Category Archives: Community

Pay It Forward – Helping Fight Food Insecurity Amid The Pandemic

Community,

 

There is so much uncertainty in the world due to the long-lasting effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.? Millions of families have been affected by job loss and are struggling to make it and put food on the table.? Local food banks and pantries have stepped up to help provide as much food as possible.? However, they have seen a decline in donations making it hard to serve all of the families in need.

St. Anne?s Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland stepped up to the plate when the pandemic first hit in March to assist families.? They have been able to feed numerous families with the help of their neighbors and the donations received from local organizations like Manna.? In the beginning, they were only thinking this would be a short term thing.? Nobody had a clue that the pandemic would last nearly a year and only get worse as the months went on.

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group got wind of the amazing work that St. Anne?s Episcopal Church was doing in the community and decided to pay them a visit.? Marrisa Mitchell, the new host of Good Day DC was able to chat with Cindy Lippet, a volunteer for St. Anne?s that has been helping out with the fox boxes.? She let everyone know that they are always in need of food and donations to keep their operation going.? It was then that Joel Bassam joined their zoom call to announce that he would Pay It Forward on behalf of Easterns. Bassam donated $2,000 to help them purchase fresh meat and produce.? This money will go a long way on their journey to help feed as many families as possible.? If you would like to learn more about St. Anne?s Episcopal Church ? find donation times or volunteer information, click here.

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized,?Click here?to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/0R-8ImGy7Ow

 

Get Up Give Back – Desks by Dads

Community,

 

COVID-19 is continuing to provide its fair share of challenges.? One of these is virtual learning also called distance learning for children in school.? Kids have had to adjust to everyday life as they know it and now learn from the comfort of their own homes.? Unfortunately, not all children have the same resources that make it easy to attend virtual schooling.

Two parents named Jess and Al Berrellez of Gaithersburg, Maryland took it upon themselves to create a nonprofit organization called Desks by Dads.? It was created to help children of low-income families.? They collect and build free desks to donate them to students in the community.??Children deserve to have dedicated, effective, and comfortable workstations to support virtual learning.? Having a proper work environment plays a huge role in a student’s overall success.

Throughout the pandemic, the Berrellez couple has been hard at work donating the desks that they have built and collected to nearby schools.? To date, over 37 desks have been given to the students that need them the most.? They have gone above and beyond to show the community that they care during this troubled time.

Reese Waters of WUSA 9’s Get Up DC was able to chat with Jess Berrellez on Zoom to discuss the Desks by Dads movement.? It was then when he informed her that she was being featured on their Get Up Give Back segment that is sponsored by Easterns Automotive Group.? He proceeded to surprise her with a donation for $1,000 on behalf of Easterns to continue carrying out their mission by building more desks.? Desks by Dads is currently accepting volunteers as well as donations.? If you want to learn more about Desks by Dads and how you can get involved, please click here.

 

Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 are always here to help. If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that is worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact at @ReeseWaters on social media. #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

Youtube Link ? https://youtu.be/5aCxGn6DeNQ

Helping Hands – Cheverly Emergency Response Team

Community,

 

The COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of it have continued long beyond what was originally anticipated. It is truly taken a toll on families not only in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region but all across the nation. Many families are struggling right now due to job loss and unemployment leaving many in need of basic necessities like food. Maverly Nettles of Cheverly, Maryland is the head of the Cheverly Emergency Response Team (CERT) is set out to change this and help those in need.

The mission of CERT is to provide critical support to the town of Cheverly and assist residents during an emergency. They specialize in providing members with on-going training in disaster response, emergency preparedness, leadership, and organizational skills. They also educate residents in Cheverly about emergency preparedness and support the Cheverly Police Department in the event of a disaster.

Nettles has been responsible for coordinating bi-weekly food drives at Cheverly United Methodist Church to provide meals for those affected by the pandemic. ABC 7 WJLA-TV along with their partner at Easterns Automotive Group heard of the amazing food drives and all that Nettles was doing throughout her Prince Georges County community. They sent a camera crew along with Kidd O?Shea of ABC 7 to surprise Nettles for their Helping Hands segment. It was then that Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group appeared via video to announce that he would be doing $2,000 on behalf of Easterns to support CERT and help Nettles continue spreading the generosity and love to those that need it the most.

Watch the video to see how everything unfolded.

 

Helping Hands, powered by ABC 7 is always looking to help out people or organizations in need that are worthy of assistance. If you know someone that fits this description, please click here to nominate them.

YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/AomLyfPhQhA

Pay It Forward – Upcounty Consolidation Hub

Community,

 

September was a busy month!? Schools across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area were officially back in session.? However, this wasn?t the typical exciting back to school time.? Things have changed greatly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.? Many if not all students are learning virtually but one thing that hasn?t changed is the need for school supplies.

Grace Rivera-Oven created the Upcounty Consolidation Hub, a nonprofit food bank that provides school supplies, food boxes, and COVID-19 kits for those in need throughout Montgomery County.? The need began during the start of the pandemic as she began serving 800 families each week.? However, that number grew due to the number of people that needed help.? The trailer park that Rivera-Oven began serving families out of started to become too small to accommodate all her supplies and the families that we coming to her.? It was then that she asked her friend Lynn Arndt, CEO of the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Gaithersburg, Maryland is she could use some of their space.? The two have come together to create a magical hub for people to bring donations and volunteers to help pack the boxes and care packages.

