Virtual School Supply Drive + Fall Fundraising Efforts

Today I want to reach out to our dear Alexandria Stylebook readers for your help. There are three causes close to our Penny Post and Red Barn Mercantile hearts that could really use your support. So, I’m asking you to donate your dollars to and spread the word about three very worthy initiatives.For the last few years we have participated in the Alexandria City Public Schools school supply drive. I love school supply shopping and believe having the right tools sets our kids up for a successful school year. Obviously, school looks very different this year, so ACPS is pivoting to meet the needs of Alexandria’s students. This year, they are hosting a Virtual School Supply Drive and are asking for financial donations for Virtual + Basic Supply Kits that include earphones, pencils, whiteboards, crayons, etc., technology access that supplies mobile Wi-Fi devices and pays for data plans, and individual teacher grants for things like books and science project supplies. We can’t send the kids off with cute new backpacks and lunchboxes, but we can make sure they have the tools they need to succeed this year.  I want to thank everyone who helped our Eagle Scout friend raise books for Alexandria Tutoring Consortium. The drive was so successful that 90 kindergarten and first graders received enough recreational books to keep them reading throughout the summer. I talked to their Executive Director and my friend, Lisa Jacobs, and she told me how ecstatic the kids were when they got the books and how proud their parents were to report that their child’s reading level increased. As you can imagine, ATC is having to recreate their Book Buddies program virtually this year. They are doing a masterful job of it but need our help. Right now, they are raising money to provide leveled readers for a whole new set of kids. We all know that early childhood education sets a kid up for success for life, so I hope you will consider a financial donation.  Finally, I wanted to invite you all to the ACT for Alexandria Fall Salud, a virtual celebration of the collective accomplishments this year in support of Alexandria. During the pandemic ACT stepped up and made a huge difference. They quickly moved Spring2ACTion up several weeks and exceeded their initial fundraising goals, they took their Racial Equity Learning Series virtual in order to continue this important work, and they worked with the City of Alexandria to raise more than $1 million in grant money that subsequently was awarded to more than 80 nonprofit organizations providing emergency relief to support those impacted by COVID-19. ACT has played a critical role in helping our community during this pandemic and they need your support. I hope you will join me virtually as we celebrate all the work ACT does for Alexandria. This year’s event will be held online September 23, 7pm - 8pm, and you can buy your tickets or make your donation here. See you online!  Thank you for your consideration for these three incredible causes. I’m so grateful to live in a city that gives as much as Alexandria does!