‘Tis the Season of Giving Back to Our Community

As we prepare for the holiday season, let us remember that this is both a time to be thankful and a time for giving. Here are some ways we can help give back to our Virginia Beach community. 

Give help to those in need with Housing & Neighborhood Preservation

Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation invites residents to join the community-wide effort to help make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. For those who want to help: 

• Provide input for the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count: The City is seeking assistance in identifying areas throughout Virginia Beach where the public has observed individuals who are living without shelter. The information will help guide staff and volunteer routes during the street count. Locations can be submitted through an online map tool at SpeakUpVB.com through Nov. 30.
• Volunteer for the PIT Count: Volunteers are needed to help count and survey individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness during the PIT Count on Jan. 29. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and attend training. Learn more and register online by Dec. 19 at VirginiaBeach.gov/PITVolunteer.
• Give the gift of warmth: Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Homeless Services division is collecting new and gently used sweatpants and sweatshirts (medium and large sizes), gloves and hats. For more information or to schedule a drop off, contact Erin Walker, 757-385-5760, EWalker@VBgov.com.  
• Connect with a BEACH partner: BEACH has a diverse network of organizations that provide support services for people experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. Find a cause and learn how to get involved at BEACHCommunityPartnership.org/Give-Help.
• Become a housing partner: Expanding BEACH’s network of organizations that provide housing opportunities is critical to significantly reduce homelessness. Nonprofits that are interested in being part of the solution are encouraged to learn about federal and state grant opportunities. To be notified about upcoming information sessions on the grant application process, organizations can email HomelessSystem@VBgov.com.
• Donate to support homeless programs: VB Home Now is a nonprofit foundation that supports and enhances the community system of services, programs and facilities to prevent and end homelessness in Virginia Beach. Donations directly impact people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of losing their housing by providing financial assistance for utility and security deposits, rental arrears and emergency housing fees. To learn more or to donate, visit www.VBHomeNow.org.

Give a gift with Parks & Recreation 

This season, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is making it easy to give back. Williams Farm Recreation Center is collecting Angel Tree gifts, and Bow Creek Recreation Center is a drop-off site for Toys for Tots. Swing by before your next workout and spread some holiday joy. Donations accepted through Dec. 5. 

Donate to VBPD Mounted Patrol’s donation drive

Due to a temperature drop and wet weather predicted for Dec. 6, the Virginia Beach Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit's annual Holiday Open House Food and Toy Drive has been canceled. However, you’ll still have a chance to support local families this holiday season during the Friend's of the VBPD Mounted Patrol's Winter Craft Show. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Mounted Patrol barn, 2089 Indian River Road, stop by to drop off an unwrapped toy or canned food item, say hello to the horses, visit with Santa and enjoy the cozy, festive barn.

Drop off a toy for kids 5 and under at Virginia Beach libraries

The Virginia Beach Public Library’s Teen Advisory Group is collecting new toys for kids ages 5 and under with its annual holiday toy drive. Every year, these teen volunteers and this service project supports the Department of Human Services and the families that rely on them to deliver toys and brighten spirits. Consider donating unwrapped toys in the creatively decorated boxes at all open library locations by Dec. 10.

Bring a toy to the Virginia Aquarium and receive a discount in the gift shop

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has collection boxes for donations for Toys for Tots again this year. Now through Dec. 12, place a new, unwrapped toy in the collection box at the Aquarium Store in either the North or South buildings and receive 20% off an in-store purchase or the same discount if you choose to purchase your donation at the Aquarium’s gift shop (not to be combined with any other coupons or discounts). Donated toys do not have to be bought from the gift shop.  

Help “Extinguish Hunger” with VBFD

“Extinguish Hunger” is the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s year-round campaign, in partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, to collect unexpired, nonperishable food items. All Virginia Beach fire stations serve as drop sites for food donations. Consider donating nonperishable goods for families in need. VBFD will arrange for transport of all food to the foodbank for distribution.