Entertaining Young Minds and Families
Thank you, Minnieland, for engaging little minds in community engagement! The junior kindergarten class of Minnieland Academy at Braemar spent part of its summer learning about the community, its needs and how they can help. The class conducted a school supply drive for NVFS and scheduled a field trip to tour the SERVE Campus in Manassas to deliver the donations and learn other ways SERVE helps their neighbors in need. They had lots to say and enjoyed seeing how big the freezers are in our Hunger Resource Center. They are proof that anyone, no matter how small, can have an impact in the community.
Thank you, Teresa and Joel Kaplan, for continuing to spread the love of reading to children at our family shelters in July. Joel read several books to the children at the SERVE Family Shelter during summer camp and came to the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center for an evening storytime before dinner. Teresa and Joel also brought new books for the children to choose from to read on their own, and a goodie bag with fun activities like coloring books, bubbles, a Spirograph and a notebook so the children can use their creativity.
Thank you, Eileen Moore with Abrakadoodle, for conducting a fun art project for children at the SERVE Family Shelter. The children learned about using bold colors and inspiration from nature to create a waterfall painting based on Joe Van Wetering and “The Great Waterfall.”
Thank you, Iron Bow, for planning an adorable activity for Head Start students to enjoy a reading of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, and make their own butterfly and caterpillar crafts.
Thank you, Bach 2 Rock, for returning again this year to Camp Discovery at the SERVE Family Shelter. Children enjoyed an instrument “petting zoo” for them to touch and play with, and were also introduced them to several musical concepts, including rhythm.
Thank you, CapTech, for hosting a field day for our little learners at our Head Start Center. Activities included egg races (with plastic eggs), limbo, Simon Says, pass-the-sponge races, and more!
Thank you, Hawanya Turner and the Parties 2 Inspire crew, for hosting a retro party at the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center! Shelter guests enjoyed fun for the whole family including games, prizes, dancing, science and favors.
Keeping Us Organized
Thank you, Lisa — a first-time volunteer — for your organization assistance in SERVE Family Shelter storage areas organized. Lisa helped discover new ways to organize donations to most effectively distribute needed items to shelter guests. As part of this effort, Lisa helped put together several welcome-home baskets for families transitioning to housing.
Thank you, SAP Concur Technologies, Hyatt Regency Tyson’s Corner and the George Mason University men’s basketball team, for providing team members to organize and sort donations at the Clock Tower Falls Church Thrift Shop!