Great Day of Service 2026

Help your neighbors. Find your community.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! National Presbyterian Church is hosting the Great Day of Service 2026 on April 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

We’re on a mission to show the love of Jesus to our city and the world—and we need your help. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to serving, there’s a place for you. Even out-of-area members and friends can participate.

We’ve planned a variety of projects to suit every interest and skill set. Each opportunity is designed to serve people in need and make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.

 

Remote Participation

Even if you’re miles away, you can still make a meaningful impact:

• Donate toward the purchase of additional meal kits through the registration form. Every gift—no matter the size—helps provide more meals. Our budget currently supports 17,000 meal kits, but with your help, we believe we can reach 20,000 or more.
• Ship nonperishable food, clothing, or diapers directly to the church. We will include your items in the Great Day of Service collections.

 

Off-Campus Activities:

Build with Habitat for Humanity
Be part of something meaningful and make a lasting impact in our city. We’re not just constructing houses—we’re building hope, stability, and brighter futures for families in need. No experience is necessary; every pair of hands makes a difference.

 

Serve at Central Union Mission’s Men’s Shelter
Help with the day-to-day upkeep of the shelter and serve a meal. Your time and care will support men experiencing homelessness by providing both practical assistance and meaningful hospitality.

 

Volunteer with Hometown Connections
Extend warm hospitality by welcoming refugee families. Partner with Solutions in Hometown Connections to participate in “Reading Hour” with children and help families practice English.

 

On-Campus Activities

 

Pack Meal Kits with Rise Against Hunger
Join our mission to combat global hunger by packing nutritious meal kits. No special skills are needed—just a willingness to help. This is our most family-friendly project, welcoming participants ages 5 to 95+. Last year, meal kits were sent to Madagascar following a devastating cyclone.

 

Donate Food and Clothing
Clean out your closets and cupboards! Donate nonperishable food and gently used clothing to support individuals and families facing hardship. The Central Union Mission distributes these items, and the UDC Student Pantry provides healthy snacks to students.

 

Donate Diapers
Support families in need by donating diapers for local mission partners serving the D.C. area, including Little Lights, Young Lives, and Central Union Mission.

 

Help Collect & Sort Donations
Assist with receiving and organizing donated diapers, food, and clothing. Volunteers are needed to help ensure all contributions are sorted and distributed effectively.

 

Assemble Care Kits
Put together “Care Kits” for individuals you may encounter during your daily commute who are in need. These small but meaningful packages can offer comfort, encouragement, and essential supplies to those experiencing hardship.

 

Mark your calendar, gather your family and friends, and help make the Great Day of Service 2026 unforgettable. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

 

To sign up, click the Volunteer button below.

 

See you there!