Every community needs helping hands, and Hampton Roads is full of opportunities to make a difference. Whether you’re looking to volunteer as an individual, with a group, or alongside your children, there’s no shortage of causes that need support — from cleaning up Owl Creek to packing meals at the foodbank. Volunteering connects you with your neighbors, improves the place you live, and sets a powerful example for the next generation.
This guide highlights some of the best ways adults and families can get involved in Hampton Roads — while also exploring how giving back benefits your mental health, your children’s growth, and your entire community.
Jump to a Section
- Why Volunteering Matters in Hampton Roads
- The Benefits of Volunteering for Adults and Children
- How Families Can Volunteer Together
- Volunteer Opportunities for Adults
- Volunteer Opportunities for Adults with Children
- Environmental Cleanup and Community Projects
- Tips Before You Volunteer
- Getting Started Locally
Why Volunteering Matters in Hampton Roads
The Hampton Roads region thrives on connection — neighbors looking out for one another and communities building bridges of service. From Norfolk to Virginia Beach, from Portsmouth to Newport News, volunteers keep the region strong.
Volunteering doesn’t just fill a need — it creates purpose, strengthens bonds, and fuels the sense of belonging that makes Hampton Roads special.
The Benefits of Volunteering for Adults and Children
For Adults
Volunteering provides a sense of meaning and fulfillment that’s hard to find anywhere else. Benefits include:
- Reduced stress and better mental health through positive social engagement
- A stronger sense of community and connection
- Opportunities for professional growth through skill-building and networking
- A renewed perspective on gratitude and purpose
For Children and Families
Volunteering with your children builds lifelong values. It teaches empathy, responsibility, and teamwork while giving families time together in a meaningful way. Kids who volunteer grow up seeing that they can make a difference — a powerful lesson that shapes compassionate adults.
How Families Can Volunteer Together
Family volunteering turns service into shared experience. Whether you’re planting flowers, helping at a food pantry, or assisting with a local event, volunteering as a family teaches cooperation and strengthens relationships.
Look for opportunities that are short-term, hands-on, and child-friendly — activities that make helping feel fun and rewarding.
Volunteer Opportunities for Adults
- Volunteer Hampton Roads – The main regional hub connecting individuals and organizations across Hampton Roads.
- Virginia Peninsula Foodbank – Help pack and distribute food to local families in need.
- The Salvation Army – Hampton Roads Area Command – Serve meals, organize donations, or assist in community outreach.
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads – Coach youth programs or volunteer during family events.
- Bon Secours Hospitals – Adults 18+ can volunteer in hospitals and health programs across the region.
Volunteer Opportunities for Adults with Children
- Bluebird Gap Farm (Hampton) – Families can help with animal care and educational events.
- Junior Achievement of Greater Hampton Roads – Parents and children can teach students about money, careers, and leadership.
- StandUp for Kids – Hampton Roads – Assist youth experiencing homelessness through mentoring or organizing care kits.
- Volunteer Hampton Roads Youth Program – Matches families with youth-friendly volunteer opportunities.
- Parks & Recreation – Participate in family-friendly park cleanups and events through Parks and Recreation for Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News
Environmental Cleanup and Community Projects
Hampton Roads’ natural beauty depends on people who care enough to protect it. Cleanup and conservation projects are a great way for families to volunteer outdoors while preserving the local environment.
- Owl Creek Cleanup (Virginia Beach) – Volunteers work to remove litter and debris from waterways and wetlands near the Virginia Aquarium, improving local ecosystems.
- Clean the Bay Day (Chesapeake Bay Foundation) – A massive annual event where thousands of residents clean up local rivers and shorelines.
- Lynnhaven River NOW – Monthly cleanup events and oyster restoration programs for families and individuals.
- Keep Virginia Beautiful – Coordinates cleanup and beautification programs across Hampton Roads.
- City of Virginia Beach Adopt-a-Spot Program – Adopt a park, street, or waterway to maintain throughout the year.
These programs help keep our environment clean while teaching children the importance of stewardship and teamwork.
Tips Before You Volunteer
- Check age requirements for family participation.
- Start small — a weekend event or one-time cleanup is a great beginning.
- Dress for success — comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Complete training when required for safety or special roles.
- Stay consistent — a few hours a month can make a big impact.
Getting Started Locally
- Visit VolunteerHR.org to browse local opportunities.
- Call or email nonprofits directly about family volunteering options.
- Join community cleanup events like Owl Creek Cleanup or Clean the Bay Day.
- Make volunteering a family ritual — once a month or each season.
- Share your volunteer story online to inspire others in your community.
Volunteering in Hampton Roads is about more than doing good — it’s about belonging, connecting, and building a better future for our children. When you give your time, you gain friendships, purpose, and pride in your community. Whether you’re cleaning Owl Creek, mentoring students, or packing food for neighbors, every hour matters. Together, we make Hampton Roads shine.