Gray skies and intermittent rain did not deter Garfield Elementary students from walking around the school field all-day Friday, as part of the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless. During their physical education and music classes, students participated in the walk, carrying signs and showing their enthusiasm for a good deed done.

A number of schools around the area took part in the Oct. 30 Walk for the Homeless, which is sponsored by Fannie Mae. Garfield was partnered with local nonprofit Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia, Inc., which provided T-shirts for all of Garfield’s students. In return, Friday’s walk helped the organization fulfill a youth activity requirement that Fannie Mae asks participating nonprofits to meet. Fannie Mae will then donate money to HCSNV for its programs to aid families or individuals who face homelessness.

“Garfield has been our partner for at least five years,” said Irma Garcia, HCSNV executive director.

The walk is also an opportunity for elementary students to learn about the plight of the homeless. Garfield students made posters to carry with them during the walk. After they were done walking, the students wrote poems and essays about the experience and what they had learned.