Getting access to quality STEM programs outside the classroom can be difficult for underserved children who can’t afford it, but an initiative in Loudoun County is helping change that. 7News’ Kellye Lynn recently met the founder of “Educating With Love” in Leesburg to learn more.

Every child deserves supplementary education to learn something they might not be able to due to limited finances. Educating With Love introduces students to everything from science to cooking to music, serving hundreds of students every year from kindergarten all the way up to the 12th grade.

“We have a consistent nine-week summer camp for free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout Loudoun County,” The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera said. “Our primary goal is to keep this program consistent, and you’re able to do that by keeping the staff consistent. You want to make sure you properly compensate these individuals who are so valuable to getting things taken care of.”

Vélez-Rivera said that they need more resources to help pay for their limited staff. Lynn then surprised Father Daniel with an $1,100 check from Easterns Automotive Group as a part of the 7News Helping Hands initiative.

“You know there’s a saying in my home country in Puerto Rico that every grain of sand makes a big beach. This is part of the big beach. We’re really grateful!” Vélez-Rivera said.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore their potential, whether that is through education, creativity, or community involvement. We are proud to support programs like Educating With Love that bring opportunity and inspiration to our future generation.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in recognizing the people who go above and beyond to serve others — not for praise, but out of genuine compassion. That’s why, on this week’s Pay It Forward with Fox 5 DC, we were honored to spotlight David Keuhner, founder and president of One Family Gives, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families, veterans, and individuals facing life’s toughest challenges.

David’s organization operates on a simple but powerful idea: giving doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes it’s as small as helping a neighbor with their yard or providing comfort to someone who feels forgotten. Through One Family Gives, David and his team have assisted countless people — from children battling cancer to Gold Star families coping with loss.

His commitment to service is deeply personal. Inspired by his late father, a Vietnam veteran who served two tours before passing when David was just six years old, David has dedicated his life to helping others — especially military families. His friends nominated him for Pay It Forward to recognize the tremendous heart and hard work he’s poured into his community.

To show our gratitude, Easterns Automotive Group surprised David with a $2,000 donation to help One Family Gives continue its mission. This holiday season, David plans to use the funds to provide gifts for about 40 children from military families he’s personally adopted to support.

We’re proud to honor David and One Family Gives for their selfless dedication to serving others — proving that one person truly can make a difference.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we love supporting organizations that go the extra mile to lift up their communities. That’s why we partnered with Fox Baltimore for another edition of Giving a Lift to shine a spotlight on Free Bikes 4 Kidz, a nonprofit bringing joy and freedom to thousands of children through the simple act of riding a bike.

Last year alone, Free Bikes 4 Kidz gave away over 3,000 bikes to kids in need — and they’re not slowing down. Led by President Ted Cochran, the organization’s mission is to collect, refurbish, and donate bikes so every child can experience the thrill of riding. What began with just 500 bikes in 2019 has grown tremendously, especially during the pandemic when biking became one of the safest and most popular outdoor activities.

The team’s goal is simple but powerful: teach kids to ride confidently, provide helmets for safety, and put smiles on as many faces as possible. Each December, two weeks before Christmas, Free Bikes 4 Kidz hosts a massive giveaway day — where more than 2,000 kids receive bikes. It’s one of those rare moments where Santa takes a backseat because every child is too busy riding their new wheels.

To keep this mission rolling, Free Bikes 4 Kidz depends on volunteers, donations, and community support. Whether you can fix a chain, pump up a tire, or simply lend a hand, every bit helps.

At Easterns, we wanted to “give a lift” to the people who’ve been lifting others. That’s why we surprised Ted and his team with a $2,200 donation to help purchase new helmets and bikes for the upcoming giveaway.

We’re proud to support Free Bikes 4 Kidz and their inspiring mission to spread joy, confidence, and opportunity — one bike at a time.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe no student should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. That’s why we partnered with ABC 7 News for our Helping Hands initiative to spotlight Food For Neighbors, a nonprofit making a big impact in Northern Virginia.

Food insecurity affects nearly one in four middle and high school students in the region. To combat this, Food For Neighbors created the Red Bag Program, which invites community members to fill red bags with student-friendly food. These bags are collected five times a year, sorted, and then distributed directly to schools. This system empowers teachers, counselors, and social workers to ensure food reaches students who need it most.

What started nine years ago with just two schools and 100 kids has grown into a lifeline feeding more than 10,000 students across Northern Virginia. But with many schools still waiting to join the program, the need continues to grow.

During our visit, 7News’ Kellye Lynn surprised Executive Director Karen Joseph with an $1,100 donation from Easterns Automotive Group to help sustain and expand their mission.

We are proud to support Food For Neighbors and the incredible work they’re doing to fight hunger, one red bag at a time.

If you’d like to donate, volunteer, or learn more, you can visit Food For Neighbors online.

At Easterns, community is at the heart of everything we do — because it’s more than cars, it’s about caring.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe every student deserves the tools they need to succeed. That’s why we partnered with 7News for another edition of our Helping Hands initiative — this time surprising a group of hard-working students in Prince George’s County with brand-new laptops to start the school year.

7News meteorologist Jordan Evans joined us at Andrew Jackson Academy in District Heights, Maryland, where students from kindergarten through eighth grade gathered for the big reveal. Before the surprise, Principal Warren Tweety shared his excitement for what lies ahead:

“We’re looking forward to the greatness that’s going to happen this year, and with these babies here, it is going to happen with our big surprise,” said Principal Tweety.

The recipients were chosen because they earned a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll, each maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Their dedication to learning made them the perfect candidates for this special moment.

When the laptops were unveiled live on 7News, the students’ faces lit up with excitement. Both the children and the school community expressed their gratitude, knowing these devices will open new doors for learning, creativity, and achievement throughout the year.

At Easterns, supporting education is at the heart of our mission. We’re proud to help invest in the next generation of leaders right here in our community.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in uplifting those who dedicate their lives to strengthening our communities. On this Pay It Forward with Fox 5 DC, we were honored to highlight ScholarCHIPS, a nonprofit founded by Yasmine Arrington Brooks.

Yasmine’s vision was born from her own life experience. Growing up with an incarcerated parent, she realized there were few resources specifically designed to support children like her. In 2010, while still a junior in high school, Yasmine launched ScholarCHIPS to provide scholarships, mentorship, and a strong sense of community for students with incarcerated parents.

What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful support system. ScholarCHIPS not only helps students pursue higher education, but also creates a family-like environment where young people can connect with others who share their struggles. One recipient described how the program changed her life — from receiving scholarships and care baskets to mentorship that continues even after graduation. She’s now preparing to start her master’s program, proof of the long-term impact ScholarCHIPS has.

With exciting initiatives ahead, ScholarCHIPS continues to expand its reach and strengthen its advocacy. To support their mission and recognize their impact, Easterns surprised them with a $2,200 donation.

We are proud to stand with Yasmine and ScholarCHIPS as they open doors of opportunity and hope for the next generation.