Arlington County Firefighters filled backpacks for Drew Elementary school children and presented them at the Green Valley Back to School Rally on Saturday, Aug. 26.
The Green Valley Civic Association hosted community partners at their Back to School Rally. Partners included Firefighters from Arlington County Fire Department who provided and stuffed backpacks, then escorted children to select the backpack of their choice. Apple Federal Credit Union, CYEP, and WIllie Bailey, retired firefighter, were responsible for bringing this resource to Green Valley. Other partners included Arm & Arm who did Narcan training for high school students and parents.
Parents completed a needs survey for CARE, Inc. and Arm & Arm services. Partner Apple Federal Credit Union supported the event and provided all who received backpacks with a chance to get a matching $50 for opening a savings account. On hand was a black panther and Ember the rescue dog of K-9 Angel's. Vendors shared programs for mentoring, tutoring and after school enrichment. Arlington Independent Media shared videos of Green Valley residents and Lomax A.M.E. Zion provided the children with books. Backpacks were given to 130 children that attended the event on Saturday at the Charles R. Drew Elementary School.
Portia A. Clark
CARE, Inc. & GVCA.