I can't believe 2008 is here - it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the arrival of a new century. I know that 2008 will be an exciting year for our Circle, including expanded community service opportunities and additional financial gifts to Alexandria's most vulnerable families. 

In the next two months, the Gift Committee will finalize our 4th year of gifts, and thanks to your continued and increasing financial contributions, I am anticipating that we might commit as much as another $75,000 to Alexandria not-for-profit organizations this year. That would bring our total to $300,000 invested in Alexandria's families! Our 2008 Gifts will build on what we started just over three years ago - a strategic and thoughtful process that will leave a lasting legacy.
 
This brief update highlights upcoming events that will give you an opportunity to socialize with other members and directly contribute to our Community Service efforts.  I hope to see all of you at one or more of these activities.

2nd Annual partnership with ALIVE!  
Saturday, February 23, 8:30 am-Noon
Cora Kelly Recreation Center

ALIVE!'s Last Saturday Food Distribution (LSFD) program was created to sustain families who have run out of food and food stamps before the end of the month. The Cora Kelly site has experienced a 25% increase in families served since last year.

You can help in three crucial ways:

1. Donate your time on February 23.
2. Donate new or gently used clothing, bedding, kitchen items, and toys to ALIVE! prior to February 23.
3. Make a cash donation to help ALIVE! purchase critical high-protein items such as eggs and peanut butter.
   

Send an email to Hallie Smith to sign up for February 23.

2nd Annual Book Drive with The Campagna Center  
Saturday, April 26, time TBD
The Campagna Center

The Campagna Center serves children ages 5-12 throughout Alexandria with literacy and high quality after-school programs. Our goal is to collect 2,100 new and gently used books to create summer reading packs for 700 Alexandria children in grades 1-5.

You can help in several ways:

1. Become a Book Captain and coordinate the collection of book donations at your schoool, office or neighborhood.
2. Purchase books at discounted retailers.
3. Make a cash donation for the purchase of books.
4. Donate your time on April 26 to sort books into reading packs.
5. Make a cash donation to underwrite the cost of the backpacks.
   

Send an email to Ellen Wayer to sign up to become a Book Captain or to participate on April 26.

I hope to see you at one or more of the events identified above. I know that you will find them fun, interesting, and inspirational.

 

Sincerely,

Holly Sloan
Chair, The Women's Giving Circle of Alexandria