Monthly Archives: March 2025

Easterns Automotive Group Lends a Helping Hand to Food For Others

Community, Uncategorized

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjHaUAJu890

At Easterns Automotive Group, giving back is at the core of who we are. That’s why we’re proud to continue our partnership with 7News DC on their Helping Hands segment—this time to support Food For Others, a Fairfax-based nonprofit that’s been a safety net for thousands of families in Northern Virginia since 1995.

7News’ Kellye Lynn recently visited Food For Others’ 27,000-square-foot warehouse to meet Executive Director Deb Haynes and learn how the organization is addressing the growing need for emergency food in the region.

“Last year we had about 64,000 unique individuals in Fairfax County,” Haynes shared. “We operate as a food bank, a food pantry, and we run a weekend backpack program for school children. Some of our programs have increased by 30% since 2022.”

While emergency food assistance used to be viewed as a short-term solution, the pandemic shifted the landscape.

“We’re seeing a chronic need now,” Haynes explained. “Unemployment is low, but housing costs are extremely high. When families are struggling to pay rent, food becomes the first thing they cut back on.”

After hearing about the incredible reach and impact of Food For Others, we knew we had to step in and support their mission. Through our Helping Hands partnership with 7News, we were honored to present a $1,100 donation to help them continue their critical work.

“I am so happy to tell you that 7News is going to give you a Helping Hand,” said Lynn. “We have this check we want to present to you from Easterns Automotive Group in the amount of $1,100.”

Haynes was thrilled by the surprise gift.

“Thank you so much! This is really exciting. Thank you, and thank you, Easterns Automotive!”

We’re proud to stand beside organizations like Food For Others, who work every day to ensure no family has to go hungry.

To learn more about how you can support their mission, visit foodforothers.org.

Easterns Automotive Group Supports Olney Help in Their Mission to Fight Food Insecurity

Community,

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in uplifting the communities that have supported us for decades. That’s why we were honored to partner with 7News DC for a Helping Hands segment to support Olney Help, a nonprofit that has provided food and financial assistance to local families for more than 50 years.

Recently, 7News’ Kellye Lynn visited Olney Help to see firsthand the dedication of its volunteers, who were busy packing food boxes for families struggling to make ends meet. With rising costs of basic necessities, many of those seeking assistance are doing so for the first time.

“We’re packing non-perishable items for our family clients who are in need of food supplies because they’re short on money, not able to meet their rent or other medical expenses, but are desperately in need of food,” said George Yanisko, a volunteer at Olney Help. “All of this food has arrived because of the community—from churches and scouting groups to individuals—so we don’t have to purchase it.”

Easterns Automotive Group Lends a Helping Hand

Recognizing the tremendous impact Olney Help is making in the community, we wanted to show our support in a meaningful way.

“Because your organization has been making such a tremendous difference since 1969, we wanted to do what we could to assist you,” said Kellye Lynn of 7News. “It’s really a privilege to offer you this check from Easterns Automotive Group in the amount of $1,100.”

Expanding Resources for Families in Need

The need for food assistance has more than doubled in recent years.

“We had 62 families prior to COVID. We are now averaging 128 families per month, so we could use this!” Yanisko shared.

Organizations like Olney Help ensure that families don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their work is made possible by volunteers and generous community donations, and we are proud to contribute to their mission.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are committed to making a difference beyond our dealership doors. If you or someone you know needs assistance, or if you want to support Olney Help, visit their website to learn more.

For more stories on how Easterns is giving back to the community, stay connected with us.

Pay It Forward: Building Bridges Foundation

Community,

At Easterns Automotive Group, community is at the heart of everything we do. Through our ongoing partnership with WTTG Fox 5’s Pay It Forward segment, we have the incredible privilege of shining a light on local organizations making a lasting impact. This month, we had the honor of recognizing Building Bridges Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving female trauma survivors.

Founded in 2008 by Marsha Woodland, Building Bridges Foundation was born out of her own experience as a survivor of domestic violence. After facing unimaginable challenges and struggling to find support, Marsha made a commitment: no survivor should have to navigate the road to safety alone. She built Building Bridges to offer trauma-informed services tailored to the unique and complex needs of women who have experienced domestic, community, or interpersonal violence.

Through their programs, Building Bridges Foundation provides not only resources, but also a sense of community and understanding, ensuring that survivors feel seen, heard, and supported by people who truly understand their journeys.

Marsha and her team are also working to break the cycle of violence before it begins by educating youth about teen dating violence. Through their youth programs, they equip young people with the tools to recognize red flags and warning signs early in relationships. By teaching teens about healthy relationships, they’re empowering the next generation to make safe, informed decisions and understand where to turn for help.

Parents also play a critical role in prevention. Marsha encourages families to pay attention to behavioral shifts in their children — such as losing interest in activities they once loved — as potential signs of isolation or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

Marsha and her team are also working to break the cycle of violence before it begins by educating youth about teen dating violence. Through their youth programs, they equip young people with the tools to recognize red flags and warning signs early in relationships. By teaching teens about healthy relationships, they’re empowering the next generation to make safe, informed decisions and understand where to turn for help

Parents also play a critical role in prevention. Marsha encourages families to pay attention to behavioral shifts in their children — such as losing interest in activities they once loved — as potential signs of isolation or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

At Easterns, we believe in investing in organizations that uplift and empower — and Building Bridges Foundation embodies exactly that. We are proud to stand with them as they continue to create a brighter, safer future for women and youth across the DMV.