Category Archives: Community
Pay It Forward – Clear the Lists for Teachers
Joel Bassam ‘Clears the List’ for Local Teachers
The ‘Clear the List’ Movement
The 2019 school year has officially begun in most counties across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.? This means that teachers have been extremely hard at work preparing their classrooms.? School budgets are so small that many teachers take it upon themselves to fund their own classroom decorations and materials. There is an official movement called ?Clear the Lists? to help teachers across the country cover these expenses.? They are able to share their classroom wish lists on social media and people who are interested can volunteer to make a donation for the needed supplies.
Easterns Supporting Frederick County Teachers
Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group caught wind of this incredible movement and took it upon themselves to help out a few lucky teachers.? Fox 5 DC followed Mike Thomas and Joel Bassam of Easterns where they met up with Justin Ridenour and Melissa Kaehny.? Both are science teachers in Frederick County, Maryland.? These two are very persistent when it comes to getting the supplies needed because they believe in providing a fun learning environment for their students.? Joel Bassam of Easterns announced that he would be clearing not only their classroom lists but also seven other teachers.? Both Ridenour and Kaehny were thrilled by the generosity that Easterns displayed.? Afterwards, Bassam treated the two lovely teachers to breakfast at Waffle House to show his appreciation for their hard work.? If you would learn more about this fantastic initiative to help out teachers across the United States, please visit donorschoose.org/clearthelists.
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.
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Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.
Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/pay-it-forward-helping-teachers-clear-the-lists
Pay It Forward – Marine Veteran Car Giveaway
Meet Dwayne Frost
No matter what you are going through in life, there is someone out there that would love to be in your shoes. It?s important to always be thankful for everything. Dwayne Frost is someone who does this very well. He has been a volunteer chaplain for the Prince George?s County Fire Department for five years. Prior to that, Frost was stationed in Iraq serving our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was during this time that he suffered a leg injury after being shot. His leg had to be amputated which of course had a major impact on his life. Frost was awarded with The Purple Heart which is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving. What separates his drive from most is that even after suffering such a loss, he did lose hope or give up on his desire to help and serve others.
Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Pay It Forward
Both Frost and his wife continue to service as a support system to members of the corps by providing peer and group support. The fact that they have been through so much and still manage to push through makes them relatable to other members. Just a few weeks ago, Frosts? car was totaled and his new prosthetic leg was damaged during a car accident that really set the couple back. Without a car, Frost is unable to transport his wife to her cancer treatments so the last few weeks have been extremely hard for them. Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group got wind of Frost and his fantastic story so they decided to Pay It Forward. Fox 5 DC cameras captured the lovely couple at the Prince Georges Fire Department Fire Station in Capitol Heights where they were surprised with a new Ford Escape. The reaction on both of their faces was truly priceless as you can see how much this truly means to them. Both Joel Bassam of Easterns and Allison Seymour of Fox 5 DC were emotional because they know that this vehicle was much needed and so well deserved. Hopefully seeing this inspires more people to be kind and find ways to help others in need whether it is big or small. What a touching Pay It Forward segment!
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.
Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/marine-veteran-injured-in-combat-gifted-with-car-in-prince-georges-county-to-help-get-wife-to-hospital-for-cancer-treatment
Road to a Better Community – Camp Kesem
Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 Recognize Camp Kesem
These days, it seems as though most people have been affected by cancer in some way. There are more than 100 types of cancer to date that of course have various causes. While cancer affects people of all ages, many times the trauma that children experience in relation to cancer goes unnoticed. WUSA 9 and Easterns Automotive Group saw the tremendous work that Camp Kesem was doing for children affected by cancer and wanted to get involved.
Camp Kesem – Supporting Children of Parents with Cancer
Camp Kesem is the largest national organization dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent?s cancer at no cost to families. They serve children that have lost a parent to cancer, have a parent undergoing cancer treatment, or whose parent is a cancer survivor. Over 5 million children have been impacted by the parent having cancer so this foundation is needed. The camps are run by passionate college volunteers that sacrifice their personal time to invest and empower children. Kids just want to have fun during the summer and Camp Kesem gives them the chance do to just that. They are also provided a safe place and a proper outlet to talk about their various experiences without feeling judged. Many of the volunteers have been directly affected by cancer themselves so they are able to share their personal experiences and offer insight and advice. In 2018, Kesem served nearly 9,000 children which is incredible being a nonprofit organization that relies strictly on fundraising and donations. Children and teens ages 6 to 18 are welcome to attend each summer free-of-charge. They offer a wide network of camps across the United States that is attended by kids coast-to-coast.
