The 9th Annual Arab American Service Day - Saturday, May 11

Arab American Service Day is a national day where thousands of Arab Americans join together to create positive change in their communities under the motto “Serving Communities, Connecting People.” While the service projects in each city are unique, the event is a true testimony that Arab Americans are giving back and joining together to serve their neighborhoods. 

This year, the AAI, the ADC and the NAAP-DC are partnering to organize two volunteer projects: one at The Farm on the Walker-Jones Education Campus in Washington, DC and another at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Alexandria, VA.

DC Project: The Urban Farm is a one acre plot that serves kids, adults, and neighbors of Walker-Jones Education Campus. It consists of several gardens, an orchard, and beehive which are used by students for science class and provides produce to local communities and organizations such as DC Central Kitchen.  Volunteers will help with plant seedlings, weeding, digging holes, etc.  It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather while getting involved in the community.

Participants of all ages are welcome and can sign up for a two-hour shift from either 10:00am-12:00pm or 12:00-2:00pm. The Farm is located half a block from the Walter-Jones School at 1125 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 and is easily accessible by bus or the Metro. Sign up here! Have questions about this project? Contact Jennine Vari atjvari@aaiusa.org or Marielle Costanza at mcostanza@adc.org.

VA Project: The ReStore takes donations of new, used, and surplus building supplies, appliances, and other home improvement items for resale at 50-90% below retail prices. The proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. Volunteers work with ReStore staff collecting and receiving donated materials, pricing and stocking items, cleaning and organizing the store, assisting customers, and running the cash register.

Volunteers are needed from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Alexandria, VA at 7770-G Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306(behind Gold’s Gym), approximately 3 miles south of Route 495 on Route 1. Volunteers must be over the age of 12 and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, children ages 12-17 need to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Sign up here! Please direct questions about ReStore to Fatima Ahmed at fatima.ahmed1@gmail.com.