March 2025

Volunteer of the Month

For Dillon, a sophomore in high school, volunteering with YVCHR has been a meaningful journey. The most rewarding part? Seeing the positive impact on the community and experiencing the emotional fulfillment that comes with each project. Over time, he's noticed significant personal growth, particularly in leadership and confidence, as well as a stronger commitment to service. One of his favorite experiences with YVCHR has been supporting families of children with special needs—enjoying time with the kids while giving parents a helping hand. Through YVC, he's found both purpose and personal development, making a lasting difference along the way.

Pictured here is Dillon at our oyster gardening project in partnership with Nansemond River Preservation Alliance.

Be sure to check out our youth-led podcast on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Episode links are also available on our website at https://www.yvchr.org/podcast

2025 Canstructure Competition

Saturday, April 26 at Patrick Henry Mall

Prepare to make history with YVCHR! We are aiming for a record-setting event by activating 25 teams and collecting over 25,000 pounds of shelf-stable food for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. But wait--it gets better! Smithfield Foods has generously offered to match our total donation pound-for-pound with a protein donation! This means more of our neighbors will enjoy a complete meal as a result of this year's Canstructure Competition!

Want to be part of this monumental effort? YVCHR is seeking event sponsors to offset event costs and provide vital funds for future programming!

Join the international network of YVC alumni and connect with other professionals and community leaders while representing Hampton Roads!

Help Youth Learn Culinary Skills While Supporting Those in Need!

Upcoming Service Projects

• Click the project links below or visit our Project Calendar for more information about each service opportunity. Some projects have special requirements or considerations, so please read carefully.
• Log in to your YDAT account to sign up for project(s)! Volunteer spots go fast, so be sure to reserve yours ASAP.
• Be sure you can commit and have transportation to the project(s) for which you are registered.
• Ensure you receive timely informational emails by adding programdirector@yvchr.org to your contact safelist. To avoid having our emails go to junk/spam, click here for Safelist directions!

You can see our youth volunteers in action by following us

on Facebook and Instagram!

Ready to register for a service project? Follow the steps below. If you do NOT receive a confirmation email after registering, please contact programdirector@yvchr.org.

Step 1. Visit https://ydat.org/site/HamptonRoads

Step 2. Log in with your existing credentials -OR- create a new account.

Step 3. Access your YDAT account and explore list of service projects.

Step 4. Register for a project by clicking the word "ADD" next to your project(s) of choice. Then scroll to the bottom and click the other "NEXT" button. You can register for multiple projects at once.

Step 5. You'll be directed to a screen with details for the project(s) you selected. Be sure to read all project information carefully and then click "SIGN UP." A confirmation message will appear, and you'll also receive an email confirming your registration to the email address associated with your YDAT account.

Kids' Crafts & Games at

Parent Cafe

(Chesapeake)

Thursday, March 20th

6:00pm-8:00pm

Edmarc Spring Fling

(Portsmouth)

Thursday, March 29th

11:00am-2:30pm

Earth Day @ Saunders Butterfly Garden

(Peninsula)

Saturday, April 19th

12:00pm-3:00pm

Earth Day: Lynnhaven River NOW Cleanup

(Southside - TBD)

Saturday, April 19th

9:00am-11:00am

Special Olympics Bowling

(Peninsula)

Every Wednesday

March 19th - May 7th

3:45pm-5:00pm

March Meet-up with Challenger Team

(Peninsula)

Sunday, March 23rd

1:30pm-5:00pm

Soundscapes @ Discovery STEM Academy

(Newport News)

Thursday, March 13th

5:00pm-7:00pm

Soundscapes Early Spring Concert

(Newport News)

Thursday, March 27th

4:30pm-7:00pm

Fear 2 Freedom: Prep for 'Hour 2 Empower' Event for Survivors

(Newport News)

Saturday, March 15th

1:00pm-3:00pm

Animal Enclosure Build for Evelyn's Wildlife Rescue

(Virginia Beach)

Saturday, March 15th

9:30am12:00pm

Youth Leadership Conference: REGISTRATION OPEN!

Click image below for more information.

Scholarship Opportunity!

Applications for the Don and Jean Sloan Scholarship are currently being accepted. Seniors in high school are invited to apply; deadline is April 30th. The $1,000 scholarship is open to active YVC volunteers who have demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership and are committed to making a difference in their communities.

We need your plastic!

YVCHR is collecting plastic bags, bubble wrap and other plastic packaging material to meet our goal of 1,000 pounds by April 2025. You can drop off your bundles of plastic to our office and/or create your own drop-off site by picking up a recycling container from YVCHR.

Be sure all donations are clean, dry and free of residue. Please refer to the adjacent graphic for a list of acceptable plastic.

For more details, contact programdirector@yvchr.org!

Partner Spotlight