Joel Bassam and Easterns Donates to Camp Kesem
WUSA 9 and Easterns Automotive Group invited staff from Camp Kesem to the studio where they presented them with a very special surprise. Joel Bassam donated $2,500 on behalf of Easterns to help continue their incredible mission. Giving back is necessary especially when wonderful organizations like this are doing the right thing and making such a great impact in the community. If you would like to find out more information about Camp Kesem or about how you can get involved, please visit www.campkesem.org
To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the DMV community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity
Pay It Forward – An Unlikely Friendship
Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC Help Special Friends Celebrate
It?s been a busy summer for Easterns Automotive Group.? They?ve been hard at work filming their commercials with the Washington Redskins that will air during the 2019 NFL football season.? Behind the Scenes photos have just been added to their Facebook, in case you want to take a look.? Recently, Easterns teamed up with Fox 5 DC for the first time in weeks for a very heartfelt Pay It Forward segment.
A New Pay It Forward Segment from Easterns and Fox 5 DC
A few years ago, a 91-year old Prince Georges County woman by the name of Ruth White developed a life-long friendship with Eric Smith.? Smith is a Verizon technician but also a former Georgetown Hoya basketball player.? Their friendship started when White called Verizon to have her cable installed.? Smith came out to install it and even gave her his cell phone number in case she had any other cable issues.? She has called him with questions and he always been there to listen and help guide her through the necessary steps.? Something that seemed small to Smith was very important to White, especially being an elderly woman.? Often times, people don?t have patience for elders but Smith was different.? He always made time for White and his kindness really stood out to her.? They exchanged birthdays and White made it a priority to send him a card every year.
Easterns Helps Celebrate a True Friendship
These two have a unique bond that has no barriers.? Both White and Smith are extremely grateful for one another.? They have been working on setting up a dinner for White to meet all of Smith?s wonderful family.? Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) along with Fox 5 DC stepped in to make this happen.? Smith met Allison Seymour of Fox 5 DC at the station to share the incredible journey of his friendship with White.? Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) surprised him with a gift card to Carrabba?s Italian Grill so that he and his family can finally have dinner with White.? Bassam also presented Smith with a gift card to Golf Galaxy since he enjoys playing golf in his spare time.? We can all learn something from the incredible friendship that these two share.? In order to have a good friend, you must be a good friend.
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.
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Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.
Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/verizon-technician-and-91-year-old-bowie-woman-form-unlikely-friendship
Road to a Better Community – Buck Lodge Middle School
Easterns Automotive Donates to Local School’s Effort to Go Green
Why Go Green?
The concept of going green has been a hot topic for years now. It means making better decisions when it comes to the environment such as reducing pollution, conserving energy and resources, and reducing consumption and waste. The overall goal is to save our planet and keep our earth as clean as possible. The changes one can make can be big or small including shopping in bulk, bringing your own bag while shopping, and avoiding products with microbeads. The principle of reduce reuse recycle is also a very important aspect of going green. When we reduce our waste, we use less energy and resources. Reusing items helps us reduce consumption of new materials and reduce our waste. Recycling is key as that allows us to reuse materials to make new items.
Local Prince Georges County School Goes Green
Buck Lodge Middle School in Prince Georges County, Maryland has implemented going green into their school culture. They are a PGCPS certified green school where both students and teachers work hard to keep our planet clean. There is a gardening program at Buck Lodge that teaches students how to grow produce and educates them on the importance of eating healthy. Programs like this encourage students to get up and be active. As a school, Buck Lodge has many goals and ideas for future projects but they require funding. Some of the many upcoming projects include invasive species removal, creating a sensory garden, and adding benches for teachers and students.
Easterns Automotive Group Pitches In
WUSA 9 and Fox 5 DC got wind of their incredible work and decided to pitch in. WUSA 9 cameras visited Buck Lodge Middle School for their Road to a Better Community segment. They are very big on highlighting people or groups in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community that are making a difference. Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) donated a total of $2,000 in Lowe?s gift cards to support their wonderful efforts and help kick off their future projects. As a community, we must continue to invest in and support our youth.
To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity
Get Up Give Back – Easterns Automotive Group donates to DC Urban Greens
Easterns Automotive Supports DC Urban Greens
WUSA 9?s Reese Waters of Get Up DC became aware of an incredible DC-based nonprofit called DC Urban Greens and just had to get involved.? He called his friends at Easterns Automotive Group and they were delighted and honored to sponsor this segment.? Easterns donated $1,000 to DC Urban Greens to help their incredible mission.
What is DC Urban Greens?
The food that we put in our bodies is imperative to both our physical and mental health.? DC Urban Greens works to provide healthy yet affordable foods to residents in Washington D.C.? They are a nonprofit organization that runs farms in DC?s food desert regions.? The food is grown in DC?s Ward 7 and 8 because they are the neighborhoods that need it the most.? Low income areas with limited access to grocery stores provide a cheap alternative for members of the community.? DC Urban Greens provides training and job opportunities for DC residents to learn and get a job farming.? They are truly incredible nonprofit that is about empowering people and making the information accessible for members of the community to learn about the importance of health.? Students are able to learn as well because DC Urban Greens provides field trips for students to visit the farms.? Children are able to make amazing nutritional decisions when they learn about these topics early on that stick with them throughout their lives.
