Frequently Ask Questions
CARELink is a youth-led nonprofit organization that connects communities across Virginia through service. We provide monthly donations of essential supplies to shelters and senior homes, host hands-on STEM workshops for children, and organize recreational activities that bring joy and learning to families and older adults in need.
We primarily serve three groups: families staying in homeless shelters, seniors living in assisted care facilities, and children and adults at community centers. Our partners include locations like the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter and other community organizations across Northern Virginia and beyond.
We welcome supply donations! Contact us through our Contact page to learn about our current needs list. Common items include hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap), baby supplies (diapers, wipes), and household essentials. We can also help you organize a supply drive at your school, workplace, or community group.
Students are the heart of CARELink! You can volunteer to help with STEM workshops, participate in donation drives, assist with event planning, or even bring CARELink programming to a new location. If you're part of a school club or student organization, we'd love to partner with you. Reach out through our Contact page to get started.
If you're a shelter, senior home, or community center in Virginia that serves families, children, or older adults, we'd love to hear from you. We work with organizations of all sizes and can customize our programming to fit your needs—whether that's monthly supply deliveries, one-time STEM workshops, or ongoing recreational activities. Contact us to discuss how we can support your community.
Yes! CARELink is a registered nonprofit organization, and donations are generally tax-deductible. We provide receipts for all donations made through Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. Please consult with your tax advisor for specific guidance on your situation.
Our workshops are designed to be fun, educational, and hands-on. Past activities have included paper airplane engineering (exploring aerodynamics), catapult building (learning about force and motion), marshmallow tower challenges (understanding structural design), slime making (chemistry fundamentals), and simple science experiments. Each workshop is age-appropriate and led by trained youth volunteers who make learning exciting and accessible.