Welcome to Caring Community Updates where Volunteer Solutions shares the latest news and articles about our volunteers in action!
2025 South County Star Award Recipient – Irena Williams
(posted April 2025)
Irena Williams’ commitment to volunteering is deeply personal. After serving in the military and being deployed to Iraq in 2005, she returned home with a strong desire to give back to others. For the past 8 years, she has been a dedicated Volunteer Solutions volunteer, supporting older adults by driving them on errands, to medical appointments and via social visits—in person and over the phone. Her consistent presence and compassionate nature have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
Clients describe Irena as kind, caring, and a joy to be around. One shared, “She is a doll and very good company. A sweetheart. I have only good things to say about her! She calls every week and listens equally when I am having a good day and when I am having a bad day.” Another one highlighted her patience, humor, and genuine warmth, and that their outings to lunch and the mall have become a cherished routine. Another client expressed gratitude for the regular calls and connection, especially as her own social circles have diminished over time.
Irena views volunteering as a way to be present and make every interaction meaningful. Over the years, she has learned to meet people where they are—adapting as their needs and circumstances change.
Thank you, Irena, for making a lasting impact on the lives of older adults in our community!
Irena is pictured with her VS Volunteer Coordinator, Jeannine Purdy.
2025 Northeastern Star Award Recipient – Hunt Mason
(posted April 2025)
Huntington “Hunt” Mason exemplifies the mission of Volunteer Solutions through his dedicated and long-standing service to older adults in Fairfax County, during the past 11 years. Thanks to his efforts, many community members are able to maintain their independence by accessing food, attending medical appointments, and completing essential errands.
Hunt volunteered consistently while working as a federal employee and has only increased his involvement since retiring in 2021. Hunt’s patience, compassion, and diligence have made him a trusted and steady presence in the lives of many older adults. His willingness to step in wherever needed and his kind and gentle spirit has made a lasting impact on the community. Clients consistently offer glowing feedback and appreciation for his service.
For Hunt, volunteering is a meaningful way to give back directly to the community. During retirement, Hunt shares that he appreciates the flexibility to do more and has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges many older adults face, especially those with limited income or transportation. Along the way, he’s built connections across cultures and learned from clients’ life stories—experiences that have enriched his life and enhanced his awareness of the broader community.
We appreciate you, Hunt!
Hunt is pictured above with his VS Volunteer Coordinator, Jodi Smith.
2025 Northwestern Region Star Award Recipient – Mia Watts
(posted April 2025)
Mia Watts is a devoted mother and pediatrician who will soon celebrate her 8th anniversary as a Volunteer Solutions volunteer. For nearly all of that time, she has worked consistently and compassionately with one client—offering transportation, companionship, and unwavering support for errands, medical appointments, and more.
This client, a private and self-reliant widow, initially needed only light assistance but gradually required more help. Mia encouraged her gently, always respecting her independence while offering the kind of patient, nonjudgmental care we value in our volunteers. Her steady presence allowed the client to remain in her home longer and maintain a vital connection to the community, especially as the client’s health began to decline. Mia has remained a consistent and meaningful part of her life. What began as volunteer work became a deep friendship.
Mia’s motivation stems from a personal desire to reconnect with elders in a way that honors the memory of her own grandparents. Her story is a powerful example of what it means to serve not just with skill, but with heart. We are so thankful for the incredible impact Mia has had on this client and our community.
Floral Delivery Brings Smiles
(posted March 2025)
Volunteer Solutions extends heartfelt appreciation to our community partner, The Garden Club of Waynewood in Alexandria, and to our dedicated volunteer drivers! This thoughtful and generous group of garden enthusiasts again created stunning flower arrangements for our Department of Family Services' clients, using both their own supplies and donated blooms from Trader Joe's. Our Volunteer Solutions drivers then delivered these beautiful bouquets to 100 older adults, spreading joy throughout the community. We’ve since received numerous uplifting messages from drivers, sharing how the recipients were beaming with gratitude and delight.
Daniel Hoyle has had a diverse and impactful career, both professionally and as a dedicated volunteer in Fairfax County. How many people can say they helped put the first person on the moon? After a distinguished career, Daniel retired in 2010 and immediately began giving back to the community as a volunteer. He joined the Virginia Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), where he played a vital role in assisting individuals with their taxes through the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. In 2011, he also registered with Volunteer Solutions and devoted the next 14 years to helping our local community, including at county senior centers. As he retires from this chapter of volunteer work, we are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment and the lasting positive impact he has had on so many lives. 
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Volunteer Solutions had the privilege of being in the Volunteer Fairfax Give Together Event, honoring the legacy of service of Martin Luther King, Jr, at James Lee community center in Falls Church. Families participated in service projects, while learning about the important work of our Department of Family Services (DFS), and local nonprofits. There was also a session for teens. The projects addressed environmental stewardship, food insecurity, elder care, animal welfare, and more. Volunteer Solutions contributed by organizing a project to assemble winter care bags filled with essential items and handmade cards to uplift older adults in our community.