Hi All,

This email is really for Intermediate and Senior divers but I wanted the whole team to be aware as in some cases you can join in. We have been having monthly activities night for the Intermediates and Senior divers. They have been pretty successful. We plan to have a ice skating night out in December. However I have been provided a couple of opportunities that some may want to participate in. 

Wreaths across America will be occurring on December 18 this year. Mason and I have participated in this for the last few years. You have to get up early and make your way to Arlington Cemetery but I assure you it is a tremendous honor and experience to place wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes.

I would like to see if we could get a few cars worth of volunteers together to be part of this event. While they do this at most if not all the National Cemeteries. We are especially blessed to be able to volunteer at Arlington.

Additionally, and this one is a bit more of an ask. December 29th or 30th, we have the opportunity to feed the homeless of Fairfax County. A group called Facets based here in Fairfax County puts together a van full of food. They have regular stops in Fairfax County where the homeless meet them. We would follow the van and help pass out the food to the homeless.

Danielle and I did this a couple of weeks ago as a trial run. It takes from 6-8 volunteers to pass out the food but there is other ways to help. The driver that night told us that many of the homeless like plain peanut butter sandwiches because the meals they pass out are good but go bad after a day or two. The peanut butter sandwiches stay good for a longer period of time.

I am thinking we could have people both pass out food and others prepare peanut butter sandwiches to go with the food that will come with the van. If you pass out the food you will need to wear masks and gloves as we are uncertain of the vaccine status of those we are assisting. Additionally, they sometimes need socks, belts, shoes and coats. If you have any extra, you could bring them in the car and pass out if the opportunity arises. 

I know these dates are very near the holidays but if you can assist, that would be great to help those most in need during this time of year. 

That's it, I will send a date for the skating, likely December 18 (same as wreath laying) part one in the morning - part 2 in the evening. 

Thanks for your consideration, I need to get back to Facets fairly quickly so if those who want to volunteer could let me know as soon as possible, I would appreciate it. As far as kids, while a grown up should be present middle schoolers and above are fine to pass out the food. (The night we did it, a young lady from Rocky Run was helping.)

Thanks,

Joel

Joel