Fairfax City Kid Leaf-Rakers Donate Earnings To Lamb Center

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A group of kids who raised $825 by raking leaves in the Cobbdale and Green Acres neighborhoods presented a check for that amount to The Lamb Center on Saturday.

“It's important for you all to demonstrate that it doesn't matter how old you are, that everybody could do something to make a difference,” Fairfax City Mayor Catherine S. Read said, during the presentation outside the drop-in day shelter that provides support and services to the city’s unhoused population.

The children who took part in the fundraising project included Corinne, Emilio, Farah, Gabriel, Marcus, Nicolas, Kyle, Kaleb, Andrew, Jimmy, Lilly, Austin, Leo and Ethan.

“Not only did you all rake the leaves of people who needed their leaves raked, you took that money and you gave it to support people who also need help,” said Read. “It doesn't matter whether you're in kindergarten or whether you're celebrating your 100th birthday, everybody can do something, and you really demonstrated that to our community. I'm so proud of you doing that."

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

During the Saturday's presentation, Read gave each of the children present a Fairfax City pin.

“I hope you wear those pins with distinction, and when people say, 'What is that pin?' you say, ‘I represent the City of Fairfax. That's my community. It's where I live, and I have invested in my community,’” she said.

Related: 5 Fairfax Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

The mayor also gave a shoutout to parents, AJ Ahmadi and Marisa Alonso, who is The Lamb Center’s development manager, and her cousin Emilio Alonso for helping to organize the effort.

"This Giving Tuesday, especially as the hypothermia season sets in, consider joining us in our mission to offer a sanctuary of compassion and care," Marisa 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."