CRC CARES Donates Hundreds of Cans to AFAC
To provide some holiday spirit to others, members of CRC CARES in the CRC Arlington office participated in the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)’s annual holiday food drive.
From November 12 to December 12, large boxes were set up in each of the office’s kitchens to collect the heart-healthy items most needed by AFAC, including low sodium canned soup, tuna, and vegetables, tomato products, cereal, all-purpose flour, and cooking oil. Members walked to grocery stores on their lunch breaks to stock up on these items together, and the food drive was further promoted at the annual Thanksgiving office luncheon.
AFAC currently distributes over 80,000 pounds of food to nearly 2,200 families each week. Forty percent of the food AFAC distributes is donated by individuals and organizations like CRC CARES who are committed to the cause.
For over 25 years, AFAC has been the community leader in providing and promoting dignified access to nutritious food for all Arlingtonians in need. AFAC remains dedicated to its simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington, Virginia who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs.
CRC CARES Members Grow Mustaches to Raise Awareness about Men’s Health Issues
Back by popular demand, CRC CARES members across multiple offices participated in Movember. Organized by the Movember Foundation, nearly 15 of our own grew mustaches during the month of November to change the face of men’s health.
When asked about their mustaches, CRC CARES members were given a platform to talk about some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health, and physical inactivity.
In order to participate in Movember, men and women alike were invited to sign up on the CRC CARES Movember page and create individual profiles. Participants utilized this space to share their reasons for partaking in Movember and feature photos of themselves or loved ones affected by men’s health issues. Individual profiles were also shareable, allowing participants to easily raise awareness and money for the cause.
Although the Movember Foundation is most closely associated with the month of November , the organization works hard year-long to ensure men live happier, healthier, and longer lives. With CRC CARES and many other dedicated participants, they have raised $650 million since 2003 to fund over 1,000 projects dedicated to this mission.
CRC CARES Participates in NVFS's Operation Turkey Drive
Embodying the Thanksgiving spirit, CRC CARES members at the Mid-Atlantic offices of CBG Building Company participated in the annual Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) Operation Turkey food drive.
CRC CARES members banded together to provide Thanksgiving meals to families who would otherwise not have food for the occasion. Donation items included canned vegetables and fruit, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, cornbread/muffin mix, soup, boxed desserts, and more.
An average of $50 completes a holiday meal for a family of four, according to NVFS. CRC CARES was able to collect over $1200 in canned food, thus providing meals for at least 24 families.
NVFS is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping more than 34,000 individuals and families find new paths to self-reliance and brighter futures every year. NVFS is an innovator of efficient and comprehensive service methods, and has been recognized nationally for its effectiveness in creating sustained financial and social independence for its clients.
Operation Turkey Drive is an annual program from NVFS which provides Thanksgiving meals to more than 800 families in the Greater Prince William area. NVFS also runs food drives throughout the year to benefit their Hunger Resource Center at SERVE, their Manassas campus which includes a Family Shelter and food pantry.