What began as a service project at one NCS Senior Center last year has evolved into a full-scale campaign with several centers, nonprofits, a youth volunteer group, and a business participating. The project began in 2019-20, when Pimmitt Hills Senior Center Assistant Director Kathy Fries saw a need and began collecting hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves to get adults and children through the winter. Pimmitt members crocheted and knitted at the center and at home and donated new items to Cornerstones to distribute to the community. In 2020-21 even more centers are participating, including the Herndon Senior Center and Sandi’s Knitnicks, the Kingstowne Center for Older Adults, Service Source, Lewinsville Senior Center, and Mott Community Center. Also participating are the National Charity League (Virginia Bluebell Chapter), Fairfax County Health Department, and a local business, Pruitt Title LLC. ServiceSource is further supporting this effort by facilitating a virtual class on loom knitting hats (see information below). Herndon Senior Center Director Ruth Junkin said, “Kathy has drummed up enthusiasm and helped all to focus on helping others, which lifts spirits tremendously. Her coordination and advertising of the project has made a substantial increase in the number of children and adults who can be helped this year. I am so pleased Herndon Senior Center members are participating with such pleasure and gusto.” As of this printing, 185 new hats, gloves/mittens and scarves have been collected in the month of January. For February, NCS is adding HomeStretch and Shelter House, which both serve homeless families, as recipients for this project. How to Get Involved Anyone is welcome to donate new purchased or handmade items! Simply leave items in the box in center entry areas no later than these dates: Wednesday, Feb. 3 Kingstowne Center for Older Adults: 6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, VA, 22315 Mott Community Center: 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Lewinsville Senior Center: 1613 Great Falls Street, McLean, VA 22101 Friday, Feb. 5 Herndon Senior Center: 873 Grace St, Herndon, VA 20170 The public is also welcome to join the virtual Zoom class on loom knitting hats: Friday, Jan. 29, 2:30 pm Location: bit.ly/VCAASocialSpace    Meeting ID 901 875 2818; Password 8727

Kristin Roman, Director of Senior Services with ServiceSource, Inc., accepts the 2020 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award during a virtual reception held via Zoom. On Monday, December 14, a virtual reception was held to honor the 2020 recipients of the Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award. Awarded by the Fairfax Area – Disability Services Board, the award recognizes people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area and how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.  This year, ServiceSource, Inc. received the award, largely for their partnership with NCS to create and support the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA). Since its launch, the VCAA has gained national recognition for successfully combatting social isolation by offering a variety of virtual programs to connect and engage older adults and adults with disabilities.  ServiceSource, Inc. was also recognized for their outreach efforts through wellness calls to senior center participants. Callers monitor the welfare of participants and address their needs by connecting them to resources such as grocery delivery, financial assistance for housing, and safe transportation options.  Congratulations to ServiceSource, Inc. for this well-deserved award!