14 Kids Raise $825 For The Lamb Center By Raking Neighbors' Lawns

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fourteen children from the Cobbdale and Green Acres communities raked leaves recently to help Fairfax City's unhoused residents.

While Leo, Emilio and Gabriel's initial goal was to raise between $300 and $500, they ended up raising $825 by raking eight neighborhood yards.

Contributing to their success was the assistance they received from 11 other young people with rakes: Corinne, Farah, Marcus, Nicolas, Kyle, Kaleb, Andrew, Jimmy, Lilly, Austin and Ethan.

At 10 a.m on Saturday, the children plan to present an $825 check to The Lamb Center, a drop-in day shelter that provides a variety of services and opportunities for people experiencing homelessness in the city.

Marisa Alonso is The Lamb Center’s development manager. Two of her children — Farah and Leo — were among those who helped with the raking.

“As Giving Tuesday approaches, we are reminded of the profound impact anyone in our community can make for some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Alonso told Patch on Tuesday. "The Lamb Center is a vital lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax, providing warmth, nourishment, and hope during the coldest months. Their support ensures our pantry remains stocked and our supplies are ample, so every guest can find refuge from the biting chill that continues to grow with each passing day.

Related: 5 Fairfax Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

"This Giving Tuesday, especially as the hypothermia season sets in, consider joining us in our mission to offer a sanctuary of compassion and care," Alonso said. "Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Support The Lamb Center this Giving Tuesday by donating at www.thelambcenter.org/givingtuesday."