The Pay It Forward team along with Easterns Automotive Group saw the hard work that they were putting in and decided to step in to help.? The team set it up and the camera crew went to visit the Upcounty Consolidation Hub at BlackRock Center for the Arts.? Holly Morris of Good Day DC on Fox 5 joined the two women via satellite to provide a platform for the women to discuss their incredible work in the community.? It was then that Joel Bassam of Easterns appeared on the screen to surprise them with a $1,500 donation to continue their work in Montgomery County.? There are plenty of ways to get involved and support this incredible nonprofit food bank.? Please click here to learn more about Upcounty Consolidation Hub ? there are options to donate, volunteer, and be a partner of the organization.

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized,?Click here?to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/SDbJt7W-Vms

 

Get Up Give Back – Gearin’ Up Bicycles

Community,

 

COVID-19 has impacted every business known to man.? Most in negative ways but some in positive ways.? According to Keith Jackson of Gearin? Up Bicycles, the bicycle industry has been doing extremely well.? Gearin? Up Bicycles is Washington D.C.?s only nonprofit community bike shop but they also serve the community as well.? Their purpose is to create career development opportunities and teach essential workplace skills to teenagers from underserved communities while encouraging cycling as a practical, healthy means of transportation.? Gearin? Up provides access to quality affordable used bicycles for those in need and hosts various community outreach programs throughout the year.

For the recent Get Up Give Back segment sponsored by Easterns Automotive Group, Reese Waters of Get Up DC (WUSA 9) decided to highlight their importance to the Washington D.C. youth.? Gearin? Up Bicycles has played a major role in getting teens active while teaching them essential business skills.? They have an Earn-A-Bike program where youth ages 12-18 can volunteer and have the opportunity to build and keep their bike.? Jackson sat down with Waters to discuss just how profitable a career in bicycles can be.? Prior to COVID-19, Gearin? Up Bikes was selling 12 bicycles per month since then they?ve been selling between 55 to 60. bikes per month.? This is a true testament to the hard work that the children have been putting in.

During the conversation, Waters told Jackson just how impressed he was by their hard work.? It was then that he made Jackson aware of the $1,000 donation that he was giving to Gearin’ Up Bicycles on behalf of WUSA 9, Get Up DC, and in conjunction with Easterns Automotive Group.? This money will help them get more children involved in the program to keep things going.? Please visit http://gearinupbicycles.org to learn more about their youth programs and bike shop.

 

Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 are always here to help. If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that is worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact at?@ReeseWaters?on social media. #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/J0EFPTNd8OM

Helping Hands – Fighting Pediatric Cancer with The Little Dig

Community,

 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society spreading knowledge about pediatric cancer in a major way.? They created a virtual competition called The Little Dig where children will get down and dirty to raise money for pediatric cancer.? Parents will upload photos and videos of their children playing in the dirt to social media using the hashtag #TheLittleDig2020.? To support this initiative, Easterns Automotive Group and ABC7 WJLA-TV have made the choice to highlight this on the new edition of their Helping Hands segment. Easterns has vowed to donate $200 for every child that signs up for the The Little Dig.

ABC 7 caught up with Shaelyn Mullaney and her daughter Riley who is participating in the virtual competition.? Mullaney lost her father earlier this year from cancer so this cause means a lot to her and her family.? Riley is in second place already by raising $1,500.? The Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, Tswana Sewell let ABC7 know that it has been fun raising money thus far.? 12 kids have already signed up and raised a combined total of $6,000 which keeps growing.? Even Sewell?s niece London is participating in the challenge to honor her mother who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

While chatting with Sewell, ABC7 surprised her with a video from Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group.? Bassam announced that he is committing $200 to every of one of their fundraisers throughout the rest of this.? All of the people that have already joined and those that will join will receive a $200 head start.? The competition ends September 30th so please click here to find out the official rules and how to enter.? A total of 5 winners will be selected on October 1st ? Most Money Raised, Most Individual Donations, Most Actively Involved on Social Media, Most Creative Dig, and Most Dirty.? All winners will receive prizes and tickets to next year?s event called The Big Dig which will take place on September 21, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Shiri Rozenberg – shiri.rozenberg@cancer.org

 

Watch the video to see how everything unfolded.

 

Helping Hands, powered by ABC 7 is always looking to help out people or organizations in need that are worthy of assistance.? If you know someone that fits this description, please click here to nominate them.

 

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/XtatX0idFPo

 

Helping Hands – Surprising Prince George’s County families with new laptops for the school year

Community,

 

Back to school!? Many children across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region are either already in school or preparing to go back.? COVID-19 has caused quite the challenge with most schools beginning the year using virtual learning.? This means that students will still have the ability to be taught by their teacher but it will be in the comfort of their home via computer.? Most school districts like Prince George?s County in Maryland have taken this route to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of the virus amongst students, teachers, and faculty.? However, the announcement of this new initiative came at the wrong time for many as they are experiencing financial hardships during this global pandemic.

