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
More details to come!
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."
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
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
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