On January 17, more than 300 faculty, staff, students and community members celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and took the day “on,” not a day off.  This was the second year NOVA has sponsored this event. This year’s activities included eight service projects across the community. More than 900 hours of volunteer service were provided in one day!

NOVA Serves projects included:

Operation School Supplies
176 volunteers assembled more than 450 school supply kits. The school kits are sent to U.S. troops, who distribute the kits to needy schoolchildren in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Drive to Employment
11 volunteers provided vehicle
repairs for five low-income or unemployed members of the community. Drive to Employment is a Learn and Serve America automotive service learning grant.

CrossLink International
14 volunteers provided an inventory of the pharmacy, as well as organization of the medical supply warehouse.  The medicines and supplies are sent to third world countries.

ReStore, Habitat for Humanity
48 volunteers at two ReStore locations processed donated building materials, organized sales floor and assisted customers. Proceeds from sales go to Habitat for Humanity building projects.

SERVE, Northern Virginia Family
Services – 30 volunteers unloaded 25,000 pounds of donated food and moved it into the Food Distribution Center. The food unloaded was valued at $50,000 and will provide food for SERVE clients for the rest of the winter.

USO
25 volunteers packed more than 3,000 care packages to be distributed to deployed or deploying U.S. troops.

Tails High
Seven volunteers cared for animals at an adoption event. The socialization they provided these animals will make them more adoptable and comfortable in their future homes.