Q: What is Servathon?

A: Servathon is the our region’s largest volunteer event. This year marks teh 18th annual Servathon where we’ll  mobilize 7,000 + volunteers to complete over 100 service projects in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Whether you help build a playground, paint a mural at a school, or install a computer lab, Servathon connects you to a powerful demonstration of community service that raises awareness and funds for volunteerism 365 days a year. And, after finishing the projects, there’s an after party to celebrate our successes!

Servathon brings thousands of individuals together for two extraordinary days of service. It is also an opportunity to meet new people, see new parts of the region, and try something new. Servathon is a great way to spend time with family, friends and colleagues while providing service to your community. These two meaningful days in the spring are a perfect time to begin volunteerism or — if you have been a volunteer before — to try a new type of project!

Q: What is the purpose of Servathon?

A: The goals of Servathon 2010 are to:

• Build the capacity of local nonprofits to help them serve their mission
• Introduce new volunteers to the rewards of community service
• Celebrate National Volunteer Week
• Help Greater DC Cares continue to make an impact on area nonprofits and schools by raising funds that will help us provide critical volunteer services throughout the year.

Q: When is Servathon?

A:     Friday, April 23, 2010  is the Sponsors’ Day of Service
          Saturday, April 24, 2010 is open to all, including sponsors

Q: What time is the event?

A: Servathon includes service projects plus a celebration. Here is a snapshot of the two days:

Friday, Sponsors’ Day of Service, April 23

8:30 a.m. — Registration will begin at a central location, TBA.  Please arrive on time so projects can begin promptly. You’ll receive your Servathon 2010 t-shirt when you register.

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Service component of the day at your project site.

Open Day of Service, Saturday, April 24

8:30 a.m. — Registration will begin at each service site. Please arrive on time so projects can begin promptly. You’ll receive your Servathon 2010 t-shirt when you register.

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Service component of the day at your project site.

1:00 to 4:00 p.m. — Join us at the Come-As-You-Are After Party celebrating your accomplishments and the power of volunteer service. Location TBA.

All volunteers are welcome! It’s our way of celebrating National Volunteer Week and our thank you to Servathon volunteers for making a powerful impact on our community. Mud- and paint-splattered clothes are welcome!

Q: Who plans Servathon?

A: In partnership with a network of nonprofits, schools, and volunteers, Greater DC Cares plans and executes the day’s activities.

Q: Why should I participate?

A: The time you and other volunteers donate saves area nonprofits and schools more than $300,000. In other words, you are making a long-term investment in the health of our region. Volunteer participation strengthens our nonprofit sector throughout the year.

In addition to being Greater DC Cares’ signature service event, Servathon also raises funds which allows us to continue providing area nonprofits and schools with critical volunteer services throughout the year. Volunteerism itself costs money. We purchase paint, landscaping materials, new hardware for donated computers, and other essential supplies for projects throughout the year.

Q: What happens if it rains on the day of Servathon?

A: This is a rain or shine event. Some nonprofit organizations have been waited all year for these volunteer services, therefore, the show must go on! There is a chance that work at your project site might be altered in the event of inclement weather. Just remember to bring your rain gear!

Q: Do I need to bring anything to the site?

A: Greater DC Cares provides all tools and supplies for the projects. We’ll also give you a Servathon t-shirt when you check-in at your project site.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for participating?

A: Many of our projects are family and youth friendly; this information is noted on the project description. If applicable, specific age limits are listed under each youth friendly project.

All projects not shown as family or youth friendly are only open to volunteers over the age of 18.