ACTion Alexandria Launches With Project to Aid Carpenter's Shelter

ACTion Alexandria on Monday launched its new service connecting non-profits with volunteers, among other projects.

Each week it will have a “featured action” to benefit a local nonprofit. For example, it’s starting off with a project to help Old Town Alexandria’s Carpenter’s Shelter.

“We’re going to try and mobilize people to provide money equivalent to one month of afterschool snacks for shelter residents,” said ACTion Alexandria Community Manager Tracy Viselli, who added that the goal for that particular initiative is $500.

The City of Alexandria is a partner with ACTion Alexandria and plans to contribute $50,000 to the initiative.

"The city believes our partnership with ACTion Alexandria will strengthen community engagement, help solve problems, and give the city an opportunity to gather additional community input on important issues,” said City of Alexandria Communications Director Tony Castrilli. “This unique partnership is an example of local government helping to connect the community to organizations through the web, with the potential for a big impact."

The project also was funded by a Knight Foundation Community Challenge Grant.

Alexandria recently ranked at the most generous online city in America for the third year in a row by Convio.