare Presentation.The event is free, but registration is required. To RSVP, email [email protected] or call 703-746-5999.  

ACTion is planning a Just Play! night featuring outdoor games, and we want to hear your ideas!

What's your favorite outdoor game? Tag? Bocce ball? Help us plan fun activities for  children and families at Just Play! by clicking on "Add Your Idea" and giving us your suggestions.

The regular legislative meeting of City Council. For further details, please click here. 

Join Mind the Mat Del Ray on June 6 for Well Ray, and explore resources for living healthily and happily. Wellness practiioners will offer services, such as acupuncture, nutritional counseling and massage, and vendors will be on hand with fitness clothing, jewelry and more.

Can you volunteer this Sunday? RunningBrooke as an urgent need for 5 volunteers to hadn out water to runners during the Alexandria Running Festival from 6:30-9:00am. Contact RunningBrooke if you can help! 

Cool off at one of the 40 different lemonade stands run by Kids Helping Kids during LemonAide Day on Saturday, May 16 from 9am-4pm. Lemonade Stands will be operated throughout Alexandria, including in Market Square. All proceeds will benefit Space of Her Own and Wright to Read.

The Democratic Primary for Virginia House of Delegates in the 45th House District and Alexandria Mayor elections will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. For more information, visit: http://alexandriava.gov/Elections. 

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN! MAKE UP DATE ON JUNE 11!! Enjoy a play date at the First Thursday on the Avenue in Del Ray! Stop by Mt. Vernon Ave for entertainment and food on Thursday, June 4. More information can be found at: http://www.visitdelray.com/event-1862031. 

Join other civically engaged residents and tech enthusiasts to create technology solutions for local challenges. Nonprofits serving Alexandria are invited to submit a challenge to this group tech developers.

The Alexandria Jaycees are hosting a membership open house on Wednesday, May 20 from 7-9pm at Southside 815. For more information, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/alexjaycees/events/219154364/. 

Run the half marathon or the RunningBrooke 5k at the Alexandria Running Festival and then honor our military service members and their families at the Alexandria Family Festival following the races. More information at: http://www.mc-coop.org/alexandria_running_festival.aspx. 

On Saturday, May 16, join Samuel Tucker Elementary PTA for a 5k to promote and foster healthy lives. For more information, email Martha Grutza at [email protected] or call 703-933-6300. 

The GW 10k Classic is rescheduled for Sunday, May 3 at 8am at the US Patent & Trademark Office. The event includes a Military Family Expo and a discount for MOAA and Team RWB members. For more information, please visit: http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/race. 

Register for a 10 mile or 5k race along the scenic George Washington Parkway. RunWashington Magazine voted the Parkway Classic, organized by Pacers Running, a favorite spring race. RSVP at: https://www.runpacers.com/race/george-washington-parkway-classic-10-mile-5k/. 

Thank you for all of your UNselfies! What an amazing #GivingTuesday!

Senior Services of Alexandria and ACT Alexandria are co-sponsoring a speaker series on Important Conversations at Beth El Hebrew Congregation on Wednesday, Oct 19th from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm.

"Behind Every Wounded Warrior is Another Courageous Heart." Register today for the Operation homefront 5k Family Walk/Run to honor our military caregivers. Sponsored by Catholic Daughters of Americas. 

The Alexandria Commission for Women will celebrate the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of Alexandria women at a ceremony on March 26, 2015. More information can be found at: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Women

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The 7th Annual Del Ray Music Festival will feature music, food, and games. The festival will include a wide range of musical styles including reggae, jazz, blues, swing, folk, country, Celtic and rock. For more information, please visit: http://www.delraymusicfestival.com/about/

The Del Ray Business Association is hosting Well Ray Field Day, a family wellness day in Del Ray. Funds from the event will be donated to build the Ruthanne Lodato accessible playground. Find out more: http://mindthemat.com/wellray/

Come to the Alexandria Running Festival, run the 5k and then celebrate our military service members at the Alexandria Family Festival. Learn more: http://www.mc-coop.org/alexandria_running_festival.aspx

Alexandria Soccer Association is holding a FootGolf Tournament on Saturday, May 15 from 2-5pm at Manassas Park, VA to benefit their scholarship fund! Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/footgolf-tournament-tickets-11430277267

Dive into Spring at Family Fun Night on Friday, May 16, 7-10 p.m. at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility, 3210 King St. Bring a pool float and the whole family for fun for all ages. Pool games include beach ball relays, water basketball and fun on the floating obstacle course.

Have unused and expired prescription medications? Dispose of them safely at a convenient location with the "Take-Back" initiative to prevent pill abuse and theft. 

