VO250

For 250 years, Lexington has been shaped by people who saw what needed doing–and did it. From the farmers and tradespeople who stood on Lexington Commons (now known as our Battle Green) in 1775, to the residents who planted trees, built libraries, opened shelters, and served on school committees. Volunteering is woven into our civic DNA. But this legacy doesn’t sustain itself. It depends on every generation choosing to step forward. 

VO250 is a community-wide call to volunteering. Inspired by Lexington’s historic VO2 telephone exchange 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. It reminds us of where we come from and invites everyone, especially those who haven’t been asked before, to be part of what comes next. 

VO250 invites everyone connected with Lexington to participate. This initiative invites every Lexington resident, everyone who works here, 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 initiative’s success depends on you!

We need volunteers of every age. This isn’t just about tradition. It’s about Lexington’s future. Our community is growing and changing. So are its needs. To stay strong, connected, and resilient, we need more people to raise their hands: adults who can bring professional skills or life experience; high school and middle school students who want to make a difference and build leadership skills; families who want to model civic responsibility together; retirees with time, wisdom, and institutional memory—whose volunteerism is a civic superpower.

Participants commit to volunteering at least 10 hours between April 1, 2025 and July 4, 2026. To participate in VO250, volunteer at community organizations of your choice and log your hours through this web form. Volunteers who serve at least 10 hours will be recognized as participants. Those who serve at least 100 hours will be recognized as “Hank Manz” level volunteers. But the most special part of all is recognizing our collective endeavor through the arch now in place at 1625 Mass Ave., a descendant of Lexington’s 1875 Centennial Arch, which will be increasingly illuminated as we complete hours of service up to our goal of 250,000 hours this year.

Levels of Participation

VO250 also serves as a connector between people looking for a place to serve and Lexington organizations seeking volunteers. If you are new to volunteering or looking to try out something new–look at both the VO250 calendar of upcoming volunteer events and list of community organizations with ongoing volunteer needs.