VCU Day of Service
VCU’s Day of Service highlights the power of faculty and staff giving back by using Community Service Leave to support the communities that support us.
When: March 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Partnering with Our Community. Learning Together. Strengthening What Already Works.
VCU’s Day of Service brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to partner with community organizations across the Greater Richmond region.
This is not a one-day volunteer event built around charity. It is a collaborative day rooted in partnership, respect, and shared impact.
We work alongside organizations and neighborhood leaders who are already leading meaningful work, supporting their efforts rather than creating short-term projects for visibility.
What to Expect on the Day of Service
Participants will:
- Serve alongside local organizations and neighborhood leaders
- Learn about the history, strengths, and ongoing work of the communities they are supporting
- Engage in meaningful reflection
- Connect with fellow Rams committed to community engagement and VCU's quest 2028 goal of "thriving communities."
- Reflect on your involvement and impact on our community.
Service sites may include nonprofits, schools, neighborhood associations, community centers, and grassroots initiatives throughout the region.
Each project is shaped in collaboration with our partners to ensure that it supports work that is already underway.
Service Locations & Volunteer Registration
VCU’s Day of Service includes a range of community partner sites across the Greater Richmond region. Each location represents an ongoing partnership with organizations and neighborhood leaders who are advancing meaningful work in their communities.
Below you will find this year’s Day of Service partner locations and volunteer sign-up links.
Each opportunity has been developed in collaboration with community partners to support ongoing work.
Review site details, select your preferred location, and register to participate.
Southside Releaf: Swansboro Playground Tree Maintenance
Volunteers will assist with light tree maintenance at Swansboro Playground, including weeding and mulching trees planted around the perimeter of the green space, removal of surface debris and litter, and general beautification in designated areas.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 5131 Glenbeigh Rd, Richmond, VA 23234
SOAR365: Park Beautification
Volunteers will assist with landscape maintenance in designated common areas, including mulching shared spaces, trimming bushes and low branches, and weeding garden beds.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
St. Joseph's Villa
Volunteers will support multiple service projects in designated indoor spaces at St. Joseph’s Villa. All activities will take place under the supervision of site staff or the designated project lead.
Project 1: Household Needs Baskets (Up to 10 volunteers)
Volunteers will assemble “Household Needs Baskets” using materials provided by St. Joseph’s Villa. These baskets directly support recently rehoused clients and contribute to stabilization efforts for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. This is a low-impact activity, with minimal standing and lifting required. Tables will be available for assembling items.
Project 2: Spring Cleaning Donation Space (10–15 volunteers)
Volunteers will assist with sorting, discarding, and reorganizing donated items within the organization’s donation space. Tasks may include standing, lifting, carrying, and restocking supplies. This project involves moderate physical activity; however, low-impact options will be available, with tables and chairs set up for sorting tasks.
Additional Support Projects (as needed)
Depending on site needs, volunteers may also assist with laminating materials for mental health services, assembling recipe cards for the food pantry, sorting food pantry donations, or restocking the donation room in the Housing Success Center.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 8000 Brook Road, Richmond, VA
Barton Heights Cemetery Cleanup
Volunteers will assist with preservation and beautification efforts at the historic Barton Heights Cemeteries. Tasks may include removing trash, clearing overgrowth and small trees along the fence line, hauling accumulated brush, completing string trimming, and uncovering long-hidden grave markers. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear a hat, long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 1700 Lamb Ave, Richmond, VA 23223
Richmond Hill
Volunteers will remove weeds and other aggressively growing plants to create an urban forest path and liberate the garden's outer perimeter. Tasks include: cutting and pulling vines and small trees, digging, raking, and collecting plant debris for compost or transport. Dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle. Tools and gloves are provided.
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: 2209 E. Grace St. Richmond, VA 23223
Underground Kitchen Community First: Pack Hope & Share Care
Underground Kitchen Volunteers will assist with meal preparation by organizing food and ensuring that each participant is served with care.
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM , 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: 1400 Oliver Hill Way, Richmond, VA
Hop Into Service: Food Distribution & Easter Kit Day
Volunteers will assist with supporting community food distribution efforts in designated service areas. Tasks may include guiding community members through the distribution process and sharing information about available community resources and services.
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: 1600 Clarkson Road, Richmond, VA 23224
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Volunteers will assemble curated DIY resource kits for youth programs at the Mary & Frances Youth Center.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 120 S Linden Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Winter's Place Shoe Cleaning Event
Volunteers will assist with cleaning and preparing new and gently used shoes collected through VCU’s participation in the 7-Cities Shoe Drive, organized by Winter’s Place. Donated shoes will be distributed to students in Richmond Public Schools.
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: 830 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23284
RPS: Carver Elementary School Beautification
Volunteers will help create a cleaner, more welcoming environment for students, parents, and staff at G.W. Carver Elementary School. The purpose of this beautification event is to ensure the front of the school, the playground, and the surrounding areas are clean and ready for everyone to enjoy.
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: 1110 W Leight Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Randolph Community Center: Bingo, Beats, & Safer Streets
Volunteers will support the City of Richmond’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement (ONE) during Bingo, Beats & Safer Streets, an 8-week community initiative hosted in partnership with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Richmond Police Department. This program connects with older adults while promoting safety awareness and neighborhood engagement.
Tasks may include assisting with event setup, distributing snacks, participating in Bingo activities with attendees, and helping create a welcoming, engaging atmosphere. Volunteers may also assist with light breakdown at the conclusion of the event. Some mild lifting may be required when moving tables or supplies. All activities will take place in designated areas and be supervised by site staff.
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: 1415 Grayland Avenue, Richmond, VA