Inspired by Lexington’s historic VO2 telephone exchange (VO standing for Volunteer), which once connected our community, VO250 is our call to action – —linking us through service, just as Lexington’s residents came together 250 years ago for a common cause.
In 1775, people—free, indentured, and enslaved—stood side by side, united by a shared purpose. Today, we honor that revolutionary spirit by coming together once more, this time through volunteerism. VO250 is a celebration of volunteering, service, encouraging every Lexingtonian to give back in ways that strengthen our community for generations to come.
Whether it’s volunteering by mentoring, environmental stewardship, supporting local nonprofits, or lending a hand at community events, every act of service carries forward the legacy of those who built and defended this town. Join us. Answer the call. Be part of VO250.
Levels of Participation
Individual Participant:
10 Hours
Hank Manz Level:
100+ hours
Community-Wide Goal:
250,000 Hours!!
This program invites every Lexington resident, everyone who works here, everyone who worships here, or feels another deep connection through family or history to participate in volunteering at a community organization of your choice. Our goal is for everyone in town to participate! This program’s success depends on you!
Individual participant level: 10 hours
Hank Manz level: 100+ hours, in honor of Hank Manz who always gave more than 100% to Lexington.
Community-wide goal: 250,000 hours!
Each time you complete the VO250 Volunteering log, your hours will be recorded–we’ll track your total for you. Each community member’s hours will be added together to calculate our collective progress towards the 250,000 hour community-wide goal.
If you have never volunteered before, we are excited to have you join us now! There are events and organizations all around town in need of more volunteers to do everything from feeding the hungry, to organizing youth sports programs, running cultural festivals, stewarding Lexington conservation land, and so much more.
You are invited to volunteer your time with any non-political organization you would like. Click Here for a list below of Lexington organizations offering either ongoing opportunities or needing help for 1-day events. Once you have volunteered, simply complete the VO250 Volunteering log for each set of hours you have completed.
If you already volunteer somewhere in town regularly, or occasionally–in any role for which you do not get paid, receive academic credit, or is not political in nature, these hours you are already contributing can be counted. Simply complete the VO250 Volunteering log to be included. If this is an ongoing role, you may find it helpful to complete the form monthly.
If you are new to volunteering in Lexington and don’t know where to start, take a look at this list of organizations offering either ongoing opportunities or needing help for 1-day events.
Thank you for providing opportunities for volunteers in Lexington, MA! VO250 will add your organization’s volunteering opportunity to this list of organizations–whether ongoing or for a specific event–if you complete Volunteer Opportunities form.
The dates of this program run from April 2025 through April 2026.
We will list the names of everyone who completes 10 hours of service on this website and the 2026 Patriots’ Day Awards Ceremony program (unless you choose to remain anonymous). For those who achieve the Hank Manz level, you additionally will receive a commemorative award at the close of the program.