Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Richmond to support with your time.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. We rounded up dozens of ways to get involved in the River City.
If you’re looking to support children Comfort Zone Camp | This camp helps grieving kids return to being kids and needs volunteers to help as Big Buddies, healing circle leaders, junior counselors, and floaters.
If you want to support local minority groups Diversity Richmond | Aid in Diversity’s events or the thrift store to serve as a catalyst, voice, and resource for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community.
If you’re an animal lover Richmond Animal League | Be a dog and cat advocate working in the spay and neuter clinic and pet pantry. Pro tip: Volunteers must be 16+.
Monday, Jan. 20 Used Book Sale Benefiting VMHC | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture | Price of purchase | Find new life for your bookshelf at this annual used book sale — proceeds support VMHC Education.
Basic Floral Design, Part 1: Section 1 | Monday, Jan. 20 + Tuesday, Jan. 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $338+ | Embark on your floral design journey with expert designer Mimi Cassick guiding you and unleashing your botanical creativity.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 Harry’s Sip and Paint | Tuesday, Jan. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Hofheimer Building | $2.50+ | Relax and paint alongside like-minded creatives to make a weeknight work of art.
Mahjong Lessons | Tuesday, Jan. 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Hardywood Park Brewing, West Creek | $70 | Want to learn how to play? Instructors will teach you the basics and get you on your way to Mahjong mastery.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Today, you can honor the life + legacy of Dr. King at Virginia State University’s Day of Service, where volunteer options include book donations and a baby supply drive. VCU is also hosting events throughout the week including a vigil and walk tonight. Find more events.
Community
Recent water issues have hurt local small businesses. That’s why we’re trying our best to support them this winter to help keep our community strong and vibrant. We rounded up some ideas for you on Instagram, and we’d love to see some more in the comments section.
Edu
A new high school is coming to Chesterfield County. Officials are preparing to begin tree-clearing on wooded land near Moseley in March ahead of an anticipated summer groundbreaking. The $135 million project should be done in 2027. (Richmond BizSense)
Fun Fact
Did you know there’s a Mulholland Drive in Henrico County? If you’d like to pay homage to the late great David Lynch — the famed filmmaker who passed away last week at the age of 78 — catching a flick at Movieland is a small but meaningful way to help keep theaters open.
Mansion Monday
Imagine being welcomed home by French-inspired elegance. A custom 8,011-sqft mansion in Richmond’s Lockgreen neighborhood has hit the market, featuring five beds and seven baths. Take a tour of the sweeping hallways and roam the spacious gardens.
Health
Navigating menopause? Dr. Emily Stone, certified menopause practitioner at Virginia Physicians for Women, breaks down the diverse symptoms women may face, the gold-standard treatment options, and additional management methods. Gain expert insights to thrive during this stage of life.*
Don’t waste time bouncing between dealerships when shopping for a car. With CarGurus, you can browse millions of cars and compare dealer ratings all in one place. Shop smarter.*
The Buy
The Buy
A non-slip doormat with a size option big enough for double-door entryways. It’s machine washable (score), doesn’t slip and slide out of place, and comes in neutral, geometric patterns to match any room’s decor.
Might I suggest some light reading for the class? I first read James Baldwin’s “If Beale Street Could Talk” in college, and have revisited it several times since then.
If you haven’t read it before, its poignant depiction of love in an unjust world is sure to stay with you, as it has with me.