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Executive Director's Update
During the month of April, we provided a Spring Break School's Out Food Distribution to ensure school-age kids on the school break had groceries for breakfast and lunch all week long. Nearly 300 families, with 470 kids, picked up the supplemental Spring Break groceries on Saturday April 12th during the drive-thru distribution, or early the following week. Groceries included cereal, milk, eggs, fresh fruit, juice, breakfast bars, fruit cups, tuna, crackers, and mac n cheese. We are grateful to Amazon for a grant for the eggs, and to the congregation and organization partners who provided funding for this distribution!
As the needs in western Fairfax County remain elevated, I am thankful for the partnership and support of many organizations and households that have enabled WFCM to serve 1,300 families (more than 4,000 people) so far this fiscal year in our food markets and or by providing financial assistance with rent and utilities.
One of these families includes Emad. When Emad became too sick to work, his wife became the sole financial support of their family of five. With your support, WFCM ensured they didn’t lose power or water. Emad shared, “I was sick and not able to work and WFCM was very helpful to me and my family by helping with our utilities and providing food. Thank you.”
It takes many partners working together to serve families in our community in need of assistance. During the month of April, Wegmans Chantilly donated $5,000 for our Centreville Free Food Market operations and an additional $5,000 in gift cards to stock our shelves!
In addition to partners, it takes many hands to serve hundreds of families each month. During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, WFCM staff members, led by our Food Market & Volunteer Services Manager, recognized the service of the 110+ volunteers who serve weekly at WFCM picking up grocery store donations, stocking shelves, and bagging groceries during day and evening shifts Monday - Friday (and one Saturday each month). These volunteers served for 11,400 hours in calendar year 2024; and 42 volunteers who served for more than 100 hours each were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. Four volunteers served for more than 250 hours each and earned the Silver PVSA. Thank you to each of these dedicated individuals!
With the support of these volunteers, and the many caring businesses, congregations, and families in our community, we will continue to meet the needs of families in western Fairfax County.
Thank you.
God bless,
Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director
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