Assistance League Members and Other Volunteers Pack Food and Clothing

Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s October food packing was another huge success. In just over an hour, 81 volunteers packed 1720 food bags for six elementary schools. Those helpers included Assistance League members, Dominion Energy employees, and community volunteers. Returning this month were friends from Didlake and RBH Global Wealth Partners. A team from Transurban also participated for the first time. Transurban's Express Lanes Community Grant Program had awarded Assistance League a grant for its Weekend Food for Kids program, and the nonprofit used those funds to purchase items in the food bags going to two schools in Fairfax County. Assistance League also provided grocery gift cards to a school in Alexandria, and the other seven schools received some grocery cards to help with family emergencies. Next month, a few items in the bags will be replaced with some 'wintery' selections.

Assistance League also delivered a variety of clothing to the eight Title 1 schools it serves. Six schools requested winter jackets, and they received 82 coats in different sizes and colors for boys and girls, as well as essential accessories: gloves, hats, and scarves. The colorful hats, scarves, and headbands were handmade by friends in the Dunbarton Hugs Team and the Nativity Craft Club. The organization also delivered more than 470 clothing items to the eight schools, such as sweatpants and sweatshirts, leggings, T-shirts, and tops, reflecting items on each school's request. In November, the nonprofit will provide more warm winter clothing based on the schools' needs.

Assistance League’s philanthropic programs aim to help develop well-rounded students by addressing the whole child's needs. With the October packing, it provided students in need with two essentials: nourishing food and warm clothing. Assistance League is also proud that these packing events include a team that breaks down all the cartons and boxes for recycling.