Friday, January 18, 2013

We're Having a Book Drive!



photo from www.booksforamerica.org





Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is holding a book drive to benefit Books for America, a non-profit, self-funded 501(c)(3) organization located in Washington, D.C.

In 2012, Books for America donated 65,655 books and other materials to local schools, community organizations, homeless shelter, prisons and more!
Their mission is "to promote literacy, life-long learning and understanding by distributing donated new and used books of all types and other forms of educational media to organizations serving disadvantaged communities and individuals."

Check out their website, find them on Facebook and visit their Amazon storefront to purchase books!
Don't forget to visit their bookstore in Washington, D.C.!

Stop by the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia office to say hi to our staff and donate your books for a wonderful cause!

 



Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service


photo: nationalservice.gov



Monday, January 21st is Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service! "It's a day on, not a day off!"

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Each year, millions of American take this day to serve their neighbors and communities.  Many communities already have projects organized and welcome you to join.  You can easily find a project in your neighborhood and spend some time on Monday helping to strengthen your community!

If, after volunteering in your community on Monday, you find that you want to continue helping your community email Jessica Sweeney at jsweeney@habitatnova.org for some fun ways to volunteer with Habitat NoVa!

Have fun!

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college degree to serve.  You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Spring Fever!

photo courtesy of GMU Habitat


Think it's too early for Spring fever?  Don't tell that to the GMU Habitat for Humanity campus chapter!  They've been feverishly planning some wonderful events for their Spring semester!  Here are some details about what they will be up to:

January/February
*The GMU Habitat chapter will be holding four interest meetings on campus to engage new members and tell them about Habitat's work!

March
*GMU has two groups participating in the Collegiate Challenge this year; one group will be going to Michigan and the other to Mississippi.  They will have a weekly kiosk on campus and will be holding "percent nights" at local restaurants to raise funds for the trip.
*At the end of March, the GMU Habitat chapter will be participating in Shack-a-Thon, in which they partner with Greek Life to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity NoVa while also collecting food for a local food pantry.  The shacks are built by different campus clubs and remain in the center of campus for three days in order to draw attention to poverty housing.  Check out this cool video highlighting Shack-a-Thon 2009!

May
*Last year, the GMU Habitat chapter organized a Nat Bresler Benefit 5k but will be mixing it up this year and holding a benefit concert!  They are looking into having local bands come and show their skills and are hoping to have a very special guest of honor (stay tuned for details!).

Habitat NoVa would like to thank the GMU Habitat for Humanity campus chapter for all of their wonderful work!  We appreciate you so much!

 Feeling inspired to start a Habitat club in your school?  Contact Jessica Sweeney at jsweeney@habitatnova.org to find out how! 

Friday, January 4, 2013

2013 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

Do you know an outstanding volunteer (or group of volunteers!) who has worked to improve our community?  Nominate them for the 2013 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards!

*Don't forget about the outstanding youth volunteers in our community!*

Volunteers can be nominated by someone or nominate themselves for a Competitive Award or a Benchmark Award.  The general guidelines are as follows:
*Nominations must be received via online application to Volunteer Fairfax
*Nominators must obtain approval from the person or group being nominated prior to submission.
*The nominee must be a resident of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, the City of Herndon, the City of Vienna or the City of Falls Church.
*The volunteer service must benefit the Fairfax County community.
*Nominated volunteers must have provided service during the 2012 calendar year; however, service provided may not include hours served as part of an academic requirement.
*Volunteers may nominate themselves.
*Nominators are subject to verification.
*Staff members compensated by salary or any other compensatory means are not eligible.
*All decisions made by the independent panel of judges are final.  
 
Visit Volunteer Fairfax's website for more information and to nominate a fantastic volunteer today!  Nominations are due February 4, 2013 by 4pm.

Listen to this fun playlist featuring the 2012 Service Songs of the Week compiled by Youth Service America while you fill out your nomination application!