Random Acts of Kindness
               "There's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."  Scott Adams

Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/kindness-quotes


Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/kindness-quotes

American Heritage Girls from St. Michael's School on Ravensworth Road, AnnandaleIn the midst of this pandemic when much of the news is tragic, there are uplifting stories still unwritten.  Here in Annandale a plea went out for practical aid needed by some of our most vulnerable population, the elderly. 

Eager to answer the Chamber’s call, the American Heritage Girls Troop 0894 from St. Michael’s Parish set a work project in motion to produce scores of face masks.  But, they did not stop there.  Many girls drew pictures for the residents, some drew several, putting their hearts into their work, truly wanting to spread some cheer. 

The joy of community contribution was then ignited when they turned their efforts toward those food deprived and delivered 209 pounds of food to the ACCA Pantry. 

The Scouts created their own flyers which were sent to troop families and posted on Nextdoor in their local neighborhood. Many responded with generous donations.

After months of seeing each other only through virtual means, the two days that some of the girls met up to deliver masks to the elderly and food to ACCA were rewarding; to chat (safely)  to catch-up, and to come together to finish these work projects for their community. 

The girls really enjoyed doing the various aspects of each project, but most importantly they worked with such concern, empathy, and joy at being able to assist with the needs of the seniors and needy in their community. Though restricted by Covid-19 parameters, these girls accomplished their work through online meetings, conference calls and document sharing, curb-side pickups and social distancing. 

Troop Leader, Jermaine Perkins remarked that, “This has been a wonderful teaching experience to contribute to such necessary efforts right within our own community and especially to give back to our seniors.”

This cheerful band of committed souls  had some amazing seamstresses volunteer to help sew masks from materials these scouts prepared. Thanks go out to a couple mother-daughter teams and neighbors for their kindness and efforts: Connie P., Monica C., Kristin and Katelyn G., and Jermaine and Jade P. and to Troop Leaders Jermaine Perkins and Suzanne Bernescut. 

The Chamber offers all involved our heartfelt gratitude for their outstanding contribution to the Annandale Community and for showing that Margaret Mead was correct when she said:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”


Scouts - Parents - Civic Groups
Answer the call to help our community in this time of great need.

Cub Scout Pack 1229 at the Annandale ParadeMore volunteers organized by Liz Greer, known to many budding citizens as Troop Leader for the Girl Scout Service Unit 55-2 made masks to benefit Annandale’s elder population.  Greer exemplifies leadership with her amazing organizational skills joined with a strong sense of community commitment.  In rapid response she coordinated volunteers within her neighborhood including those of another Girl Scout Leader, Carla Bowers, to produce scores of face masks. 

A large trove of individual Activity Kits, puzzles, Art supplies, cards, Word Search & Brain Teaser books along with novels were also donated to the Elder Shut-In Residents of Annandale by the Chamber of Commerce.  If anyone wishes to contribute, it is easy to order on Amazon and have them directly shipped to any Elder Center of your choice. These activity kits are especially needed now since no sharing of these items is possible.

Not to leave out the Cup Scouts,  Olivia Devereux and Cub Scout Pack 1229 from Congressional School took to the sewing machine and produced beautifully lined and washable masks  with some fabrics suitable for men and others for women.  They will make wearing a mask a fashion statement.  This is a very community oriented Pack who volunteer each year to help clean up the parade staging grounds following the parade. 

More News:  For the general community Northern Virginia Community College is offering free entry level courses to high school students this summer and free web classes for anyone's workforce development.  

The Annandale Chamber of Commerce congratulates these local citizens and numerous chamber members for making deliveries for the local food pantry, contributing to elderly activity kits, providing free meals to our first responders and local hospital workers, and for performing so many other acts of kindness.  These are but some of the reasons Annandale has endured, even thrived since 1685

Community Call-Out

The DAR:  Passionate about Community Service

DAR at the Annandale ParadeA local Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is based in Annandale, Virginia. Chartered in 1958 this chapter is one among 3000 based not only in the United States but across the globe including countries such as Italy, Australia, and Mexico. 

The DAR is headquartered at 1776 D Street, Washington, DC and is a service organization. Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.

The Annandale chapter of the DAR focuses on the mission of the overall society that is 1) Historic Preservation: restoring/maintaining historical sites, preserving genealogical records, artifacts, 2) Education:  passionate about educating the youth of America and 3) Patriotism: projects that recognize and support our active military and U.S. Veterans.

Here in Annandale they are involved with a variety of projects such as:  Historic Preservation of local cemeteries, Support of Crossnore Children School (children in crisis), Support of Final Salute (homeless veteran women), Service for Veterans, Conservation, Commemorative Events, National Defense, Women’s Issues, American Indians, and Honoring the US Flag. The service projects for this chapter reach both far and wide.

During this past year, they have raised $3,900 to fund and host a DAR Day of Service and to purchase the supplies needed to package 10,152 meals.  Seventy volunteers gathered at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale to assemble the meals which were given to Rise Against Hunger then shipped to Somalia.  Somalia has done much to recover from the bitter civil wars which followed the collapse of its government in the early 1990’s.  But the threat of violence remains high, and Somalia’s humanitarian crisis is one of the longest-running and most complex emergencies in Africa. 

Additionally, through the generous donations of the their members, this chapter raised $2500 for Crossnore School based in the Blue Ridge mountains of NC.  Crossnore is a school and home for children in crisis.  The staff and children of the Crossnore School experienced additional needs during the recent pandemic.  The funds donated were utilized for educational, entertainment, and therapeutic opportunities.

And closer to home, they answered a call from the Annandale Chamber of Commerce when the residents of Annandale’s elder centers needed a significant donation of face masks and activity kits.  During the initial phase of the pandemic, disposable masks were in short supply and activities could not be shared between residents who were directed to isolate.  Close to 200 homemade cloth masks were donated along with puzzles, art supplies, playing cards, maze and word game books and other fun activities.

These ladies embrace the mission of the DAR and have enjoyed participating in the Annandale Fall Parade.  Last year, 1000 flags were distributed along the parade route and it was clear that our diverse community of residents celebrate the waving of the Stars and Stripes together.

If you want more information about our chapter and the DAR, please contact the organization by email at  henryclay1958@gmail.com

 

Annandale American Heritage Girls Good Deeds

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