ARLINGTON, VA. -
Today, local volunteers from various Chamber member businesses and organizations lent a helping hand to area nonprofits as part of the 21st Annual Arlington Chamber Volunteer Day. Produced each year by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce's Community Action Committee, this rewarding half-day of service provides an opportunity for nonprofits to develop relationships with Arlington businesses, as well as for businesses to give back to the community.
The needs of the Arlington community have drastically changed due to COVID-19 and for this reason, the Chamber created a new format for our annual Arlington Chamber Volunteer Day. This year's event began with a virtual kickoff with more than 90 people in attendance. The kickoff featured Congressman Don Beyer who commended "the Chamber on not cancelling Arlington Chamber Volunteer Day after 21 years by finding so many creative ways to give back while we are self-isolated." Beyer also commented that "this is a great time to be creative and rethink how we do business, how we touch our customers, and how we work with our employees."
Following the kickoff, businesses volunteered for the nonprofit projects that they selected. The projects provided were in accordance with the CDC guidelines to ensure that participants were practicing social distancing.
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Congressman Don Beyer gave remarks during the virtual kickoff
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"The Chamber is proud to provide this day of service to help meet the current needs of nonprofits who've been especially hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and to provide businesses the opportunity to support local nonprofits," said
Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates. "It is as important as ever that the Arlington community comes together to find ways to support each other during this unprecedented time."
This year, the Chamber had
more than 100 volunteers that lent a helping hand for
16 projects arranged by local nonprofits. The participating nonprofits had a variety of assignments for volunteers. Some of these projects included writing a letter to a senior citizen for
AHC Inc., and securing goods for families experiencing homelessness for
Bridges to Independence.
