We want to support our families & community during the COVID-19 crisis.

News of how our county residents are becoming more and more food insecure due to the COVID-19 crisis has surely reached your ears by now. Many of you have asked how we are assisting with this. The ACMPTA has come up with ideas that we hope will help our community.

What the PTA is doing:

· Communication: There are resources available but many families may be aware of them. The PTA will mail home to every family an information sheet listing available resources for food, rent assistance, mental health needs and more. This will be sent to families in English & their native language.

· Funding: The PTA will introduce a motion to add a budget line item of $5000 that, if approved, would allow us to purchase food and grocery store gift cards for families in need.

· Fundraising: The PTA has teamed up with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) to host an online fundraiser. Look for more information below on how to make a tax deductible donation.

We are working on other efforts to help and, as we make headway, we will be sure to inform you.

What you can do to help:

• We ask you for donations of grocery store gift cards. If you are willing to purchase and donate gift cards to the cause, please e-mail Kia Haynes at kia.stevensonhaynes@apsva.us for details how to do so.

• Support the local food kitchen. The ACMPTA is hosting an online fundraiser for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). AFAC is the largest food distribution site in the county and services thousands. Your donation goes directly to AFAC, not to the PTA. Click the link to donate and please share! https://afac.org/campaign/montessori-afac/

• Pack a bag of groceries for OLQP. If you are able, pack a bag of groceries and deliver to the church Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) the second largest food distribution site in the county. They serve everyone regardless of religious affiliation, with no registration or documentation needed. There are several places you can drop off your bags of food:

o Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (2700 S 19th Street) DROP OFF MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLY! There will be a bin outside at the back of Father Ray Hall from 10am until 1pm Monday thru Friday. It will be under the overhead near the back door. On Monday’s, two bins will be out in front of the handicap parking spots.

o Claremont/Wakefield Area: 4804 23rd Street South, 22206 (House is white, not pink.)

o Arlington Forest: 611 N Edison Street, 22203

o Clarendon: 2409 3rd St N, 22201 (Green house with red windows)

o EFC Metro Area: 6239 23rd St N, 22205

o EFC Metro Area: 1802 N. Underwood St., 22205

o Penrose: 723 S Adams Street, 22204

o South Fairlington: 4670 34th ST S, 22206

o Westover: 1805 N Kentucky St, 22205

o Donaldson Run/Taylor: 2400 N Taylor Street, 22207

o Williamsburg Village: 3600 N Potomac St., 22213

o Alcova Heights: 805 S. Quincy St, 22204

o Glencarlyn: 5716 5th St S, 22204

o Tara-Leeway/Waycroft: 5200 16th St. N., 22205

o Cherrydale: 2000 N Monroe St, 22207

o Arlington Forest: 162 North Columbus Street, 22203

o Williamsburg: 6206 29th Street, North

All items should be in unopened packages, non-perishable and not expired. Food suggestions are rice, beans (dried or canned), canned vegetables, fruit cups or cans, tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, cereals (low sugar), peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, crackers.

If you prefer to make a monetary donation to OLQP instead: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA271/12857

Through the combination of all these efforts, we can make a difference and support each other through these tumultuous times. Thank you for your support!

-The Arlington County Montessori PTA Executive Board