Tag Archives: Community

Helping Hands: Asian American Lead

Community

At Eastern Motors, we recognize the importance of highlighting and supporting underserved communities. Last May, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we had the honor of teaming up with Joel Bassam and 7News to surprise AALEAD (Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development) with a Helping Hand.


AALEAD is a remarkable organization dedicated to shaping the lives of low-income Asian youth in the Washington, D.C., region. Their year-round efforts in providing after-school programs, summer programs, and mentoring opportunities create a safe and empowering space for these young individuals.


As Akil Vohra, President of AALEAD, aptly says, “We’re here together. We really want to help the AAPI community and develop the next generation of leaders.”


To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and support AALEAD’s impactful work, Joel Bassam of Eastern Motors surprised them with a generous donation of $2,200. This contribution will directly contribute to the programs and field trips that benefit the AAPI youth in the community.


“We want to support your program by donating $2,200 so you can keep supporting D.C. youth. Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing,” Bassam expressed.


Eastern Motors is honored to be a part of this journey, standing alongside AALEAD in empowering and uplifting the AAPI community. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Helping Hands: Equality NoVa

Community, Uncategorized

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts of community organizations like Equality NoVa, dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Virginia. Recently, we had the privilege of teaming up with 7News to surprise Equality NoVa with a Helping Hand, further supporting their valuable work.

Daniel Hays, a passionate Arlington resident, has been an integral part of Equality NoVa, formerly known as Arlington Gay Lesbian Alliance. As the vice president, Hays has been committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ community members and allies, creating safe spaces, organizing book clubs, drag show benefits, and political Town Halls.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in the power of giving back to the community, which is why we stand in solidarity with Equality NoVa. Hays’s personal journey, overcoming mental illness with the support of the drag queen and LGBTQ+ community, inspired us to lend our Helping Hand.

Equality NoVa relies solely on donations to sustain their impactful work, as they have zero paid staff. We were thrilled to offer our support to ensure their continued growth and expanded community outreach. Together, we can spread love, acceptance, and create a world where everyone is embraced for who they are.

As Hays beautifully puts it, “Right now it’s important that we are out there visibly but that we don’t respond to the hate with hate. We have to respond to the hate with love.”

Join us in celebrating the work of Equality NoVa and their dedication to promoting equality, inclusivity, and positive change. Let’s continue supporting organizations that make a difference in our community.

Get Uplifted: Kingdom Cares

Community

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in the power of compassion and supporting organizations that make a positive impact in our community. Recently, we had the opportunity to collaborate with WUSA 9 to surprise Kingdom Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to those in need.

Easterns Automotive Group has always been committed to giving back and uplifting our community. When we learned about the remarkable work that Kingdom Cares does, we knew we had to support their mission. Kingdom Cares focuses on addressing the critical needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and other challenges by providing them with essential resources, including food, and support services.


So far, Kingdom Cares has provided essential food items such as fresh produce, dairy products, protein, and shelf-stable items to approximately 180,000 households. With a dedicated team of over 40 volunteers, Kingdom Cares has played a crucial role in addressing the rising issue of food insecurity, particularly among Montgomery and Prince George’s County residents, especially those belonging to marginalized communities.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has been instrumental in developing creative approaches to deliver food assistance and other relevant services, ensuring that those in need receive the support they require. Currently, Kingdom Cares is constructing a spacious facility spanning 96,000 square feet. This upcoming building will serve as a home to a fresh food market along with various additional services.

With great joy, we made a surprise donation to Kingdom Cares to support their ongoing efforts in helping those in need. Our contribution will help ensure that more individuals and families receive the essential assistance and resources they require during challenging times.

We are committed to making a positive impact and fostering change within our community. Through acts of kindness and compassion, we can uplift and transform lives, one person at a time.

Get Uplifted: Girls on the Run

Community, Uncategorized,

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are dedicated to positively impacting our community and uplifting those around us. Recently, we had the opportunity to support Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization empowering young girls through physical activity, positive reinforcement, and leadership development.

When we learned about the incredible work that Girls on the Run does, we knew we wanted to be a part of their mission. Girls on the Run is dedicated to inspiring young girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a curriculum that integrates running and lessons on self-esteem, respect, and teamwork.

“We’ve grown from a small group of 13 girls to serving 22,000 girls, 2,200 annually, it’s a phenomenal program that encourages girls to be their best,” said executive director Devoria Armstead.

Girls on the Run is dedicated to fostering confidence and empowerment among young girls. Devoria even shared a story that highlights the program’s positive influence, as she witnessed a shy participant come out of her shell, make friends, and even run for class president, ultimately winning. It’s a testament to the transformative power of Girls on the Run in building self-assurance and unleashing the full potential of young women.

Most girls who complete the Girls on the Run program say they feel comfortable there and learn critical skills like conflict resolution and making intentional decisions: Skills they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.

