Arlington Rotary Club members give winter coats to children enrolled in Homestretch. Photo Contributed
More than 75 children enrolled at Homestretch were all smiles last week as members of the Arlington Rotary Club distributed new winter coats in the perfect size, color, or that featured their favorite character.
"Ninja turtles?" said one parent as she picked up a coat featuring the cartoon characters. "My son is going to be so happy when he sees this. You just made his life."
“As many parents here tonight have expressed, Homestretch, too, is grateful for the generosity of the Arlington Rotary Club,” said Christopher Fay, executive director of Homestretch. “Children now have something new to call their own, and more importantly, a means to stay warm as the temperature continues to drop.”
Homestretch is a Northern Virginia-nonprofit that empowers homeless families with children to move from crisis to long-term stability and financial independence. It makes an investment in its clients, through a two-year comprehensive, individualized program. These parents work to improve their lives and build a future for their children, and ultimately graduate with a job, an affordable home, no debt, and savings in the bank.
The donation of the coats was made possible by a grant from Rotary International, which was matched with proceeds from Arlington Rotary’s first-annual Wine Helps! event, held in September.
"Funds raised from Wine Helps! are a gift that keep on giving," said Shannon Prendergast, president of Arlington Rotary. "The smiles on all of these children's faces were made possible because of the support we receive from the community. And that is something that should make everyone feel a little bit warmer this winter."
The Arlington Rotary Club was founded in July, 1929. The club meets every Thursdayat The Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington for lunch, fellowship, and an engaging speaker or program. It also meets the first and third Thursdays for happy hour at the Front Page in Arlington. To learn more, http://www.arlingtonrotaryclub.org.