Easterns Automotive Group and ABC 7 WJLA-TV joined forces to do something special for their Helping Hands segment.? Kidd O’Shea of ABC 7 greeted a few selected families that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 at Magnolia Elementary School in Lanham, MD.? Joel Bassam of Easterns surprised them by having new laptops delivered to these families so their children will be able to attend school and complete their virtual learning programs.? No child should be left behind or excluded from learning due to a lack of resources.? The Prince George?s County Public Schools team is doing a wonderful job to ensure that children will be fed with knowledge even during this uncertain time.

Easterns Automotive Group continues to prove why they are the top car dealer in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.? For over 30 years, they have given back to their community, and partnerships like this with ABC 7 WJLA-TV allow them to continue making a difference in the lives of many.

Watch the video to see how everything unfolded.

 

Helping Hands, powered by ABC 7 is always looking to help out people or organizations in need that are worthy of assistance.? If you know someone that fits this description, please click here to nominate them.

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/ODCZxzA7GSA

Pay It Forward – DC Teacher Creates a Nonprofit to Give Back

Community,

A Washington D.C. teacher by the name of Carmen Garner turned his childhood pain and trauma into his purpose. Garner grew up in the District where it wasn’t safe to go outside because of gun violence. His cousin’s boyfriend used to take him finishing to escape the madness. It was during that time when he got inspired to create a better life for himself.

Fast-forward to now being an adult, Garner sees his students residing in the same areas of Washington where he grew up. He even discovered a memorial for a homicide victim during the visit to one of his students. This pain of being stuck in the apartment and not being able to simply go outside was devastating and he didn’t want another child to have to suffer through it. During the pandemic, Garner received a stimulus check like many other Americans but its what he did with it that separates him from most.

Garner created the Inner City Anglers nonprofit organization that allows him to take struggling children from the city and take them on fishing trips to provide a sense of escape. Many of these children do not know what it’s like to go on a vacation. These small outings show them that there is so much more in life than what they see every day. Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC caught wind of Garner’s work and decided to feature him on their Pay It Forward segment. During the Zoom video call with Fox 5’s Holly Morris, Joel Bassam of Easterns surprised Garner with the news that he was donating $1,500 on behalf of Easterns. These funds will be used to help pay for fishing gear and lunch for future trips. Please visit www.innercityanglers.com to learn more about ICA and donate to this incredible cause.

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/EenfDlbbCBk

Pay It Forward – Free Headshots for Unemployed Workers

Community,

 

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the lives of Americans worldwide.? In the DMV region, in particular, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed leaving hundreds of thousands without jobs during this global pandemic.? In the spirit of giving back, Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group decided to do something very special for this week?s Pay It Forward.

With so many feeling the impact of job loss by coronavirus, the Pay It Forward crew decided to partner with local photographer Samira Rashid and Creative Saints Loft in Hyattsville, Maryland.? They set up an entire day where they provided free headshots to people to help them relaunch their careers. ?Ishmael Wilson of Fresh Dry Cleaners chatted with Bob Barnard of Fox 5 DC about losing about 85% of their customers because of the pandemic.? People are not getting their clothes dry cleaned as much as before because the majority of them are working from home.

Easterns Automotive Group was happy to partner with Fox 5 DC to curate this amazing event. The smiles in the room were priceless because this small gesture meant the world to those that were there.? People were able to dress up and feel good about themselves again.? It also gave them the boost of confidence that they need to go out there and find another opportunity. ?Joel Bassam of Easterns paid for the venue as well as new headshots for 15 people.? Giving back is necessary ? even if it?s not much. Everyone can their part!

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized,?Click here?to nominate them.

?Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

 

 

Pay It Forward – Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center

Community,

 

As you all know, businesses all across the county have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.? Many have had to shut down completely while some chose to operate by appointment only basis with a limited staff.? Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Maryland was a business that was down but is back up and running.? Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC decided to head over to their center in Derwood and surprise them for their reopening.

They have been closed during the pandemic to the public but the work for them hasn?t stopped.? Their team has continued to rescue animals and provide emergency care when needed as the only open-admission municipal shelter in Montgomery County.

Fox 5 DC?s Mike Thomas caught up with Deputy Executive Director Lex Lepiarz and she let him in on a great deal of information.? According to Lepiarz, the community has been a great support system during the COVID-19 pandemic.? They have been able to send many animals to foster care while still being able to admit animals in their facility.? Her only hope is that the community continues to show the same support as they reopen.

Lepiarz was shocked as Thomas spoke to Joel Bassam of Easterns on a video call.? Bassam announced that they were going to Pay It Forward by encouraging people to ?Clear the Shelter? and adopt pets by paying the adoption fees of the first 50 people who choose to provide homes for dogs and cats.? This incentive will be a great help as many people may want to adopt but just don?t have the funds right now.? If you would like to learn more about Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center and their adoption process, please click here.

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

?

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

YouTube Link ? https://youtu.be/_mkeP44_R1k

Link to original post ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/montgomery-county-animal-services-and-adoption-center-reopens-for-adoptions