Black History Month, Strides Fitness Challenge, Gala Save the Date, Support Partners, Volunteer Spotlight, Top Needs |
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Monthly Newsletter of Northern Virginia Family Service |
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Black History is American History
February is Black History Month. Consider these ways to honor Black history now, and all year long.
1. Visit a museum dedicated to Black or African American history: If you can't make it into DC to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, they also have an extensive online collection.
2. Learn about Black music history: The Black Music History Library is a living collection of media about the Black origins of traditional and popular music from the 18th century to today.
3. Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants: Check out Support Black Owned to find everything from a dentist to a restaurant. Also, did you know that Uber Eats and Door Dash have options to search for "Black owned" nearby restaurants you can support?
4. Attend Black History month events: There are a variety of all-ages events around the DC metro area. You can also participate in an array of virtual events from around the country and the Smithsonian (the Bakers Against Racism event looks particularly interesting and unique).
5. Watch Black History documentaries and movies: Experience the stories of Black life in America - this month, and year round - with plenty of excellent film options. Check out this list from AARP or this one from Essence.
6. Read books by Black authors for you and your children: There are many great books to read throughout Black History month and beyond. Check out some recommended children's books from the African American Literature Book Club. You can also find recommendations from past Ted Talk speakers on this list of books.
For additional resources or ways to honor Black History Month visit the cnet article.
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Join the Virtual Fitness Challenge!
Registration for the second annual Strides for Stronger Families in support of SERVE kicks off on February 23rd.
The challenge runs from March 23rd - April 1st. During this 10-day virtual event you'll log the minutes of your fitness activities. The best part? This year there's no maximum team size! That means you can invite your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors near and far to particpate and fundraise for our community!
So, get your team together and tie on those sneakers, inflate those bike tires, find the swim goggles, or roll out that yoga mat and join us in making strides to build a stronger Greater Prince William community, together.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Driving to Alleviate Hunger in Our Community
As a Hunger Resource Center (HRC) Food Recovery Driver, Kevin picks up and unloads nearly 4,250 pounds of food - enough food to feed 85 people - in a single shift. Kevin, along with other HRC Driver Volunteers, ensure that families and individuals in Greater Prince William have the nutritious food they need for health, wellbeing, and to sustain them on their journey to self-sufficiency.
Food Recovery Drivers are some of our unseen volunteers. Most come once per week to drive a box truck or cargo van to local grocery stores and restaurants collecting food donated by businesses that would otherwise go to waste. This volunteer position is vital to the wellbeing of our community. There are places in Greater Prince William where 1 in 10 people don't have enough to eat, with 1 in 3 being children. Donors who bring food during the week, participate in our events or donate online, and the volunteers who do everything from recovering food to packing and distributing it, helps ensure that our neighbors' most basic needs are met so they can continue on their journey to thriving.
When asked, Kevin shares two reasons that he volunteers his time and labor. "Once, when I was younger, I was staying in a nice hotel for business and was having breakfast right next to a window. Outside there was a homeless man lying on a grate, just trying to stay warm. It just struck me, why am I in here in luxury, and he's out there? It made me want to do something to help." The other reason Kevin shared is his faith, which tells us to "...help others in need and love your neighbor."
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Food Recovery Driver, email Navara at [email protected].
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Top Needs
VOLUNTEERS
Urgent needs include: Food Recovery Driver and Shelter Kitchen Assistant.
For more details and additional volunteer opportunities visit our website.
DONATIONS
Throughout the year, NVFS depends on donations to meet the needs of our clients. Specific donation needs at this time include:
- General needs: NEW bed pillows, NEW washcloths
- Children's items: NEW underwear for girls (toddler to 10 years,) gender neutral Pullups, diaper rash cream
- Toiletries (full size): lotion, moisturizing body wash, conditioner, feminine hygiene products
- Please donate gently used smaller furniture pieces to NVFS' Clock Tower Thrift Shop.
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10455 White Granite Dr., Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124
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