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More than 200 volunteers from Arlington businesses spent Friday, April 11, tackling projects for 14 local nonprofits during the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s 26th annual Volunteer Day.

Their work ranged from building PVC pipe beds for cats and dogs at the Animal Welfare League to helping seniors declutter through Arlington Neighborhood Village and organizing the food pantry at Bridges to Independence’s Sullivan House shelter.

The day began with a kickoff lunch at Crystal City Sports Pub. This year’s event also introduced free, one-on-one sessions with Chamber member financial advisers for people affected by recent federal government reductions or worried they could be impacted.

“It’s one more way our businesses are stepping up to meet the evolving needs of our community,” Chamber President Kate Bates said.

At Thrive, Executive Director Melanie Anderson expected eight afternoon volunteers but welcomed 15. The larger group finished its assignment in half the anticipated time, filling 50 baby boxes with 26 new specialty items for mothers and infants.

Each box included practical supplies such as nursing pads, diapers, wipes and teething rings, along with educational toys and handmade blankets. Volunteers also created congratulatory cards to give recipients some of the celebration they might otherwise miss.

“The mothers are focused on essentials and don’t have money for toys,” Anderson said.

Thrive operates with a staff of eight and about 50 volunteers. Anderson described the organization as “small and mighty” and said volunteers contribute not only their time, but also their ideas, skills and commitment.

Ten volunteers worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, where they cleaned and painted two classrooms. The group emptied the rooms, tested markers, sharpened pencils and covered walls marked by children.

First-time volunteers Denise Bing of Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and Alisa Hill of Mastercard joined the effort. Hill said she enjoyed the experience and would participate again.

Educational Program Manager Lia Ferro said the museum has taken part in Chamber Volunteer Day for several years.

“You can’t imagine how helpful this is for us,” Ferro said.

Bates said the 26-year tradition has helped create lasting relationships between businesses and nonprofits while strengthening Arlington’s nonprofit sector and the wider community.