Volunteers pose for a group photo at the Firefighters and Friends backpack distribution Aug. 19 at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Hundreds of families turned out Aug. 19 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center as the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority and Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue partnered to distribute 800 backpacks to local children as they prepared to head back to school.
“We gave away nearly 800 backpacks with school supplies this year,” said event organizer Willie Bailey. “We distributed the backpacks at several locations, including Charles Houston Recreation Center and William Ramsay Elementary School. The nonprofit InspireLit gave away over 1,000 books to children that attended the event.”
Hilco Redevelopment Partners representatives Amelia Alcivar, EVP of Corporate Affairs, Siobhan Steen, Director of Development, and Michelle Chang, VP of Development, volunteer at the Firefighters and Friends backpack distribution Aug. 19 at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Lines formed prior to the start of the event, with Bailey estimating between 600-700 people coming through the doors of the rec center. Hundreds more lined up outside William Ramsey.
“ARHA is grateful for this continued partnership that equips our youth with the backpacks and supplies they need,” said Gaynelle Diaz of ARHA. “It not only helps the parents but also sets the students up for a successful school year.”
Michael Johnson of the Alexandria Department of Recreation and Cultural Activities has been a part of the event since its inception several years ago.
“The partnership between the Department of Recreation Parks & Cultural Activities along with ARHA and Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue is one that over the years has provided not only material support to families but also helps them with the everyday needs including food and clothing, just everyday human needs,” Johnson said.
Hilco Redevelopment Partners, developers of the Potomac River Generating Station Power Plant in North Old Town, was a key sponsor of the event and had volunteers on hand to assist with the distribution of backpacks and school supplies.
“At HRP, we believe that building inclusive, sustainable communities is about more than developing physical buildings; it’s about being engaged partners and good neighbors,” said Amelia Chassé Alcivar, spokesperson for Hilco Redevelopment Partners. “We are proud to partner with great organizations like ARHA and Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue to ensure that all Alexandrians benefit from the economic growth this project will create.”
In addition to Hilco Redevelopment Partners, sponsors for the event include: InspireLit (Books); Apple Federal Credit Union; Nationwide Credit Corporation; Promax Realtors; Duncan Blair Family; Alexandria Department of Recreation and Cultural Activities; Department of Human Services; Planning and Zoning; Capital Youth Empowerment Program; Communications and Public Information; Psi-Nu Omega Psi Phi / Alexandria Chapter; and Alexandria Police, Fire, and Sheriff’s office personnel.
“Our sponsors were phenomenal,” Bailey said. “Several families did not hesitate to mention that without our support today their children would not have what they need to start the school year off right.”
Bailey, a member of the ACPS School board and recently retired Deputy Chief with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, is a lifelong resident of Del Ray and begins his planning for the backpack drive months in advance.
“I am very grateful and proud of the work we do as a team,” Bailey said. “We collaborate to help improve the lives of others from all walks of life. It takes a village and the village showed up today.”
To learn more or to donate, visit www.ffandfriends2therescue.org.