In recognition of national day of service on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday, Jan. 19, area groups have rallied behind President-elect Barack Obama’s initiative and stepped up efforts to raise hope and wellbeing among Falls Church’s less fortunate.
Like thousands of groups across the nation, Sara Fitzgerald and other Falls Church residents have organized a multi-day food drive to benefit local non-profit food bank, Food For Others, which is located at 2938 Prosperity Drive in the Merrifield neighborhood. Various locations around the city will serve as depots for donations throughout the coming week, culminating in a major push on Jan. 19.
“Originally, Martin Luther King, Kr. Day was a day designated for community service,” Fitzgerald said in a press release Monday. “Amid all the excitement surrounding the Inauguration, many of us felt it was important to take time to renew our commitment to trying to help our neighbors. But we also recognize that it’s important to remain engaged all year long, not just on a single day.”
Fitzgerald added that many of the people involved in the food drive worked in the Falls Church Obama office during the 2008 Presidential campaign.
On Monday the group plans to set up additional food donation locations at two other Falls Church locations: 324 Little Falls St. and in the Giant Food grocery market in Loehmann’s Plaza, 7235 Arlington Blvd.
People interested in volunteering on Monday to gather food donations from neighbors can stop by the Little Falls St. house location for more information and instruction. All Monday operations are from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The City of Falls Church is working in conjunction with volunteer efforts on Jan. 19, as well, and highlighting opportunities for city and area citizens to pitch in the operation. Activities include an Anti-Bully Legislative Kick-off from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with various activities aimed at fighting violence and bullying, sponsored by The Arc of Northern Virginia, which is recruiting volunteers for the event.
Other ongoing events are promoting their operations on the national service day. Their contact information is available through the Housing and Human Services Department at 703-248-5005.
