Heartfelt Thanks For Food And Clothing Provided To Local Schools

April is National Volunteer Month and Assistance League of Northern Virginia celebrated in a big way! At its monthly food packing, more than 50 volunteers, including members and Dominion Energy employees, gathered to pack 1680 bags of nonperishable food that were delivered to students at 6 Title 1 elementary schools in the area to sustain them when school-provided meals are not available. The nonprofit also provided 70 grocery gift cards to a seventh school that prefers gift cards. As a special spring bonus, Assistance League also provided $25 grocery cards for the families of all the students who receive food bags. In all, the gift cards are valued at more than $13,000.

In addition, Assistance League delivered an assortment of new clothing to the schools it serves, based on their specific requests, in addition to more than 500 items delivered last month. The chapter’s expert shoppers again delivered about 360 carefully selected items, including spring/summer-weight leggings, shorts, shirts, underwear, and socks, in the sizes and amounts that the schools had requested.

Also in April, Assistance League received a very touching tribute from a counselor at a school it serves that reminded members why they volunteer and that some amazing ripple effects can result from being good neighbors. The counselor thanked Assistance League for the weekend food bags and noted that as a Title 1 school, one of the greatest challenge the school faces is food-insecurity for their families. She noted that the weekend food “gives our families, students, and staff peace of mind as it is one less thing our kids have to face alone. They know that every Friday food is being delivered to them so they can have it at home. They know it's packed with love and care by people that do not even know them because they matter, and they are loved. We couldn't thank you enough for all your organization and volunteers do for our families.” Such poignant comments are gratifying at any time, but coming during National Volunteer Month reinforces Assistance League’s dedication to helping those most in need and reminds our members why they volunteer.