February in Northern Virginia has been cold and snowy, but our members have been busy providing area students with food, clothing, and books, helping to warm hearts and brighten days.
On Friday, February 13th, the students at one of our local Title 1 elementary schools were celebrating Valentine’s Day, the 100th day of school, and our “Build a Child’s Library” event. Each of the 856 students came to the gymnasium, where they chose a new book from the assortment of books we provided. Our members, along with their teachers, helped each student choose a book and sign their name inside the cover – making it their very own! The smiles on the children’s faces were proof of a successful event.
The following week, on February 19, we held our monthly “Weekend Food for Kids” packing event at Dominion Energy. We provide 1900 bags of non-perishable food each month to children who receive free or reduced-price meals at six Title 1 elementary schools in Northern Virginia. The schools distribute the bags to the children on Fridays so they can be taken home to help alleviate food insecurity over the weekend. The support of Dominion Energy, which partners with us for this amazing program, is monumental. Dominion provides the space for the packing event, volunteers to help pack and load the food onto the Dominion trucks, and the drivers to deliver the bags to the six schools in Fairfax and Prince William counties. The weekend food helps ensure that students arrive at school on Monday ready to learn and thrive.
Through grants, fundraisers and donations, we raise every dollar needed to purchase the food, clothing and books that support local children in need. Check out our programs elsewhere on this site to learn how you can get involved. It takes a village.
