Many people in our community and around the world have been feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and fear in response to the global pandemic. A recent article noted that we are all in the same boat. It is more accurate to say that we are all in the same storm, but very different ships, boats, and rafts.
Many families have lost their main source of income, but they still have mouths to feed and bills to pay. Those who are fortunate enough to still have jobs, may be essential personnel, putting themselves at risk to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in our community. Fortunately, the incredible residents of Fairfax County quickly responded to this crisis, and without a prompt from us, our donors were swift in offering their strength and support to those in need.
The Children, Youth and Families Division and the families in our community are eternally grateful to these amazing people. We want to give a special thanks to all our donors and partners. We received lunches from Tishman Speyer for CYF staff and food from Inca Social along with bags of groceries and toys for families in need.
We received a variety of items for children including car seats, baby baskets, portable cribs, formula, diapers, wipes and more. Donors included:
- Brigade of Mercy
- the Camden Doran family
- Cheryl Perugachi
- City Light Church
- the Erin Homburg family
- Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington
- Project Linus
- the Stewart Reid family
- Vicki Falk
- Widows & Orphans of God dba Women of GoodWorks
Other donors provided large monetary donations and gift cards for food and essential items, including:
- American Turkish Friendship Association
- the Christine Worrell family
- City Light Church
- the David Medinet family
- the Gerald Kirwin family
- the Karen Lipsey family
- the Kenneth Gigiello family
- the Maggie Belsan family
- Nam Rhee with the MITRE Corporation
- the Nancy Tresp family,
- Willow Springs Elementary School Science Olympiad Team
For our front-line workers and families, we received hand-made face masks from:
- Annandale Quilters
- Antje Khan
- Audrey Mirsky-Ashby
- Beverly Burroughs
- Burke Chapter of Quilters
- The Carissa Barker Family
- Eileen Doughty
- Green Fare Café
- Greta Tosi Miller
- the Jenna White Family
- Kathi Sheffel
- Mary Kerr
- Million Mask Challenge
- Pat Wyatt
- Nancy Hoskins
- Sena Flo
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).