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Casa Alma Program Director Alyssa Donovan has volunteered with a few different Animals & Environment programs during her time at UVA. She shares that while this year marks her first time volunteering with Casa Alma, she is eager to get started and make an impact.
“Casa Alma is a program where volunteers plant and harvest fruits and vegetables to support Charlottesville-area families, along with maintaining the upkeep of community goat pens and chicken coops,” Alyssa explains.
Casa Alma Program Director Alyssa Donovan
Volunteers meet every Friday from 2:30pm to 4:30pm to feed and water the animals, plant seeds, and harvest crops. Donovan adds that there is not a fixed number of weekly volunteers and that is dependent on student availability.
For Alyssa, the program represents an important way for students to connect with their community.
“The reason I am involved with this program is because I think it’s extremely important as students here to help the community around us as much as possible, and this program is the perfect chance to do so,” she says. “This year I hope to build a strong connection with the people at the gardens and also with my fellow volunteers. I want to make this experience fun and enjoyable for everyone.”
Casa Alma is actively welcoming new participants. “I highly encourage everyone who is interested to join,” Donovan says.
To volunteer with Casa Alma, complete an interest form for the 2025-2026 academic year.
By Cecilia Murphy
