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Volunteers to be honored for thousands of community service hours in Alexandria

By James Cullum
Image via Volunteer Alexandria

Volunteering in Alexandria isn’t exactly a thankless job.

Later this month, 84 individuals working with Volunteer Alexandria will be honored for their selfless work to donate thousands of hours toward the betterment of the city. From gathering and distributing free food to shoveling snow and organizing meet-ups and clubs, the honorees provide a valuable service that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

The awards will be presented at Beth El Hebrew Congregation (3830 Seminary Road) on Monday, April 28.

More than 2,500 volunteers donated 71,709 hours in Alexandria, which the nonprofit estimates would have cost $2.4 million.

“Each year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of people. There are so many wonderful, dedicated people in our community who care about others,” said Marion Brunken, Executive Director. “Without them, our community truly wouldn’t be where it is today. Over 80 volunteers will receive a recognition and many more are being highlighted at the local and State level. Congratulations and thank you for your service!”

Mayor Alyia Gaskins said that volunteers in Alexandria play a critical role.

“From assisting at local food pantries to shoveling snow for seniors to mentoring the youngest Alexandrians, volunteers go above and beyond to support their neighbors,” Gaskins said.

The awards and information on the recipients is below:

  • The Marian Van Landingham Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Laurie Flynn, for years of heavy involvement in nonprofit volunteer work in the city, especially for her work with the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria
  • The Joan White Grassroots Volunteer Service Award goes to Nancy Blanton (a longtime board member of the Friends of the Beatley Library) and Michael Menchel (a longtime volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club)
  • The RSVP Volunteer Service Award goes to Janese Bechtol and Nancy Lopez, who are both program chairs for ALIVE!
  • The Youth Service Volunteer Awardee goes to Alexandria City High School student, Bibi Burhani, a student leader with Northern Virginia Resettling Afghan Families Together since February 2023
  • The Business Leader of the Year Award goes to Paige Fawehinmi, branch manager of United Bank, for donating money and food to ALIVE!
The Volunteer Alexandria awards celebration is on April 29, 2025, at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road (via Volunteer Alexandria)

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.