On a recent snowy day, more than 50 volunteers from Assistance League of Northern Virginia, Dominion Energy, and the community gathered to pack much-needed food bags for students at the six Title 1 elementary schools we serve.  In about an hour, these dedicated individuals packed 1720 bags for our Weekend Food for Kids program that were then delivered to the schools in Fairfax and Prince William counties.  Those schools also received a few emergency grocery gift cards to help families facing particular hardship.  A seventh school in Alexandria received grocery cards.

We also delivered a variety of warm clothing, including winter jackets, hats, gloves, sweat pants, and long-sleeved shirts, as well as underwear and socks.  Through our New Clothing for Kids program, we provided more than 1000 items of clothing to 8 schools to ensure that their students not only stay warm going to and from school but can play outside and enjoy the snow days.  During the spring months, we plan to provide lighter-weight clothing, including hoodies and short-sleeved shirts.  In addition, we have ordered more than 100 pairs of sneakers, as requested by the schools, that were shipped directly to them, and will provide additional sneakers upon request from schools.

Also braving the cold weather were Bob and Mary Ellen Kovacs who attended this event to create a video showcasing our food and clothing programs.  Previously, they had attended one of our Build-a-Child’s-Library book fairs and produced a wonderful video highlighting our Literacy for Kids program.  We are delighted to have such skilled experts working with us to further our cause and will soon share their latest Assistance League production with our friends and supporters.