How you can get involved
This will be able to help improve and grow the work they are doing.? If you are interested in learning more about DC Urban Greens and how you can get involved, please visit www.dcurbangreens.org
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
Road to a Better Community – The Congressional Award Foundation
Easterns Automotive Supports Congressional Award Foundation
What does the Congressional Award Foundation do?
The youth play a critical role in shaping the future of this country.? Congress created a foundation and charity called The Congressional Award Foundation to highlight and encourage young people to stretch into the areas of volunteerism, physical fitness, personal development, and expedition/exploration.? Awards are given out to honor those that have reached their goals and surpassed expectations.? The overall goal is to show young people how to be well-rounded and diverse individuals in many aspects of life.? There are over 54,000 young people currently enrolled in the foundation.? It is truly incredible to see so many students pushing themselves to new heights while motivating and inspiring others in the process.? The foundation has a partnership with the Washington Nationals that allows participating youth to come to games and see their photos on the jumbotron.
Joel Bassam Presents Donation to the Foundation
WUSA 9 and Fox 5 DC thought that it would only make sense to highlight The Congressional Award Foundation and discuss their amazing work.? The two have created the Road to a Better Community segment where they find people and organizations that are making a difference in the D.C. metro community.? Paxton Baker, Chairman of The Congressional Award Foundation was joined by Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group at WUSA 9 studio for a very special surprise.? Bassam presented Baker with a 2,500 check donation for the foundation on behalf of Easterns.? This money will go back into the foundation to continue enriching the lives of the youth.? Bassam also promised to match any additional donations until July 17th.? If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to The Congressional Award Foundation, please click here.
Learn about the Easterns / WUSA 9 Partnership
To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity
Easterns Automotive Group partners with Get Up DC to give away watches to the homeless
Watch Giveaway Campaign in DC
The homeless epidemic is a huge problem in the D.C. region.? Often, people see it but don?t pay too much attention because they are too caught up in their own lives.? Ms. Faye Smith, however, did the opposite.? This past Mother?s Day, Smith gifted a watch to a homeless D.C. woman.? The level of compassion she showed created a very special and unique friendship.? Through developing the friendship, Smith learned many things about homeless culture.? Most homeless people do not have watches, so, they have no knowledge of the time.? Asking others for the time can be a difficult task because people are quick to show disinterest.
Easterns Automotive Donates Watches for the Homeless
One generous move on Smith?s part grew into the idea of creating a watch giveaway campaign.? She took it upon herself to raise awareness and ask for watch donations so that she could give them out around the city.? Reese Waters of Get Up DC got wind of this and called his friends at Easterns Automotive Group to help out.? The WUSA 9 camera crew followed Waters down to the District where he met Smith with a surprise.? He presented Smith with $500 worth of brand new watches along with a $500 gift card to get new batteries for the pre-owned watches she has.? Her look of excitement spoke volumes.? Smith stepped up to the plate to be the change that she wants to see in her community.? It?s a wonderful feeling when those that do such good are rewarded.
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
Pay It Forward – Eyes Up, Phones Down Teen Drivers Safety Campaign
Easterns Supports Teen Driver Safety Campaign
What is the Eyes Up, Phones Down Campaign about?
You can always count on Fox 5 DC to shine a light on a great cause and educate their audience on a particular topic.? They created the Eyes Up, Phones Down Teen Drivers Safety Campaign to inform teens in the DMV about the importance of practicing safe driving.? The summer months are very dangerous for teens because they are out of school and constantly seeking fun.? Many find themselves glued to their cell phones even while driving, which is a serious problem. Teen deaths linked to texting and driving are on the rise.? No parent or family wants to endure something so tragic that could have been prevented.? A text message or a social media post can wait until you reach your destination ? it is never worth your life or someone else?s.? If you have any friends or family that text while driving, please educate them of the dangers so they too can be more aware.? Spreading the word will save lives!
Easterns Automotive encourages local high school participation
Fox 5 DC held a pep rally with students from Kettle Run, Liberty, and Fauquier County high schools with games and demonstrations about the importance of safe driving.? Easterns Automotive Group stepped up to sponsor Fox 5?s campaign by choosing to Pay It Forward to the wonderful student body of Fauquier County High School.? Joel Bassam of Easterns made the announcement live on Fox 5 DC with Mike Thomas that Easterns would provide Fauquier students with a free pizza party plus $5 Amazon gift cards for each student?s participation in Eyes Up, Phones Down.? It?s clear that Easterns is still very committed to doing whatever is in the best interest of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community that they have served for over 30 years.
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.