Volunteer

Each day The Doorways plays host to around 150 guests from around the world. Help us brighten their day and ease their stress by providing and/or serving a meal with us. All ages are welcome for this volunteer activity; we recommend one adult chaperone for every six volunteers under the age of 18.

• Provide a Meal: More details provided here!
• Guest Chef: Interested in providing a meal, but can't make the meal times? Volunteer groups of up to 10 people, or individual volunteers, can provide to-go meals for our guests. Volunteers have access to our large pantry and refrigerator of donated goods and do not need to provide their own ingredients. The meals can be for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but must be prepared at The Doorways. Meals must be placed into individual containers, dated and put in our walk-in refrigerator for guests to enjoy. This opportunity allows us to cut down on food waste and allow our volunteer cooks to get creative in the kitchen! Signup here!
• Sponsor a Meal: Help us cover a night of dinner for our guests by paying to have a meal delivered. Individually packaged meals are preferred and can for anywhere from 20-50 guests. Double your impact by ordering from a local RVA restaurant.

Windex Parties are held March – October and are perfect for groups or families.

Volunteers will help us by cleaning out our outdoor spaces including guest balconies and the garden area. Tasks include: sweeping, washing windows, and wiping down railings, tables, and chairs. All cleaning supplies will be provided by The Doorways along with gloves and water. You are welcome to bring your own supplies if you prefer.

Activities will take place outside and can be socially distanced. All ages are welcome for this volunteer activity; we recommend one adult chaperone for every six volunteers under the age of 18.

Please wear weather appropriate attire including close toed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirt. This work requires you to be outside at various levels of our building on secure balconies up to 8 stories. Please indicate if this is a concern for your group when you sign up.

Windex Parties will be back in March! Want to set up a Party for your business or group? Email our Volunteer Manager at acastronuovo@thedoorways.org.

Perfect for businesses, schools, neighborhoods, civic associations, friends, and families looking for a way to give back remotely. Contact us for more details and before starting any of the activities listed below.

• Evening Entertainment: Volunteers can use their talents to provide some entertainment to our guests. Options can include game nights, movie nights, music nights and more! Activities can be virtual or take place in our facility.
• Host a Collection Drive: Check out our Amazon Wish List and recruit your family, friends, and co-workers to send in items to keep our pantries and shelves stocked. We can also provide flyers of currently-needed items. Make it a competition or try to hit a certain value amount as a group.
• Care Packages: Volunteers can provide small care packages for guests which could include candy, snacks, drinks, or small items like encouraging notes and pictures. A great virtual activity for families or groups. We can accept anywhere between 30-100 care packages at one time and they can be tailored to holidays, specific needs or anything your group might like!

These opportunities are best for individuals looking for short-term opportunities or projects to fulfill community service requirements or day-of-service activities.

If you are interested in any of these activities please fill out the Interest Form.

• Evening Entertainment: Volunteers can use their talents to provide some entertainment to our guests. Options can include game nights, movie nights, music nights and more! We even have an outdoor patio for activities during warmer months!
• Light Cleaning: We always need people willing to get their hands a little dirty to make our home look spotless and inviting! Expect to dust, mop, sweep, and do other light cleaning.
• Organize, Organize, Organize: We are lucky to receive donations of food, books, games, and other items for our guests, and volunteers can help us be better stewards of these donations by sorting them away properly. We have pantries, a lounge with movies and games, multiple kitchen spaces, and a library that we try to keep organized so our guests can easily access them.