(Posted 2025 September)
Our Volunteer and Partner Services program is constantly inspired by the amazing handmade donations we receive, but there’s something truly magical about those crafted by the young hearts in our community. These talented and generous youth use their creativity to bring comfort, joy, and hope to other children in need.
A 4-H Project Full of Heart
When it comes to making a difference, Jayson Lee, a junior at Poolesville High School in Maryland, is truly leading by example. The son of Fairfax County employee Hua Guo, a senior auditor from the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) of the Personal Property Division (PPD), Jayson has built an impressive resume of community service and leadership that continues to inspire those around him.
As the vice president of the Maryland 4-H Youth Council, Jayson embarked on a remarkable journey to support his local community during the pandemic. Through his 4-H Diamond Clover Level 6 Project—a challenge equivalent to the prestigious Eagle Scout project of the Boy Scouts—Jayson rallied over 100 participants from youth and adult clubs across Maryland to bring hope and warmth to those in need. His original goal was to create and donate 500 handmade heart-shaped pillows.
But under Jayson’s exceptional leadership and with overwhelming community support, he has well surpassed that goal! By 2024, Jayson and his team had crafted and donated more than 1,200 of these pillows, each one offering comfort and love to patients in local hospitals, children’s foster care centers, senior nursing homes, and even new immigrant families in the DMV area.
This summer, Jayson partnered with the Department of Family Services to make a truly heartfelt donation of 151 handmade pillows for children in need through our agency. His selfless work exemplifies his slogan: “Lee’s Diamond Clover Heart Pillows—Warm up Hearts, Lift up Communities.”
Through his compassion and dedication, Jayson has shown how a simple handmade gift can make a world of difference. His story is a testament to the power of service, leadership, and the generosity of youth in making communities stronger. Thank you, Jayson, for showing us all how big an impact a heart-shaped pillow can make!
Girl Scout Gold Project Fosters Connection
Kate Steele is a junior at Oakton High School and an ambassador in Girl Scout Troop 40. Kate has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and is now at the highest level. Being a Girl Scout has taught her leadership, friendship, planning, organizational and camping skills and, most importantly, taking care of the world that we live in. Giving back to her community is now a natural part of who Kate is.
Kate is currently working on her Girl Scout Gold Award, which is also similar to the Eagle Scout Award, but involves a formal proposal and plan for sustainability. For her Gold Award, she is combining her love of crochet with her love of youth of all ages. Her Gold Award project involves teaching older youth in foster care how to crochet and creating a pipeline for handmade items for children entering care.
Kate taught herself to crochet three years ago on a whim. Since then, she has made dolls, blankets, headbands, purses, baby clothes, water bottle holders, koozies, lovies, chickens, and more! Kate finds that crocheting is calming and helps her to focus. She loves the sense of accomplishment and the joy her gifts bring to others.
On July 24, 2025, Kate partnered with the Department of Family Services’ Foster Care and Adoption program and worked with other volunteers to introduce the delight of crochet to others her age. We are so grateful! Reflecting on this experience, Kate shared, “It was amazing! They were so great. I am so thankful for that opportunity with the Fostering Futures Unit and hope to schedule more events in the coming months! Crochet is a useful, lifelong skill that can bring joy to those who create and those who receive.”
These stories remind us of the power of kindness and the unique impact of making and receiving handmade items. We hope their projects inspire you to give back and showcase your own skills. Remember, whether it’s a handsewn pillow, a crocheted animal, painted toy, quilt, or any other heartfelt creation, your handmade donation can make a world of difference!
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).