Reston Interfaith partnered with community schools to make an impact through Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless program. More than 3,500 students took steps to end homelessness through events in their schools including homelessness educational activities and walks.
An astonishing 900 students from Herndon High School walked during their P.E. classes and in an after school event. Dave Petruzzi, Marketing Department Chair, did a great job organizing this effort. Thank you to Herndon High Principal William Bates and South Lakes High Principal Kimberly Retzer for their support in engaging students in a friendly Help the Homeless participation competition this year.
Fox Mill Elementary hosted their 6th Annual Walk for the Homeless with the theme “Unmasking Homelessness.” Coinciding with Halloween, students made masks, learned about the realities of homelessness, and walked around the school in an afterschool event that raised $5,438. Thank you to Principal Mie Devers and parent volunteer, Bernie Boyle, the Fox Mill PTA and parents for making it possible. The Fox Mill Elementary community has raised over $43,000 for the Help the Homeless program since 2005.
The Dogwood Elementary committee composed of teachers, school counselors and 6th grade student leaders in their first year taking part in the program successfully registered 643 students (80 percent) of their school.
Our sincere appreciation to all school groups that helped us reach our 4,000 participant goal including: Aldrin Elementary, Herndon Elementary, Hutchison Elementary, Lake Anne Elementary, Laurel Learning Center, Nysmith School, South Lakes High School and the following SACC programs: Crossfield, Dranesville, Forestville, Great Falls, Hunters Woods, Oak Hill, and Sunrise Valley.
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