Notice of Public Hearing: Mental Health, Intellectual Disability and Substance Abuse Services

This event is hosted by Senior Services of Alexandria and is free and open to the public. Please RSVP at:http://seniorservicesalex.org/index.html

Alexandria's Look Again Resale Shop, which benefits the sight-saving programs of the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington such as the Low Vision Learning Center of Alexandria, is in need of several items to help us run our shops smoothly and continue supporting local p

What if we all gave on one day?

What if we all gave on one day?

What if we all gave on one day?

 The Alexandria Police Department, in partnership with the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and the Center for Alexandria’s Children, Inc., hosts SafeAssured Child Identification events for City residents throughout the Alexandr

The dates for this session are January 7 and 9, 2014 8:30 AM-12:30 p.m. Registration is open until filled. Limit 20 participants per class. Attendees of the full 8-hour course will receive a three-year certification in MHFA.

The 38th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot is filling up fast! Register today for the 5-mile run/walk: http://www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com/

The Fund for Alexandria's Child, a program of the Department of Community and Human Services of the City of Alexandria, is gathering coats for children who have been abused, neglected, or who are in the foster care. Currently The Fund is looking for juniors', misses' and mens' sizes of coats for teens.

Support the well being of our heroes and help Alexandria native and veteran, Brendan O'Toole meet his mission of raising money for veterans. Brendan O'Toole is completing a 3600 mile cross country run to support charities which help veterans adjust to civilian life. The attire for the event is business casual and the ticket prices are $100/person and $50 for those ages 25 and under.

The Woodrow Wilson Half Marathon is ranked as one of the 27 best half marathons in the United States. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.wilsonbridgehalf.com/about.php

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Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) is a nonprofit public interest law firm that provides free legal assistance to low-income residents. By providing free, high-quality legal services LSNV is able to assist elderly, disabled, or low income individuals with some of life’s most critical issues, such as personal safety, income, housing, medical benefits, education, and family stability. 

This weekend is crammed full of family events and fundraisers to support the Alexandria community. Here's the line up for Saturday, 9/28 and Sunday, 9/29: 

Saturday, 9/28

This event is both a fundraiser for a public charity committed to helping our Nation's veterans through canine therapy and service dogs and a celebration of well-trained dogs and their loving owners and handlers. Please join us in a collective show of support when the walk kicks off.

This week’s featured nonprofit is Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. Arcadia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system in the Washington, DC area. Arcadia manages four programs to engage the community in food sustainability, education, and distribution.

Project Health 4 All invites high school students to learn about the various health careers. The event includes meeting health care professionals, getting hands-on experience, raffles and door prices, and a free health care manual. This event is free and open to the public.

To register now: www.nvahec.org/PH4A

Questions: Contact Fatima Phillips: [email protected] 

Join Congressman Jim Moran and a panel of experts for a discussion on Navigating the Affordable Care Act: Making Health Reform Work for You and Your Family. Learn how the insurance options made available through the Affordable Care Act can help you. 

Come celebrate $275,000 raised for Alexandria's neediest kids! RunningBrooke champions healthy children with the skills and habits for success in school and life. Our vision is that ALL children come to school healthy and prepared to learn. On October 25, RunningBrooke will celebrate the completion of Phase 1: $275,000 raised through running marathons in 50 states, 7 continents, and 5 world majors. Enjoy food from around the world, music, and guest speaker Mayor William D. Euille. 

The September informal community BPAC ride will Read more...

The Alexandria Police Department in partnership with the community and human services department, the Alexandria Sheriff's Office, and the Center for Alexandria's Children, Inc.

On this, the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, we should take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous leadership Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. provided the Civil Rights Movement and continues to provide today. Over the thirteen years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership, the nonviolent, grassroots efforts of citizens from across the country led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. 

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) invites animal lovers and their four-legged companions to the Second Annual Alexandria Shelter Walk for Homeless Animals. The 1.5-mile walk through historic Old Town Alexandria raises critical funds to help the AWLA prevent pet overpopulation and curb animal homelessness in Alexandria and throughout the region.

Volunteer Alexandria has compiled the following Hotlist of local volunteer opportunities. Please contact the agency directly if you are interested in the opportunity and reference Volunteer Alexandria.

 Alexandrians Respond to Boston Tragedy on Spring2ACTion – Alexandria’s Giving Day

24 hours of giving to bring thousands of dollars to support Alexandria charities and the Boston community

Reposted from the Agudas Achim Congregation blog.

The Agudas Achim communnity is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime project and you are invited to be a part of this legacy creation.

It’s kitten and puppy season and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is hosting a baby shower to collect items needed for its foster care program.  Animal lovers and prospective foster parents are invited to attend the shower at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter to learn more about the foster care program, meet current foster parents, and donate items from the Foster Care Wish List

Originally posted by Patrick Boyle at SparkAction.

As more community leaders around the country see the value of creating a youth master plan, many of them wonder about the critical task of getting good public input—that's why Alexandria is inspiring its residents to get involved. 

Happy Second Anniversary to You!

We're celebrating our second anniversary this month and it's

For a $35 registration/donation learn how yoga can support your running while supporting youth yoga programs.

What Is At Home in Alexandria?

At Home in Alexandria is an all in one stop for information and services for Alexandria's senior citizens. AHA! provides members of the program with service ranging from doctor appointments to home repair to grocery shopping. Senior citizens are able to receive assisstance from the program to live their daily life, while still independent and not relying on family or friends to do every task for them.

Members of the community are invited to this benefit concert in support of ANHSI, our Community Health Center that that provides affordable quality health care to many of our local citizens. 

Shaun Tirrell and Friends 

Jina Tirrell, Pianist * Audrey Tirrell, 11 Year-Old Violinist

What Is ANHSI? 

ANHSI provides children and adults of Northern Virginia with accessible and affordable health care. Managing the Arlandria Health Center, the only "open access" medical center in the area that leaves its doors open to everyone, the ANHSI focuses on helping impoverished citizens throughout Alexandria particularly by meeting patients' walk-in needs.

Mind the Mat Pilates and Yoga studio in Del Ray, Alexandria is offering a free T'ai Chi Chih class this Friday evening from 6-715p. This class is very therapeutic and is perfect for those who are looking for a gentle, healing practice. Sign up to save your spot in the free class at www.mindthemat.com

Mark your calendar – THIS SATURDAY, October 13 – Beverley Hills Church Preschool will host its popular Children's Consignment Sale!

Adopting a shelter animal is an amazing way to change lives. Not only are you rescuing a homeless animal in need, but your life and the lives of your family members are sure to change as well. Many of us want to help homeless animals in any way possible, but the reality is that adoption simply isn't an option for everyone. However, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's foster care program is an excellent alternative for animal lovers that are able to provide temporary care.

The Alexandria Bar Association and Senior Services of Alexandria are partnering to present the second annual Senior Citizens Law Day on Saturday, October 13, 2012.  

Families came together on Sunday to try out the new STARS playground we helped build with KaBOOM!, So Kids Can, The Washinton Capitals and ARHA. 

Dine at Del Ray Pizzeria this week (September 16–22, 2012) Starting Sunday, and with your donation of at least $3, DRP will give you a free dessert. Donations will support NOVAM’s Kids Kloset, which provides new mothers affected by HIV with infant layettes, baby equipment and monthly diapers.

This week, we're helping the Center for Alexandria’s Children build 25 "attachment kits" for local homeless families to ensure healthy childhood development and secure and loving parent-child relationships.

In just 6 hours on September 13, a new playground will be built in Old Town.

More than 200 volunteers from Alexandria and surrounding communities will arrive at the site you see on the left and work together to build an amazing new playspace for Alexandria families and their children.

This Wednesday, bring the kids to Sunset Park for another Community at Play event sponsored by the Childhood Obesity Action Network and ACTion Alexandria.
Come see the enhancements at Sunset Park, made as a result of the Project Play Spruce Up Grants contest. Enjoy free refreshments, games, bubbles and have fun with your friends and neighbors!

The event is for ACPS students in kindergarten through fifth grade who still need immunizations, tuberculin screening or physical examinations in order to complete registration and start school on time. To register a student for the event, call 703-698-2550. For more information, contact Health Services Coordinator Robin Wallin at [email protected] or 703-820-5362.

For the last two years, the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria has been working to better understand key health and quality of life priorities for all those who live, work, and play in Alexandria. 
 

Zumba for good!

Help us raise money for a new playground at ARHA's Hopkins-Tancil Court development and get healthier while doing it!

After adding on the almost $700 in cash donation made at Alexandria branches of Virginia Commerce Bank, our presenting sponsor, Spring2ACTion 2012 raised more than $320,000 for Alexandria nonprofits in just 24 hours! Spring2ACTion is the biggest Alexandria fundraising event ever thanks to you!

What your contributions mean for local nonprofits

• Casa Chirilagua can now start an after-school middle school program for kids living in the Chirilagua area of Arlandria.

• The Art League can build a new art facility to continue to provide affordable art education.

• YMCA Alexandria can provide 21 more kids scholarships to summer camp.

• Friends of Guest House can continue parenting classes for women coming out of incarceration to help them transition successfully back into community and family life.   

• Senior Services of Alexandria is able to extend its Meals on Wheels Program to serve seniors on more Saturdays and Sundays.

And the winners are…

What would you ask the City Council candidates?

Civic engagement is what ACTion Alexandria is all about and what's more civic than voting?  It's been a boisterous year in city politics, and with more than a baker's dozen worth of candidates running for City Council, it's hard for a lot of us to figure out which candidates best represent our vision for our community.

So, we are turning the tables on traditional political debates by giving YOU the starring role in our online forum.

Friday, Oct. 5 is the last day to post/vote for Oct.