With great enthusiasm, we made a donation to Girls on the Run to support their programs and ensure that more girls have the opportunity to participate and thrive. At Easterns , we are more than just a car dealership. We are deeply invested in our community and strive to make a positive impact wherever we can. If you want to volunteer with Girls on the Run, you do not have to be a runner; just passionate about empowering girls.

Pay It Forward – The Humane Rescue Alliance

Community, Uncategorized

Over the past couple of months, the Humane Rescue Alliance has witnessed a significant increase in intakes, a trend not limited to their shelter alone but seen across the country. It’s a challenging time for these furry friends, as last week alone, the Humane Rescue Alliance took in 90 dogs while only 17 found their forever homes. Easterns Automotive Group, a dealership dedicated to helping customers find their dream cars and making a positive impact in the community, has partnered with the Humane Rescue Alliance to support their mission of finding loving homes for these deserving animals.

Recognizing the urgent need to find loving families for these dogs, the Humane Rescue Alliance has actively promoted their adorable four-legged companions by offering a 50% discount on adoption fees. Their message is clear: if you’re considering adopting a pet, there’s not much you need to do to prepare—simply come with a leash and a plan. The Alliance ensures that potential adopters receive comprehensive information about the dogs, including their health history and guidance on seamlessly integrating them into their new homes.

The Humane Rescue Alliance understands that finding the perfect match between a dog and its forever home is crucial. Their experienced team guides potential adopters, helping them navigate the adoption process and select a dog that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an active companion for outdoor adventures or a laid-back snuggle buddy, the Humane Rescue Alliance is committed to helping you find the ideal furry addition to your family.

Committed to making a difference in the community, Easterns Automotive Group has joined forces with Fox 5 on this Pay It Forward to assist the Humane Rescue Alliance in its noble endeavor. Easterns Automotive Group is covering the remaining fees for the first 20 dogs adopted through the Humane Rescue Alliance to encourage and support pet adoption. Contact the Humane Rescue Alliance today if you’re ready to open your heart and home to a loving companion.

Helping Hands: Cake4Kids

Community

Thousands of children around the DMV experience their birthdays without a birthday cake. In fact, some say they have never received one. That’s why one Fairfax county nonprofit called Cake4Kids is working to change that.

“It never occurred to me that children go without a birthday cake, and that broke my heart,” said Mary Campbell, owner of the nonprofit Cake4Kids. “It’s homeless children, it’s children in domestic violence shelters, it’s foster children, it’s children in immigration services, and it’s children with free and reduced lunch. We do a lot of Title I schools.”

Campbell is committed to making a difference through her nonprofit organization in Fairfax County with the help of 650 local volunteer bakers, including some who aren’t bakers at all.

A volunteer, Patt Rossini, baked for a kid who had never had a cake before. “It was a last-minute request for a Fort Nite cake, and later I got a ‘thank you’ picture with the child, which killed me,” Rossini said.

Cake4Kids’ mission inspired 7News and Easterns Automotive Group to surprise the nonprofit with a 7News Helping Hand.

Joel Bassam joined with a special for Cakes4Kids. “Cake4Kids is an amazing organization. You guys do something that many people take for granted by supporting those kids who might not have a cake for their birthday,” said Joel Bassam from Easterns Automotive Group. “Using that secret ingredient of baking extra love into it and then delivering it to their home is an amazing way to support the community. We want to help you guys continue to do that by donating $2,200 so you can continue baking all of those cakes across the DMV.”

It was a huge surprise donation for Campbell, and she was extremely grateful. She says everything (and everyone) helps make their goal of giving kids cakes on their birthdays successful.

Helping Hands: So What Else

Community,

Every week in Montgomery County, the non-profit So What Else feeds thousands of meals to feed others, but now they are forced to move as Lake Forest Mall closes. Since starting this initiative at the beginning of the pandemic, they have given 30 million meals to those in need.

Now that they have to shut down and relocate, they are worried about still being able to help those in need because they have not solidified a new location. Their current rent is $1,000, and the new places they have discovered are priced around $12,000 a month, an increase they cannot afford.

Joel Bassam joined with a virtual message to surprise them with a helping hand. So What Else is doing amazing things helping those who need it most, and Easterns Automotive Group was honored to donate $2,200 towards their initiative. Allie and Megan were so excited and shared that this would help with rent and moving costs for their new space.

Helping Hands – Random Acts of Kindness

Community,

A small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day. On Random Acts of Kindness Day Easterns Automotive Group teamed up with ABC 7 during this Helping hands to surprise random people with gift cards.

Many were caught off-guard by the random gift and responded with great appreciation.

“You made a very stressful week that much better,” one person said.
One person laughed and said, “You guys just made my day.”
Another said, “Thank you so much, this is my lunch money!”

More than $2,000 worth of gift cards were handed out by the 7 News team in Virginia. Joel Bassam from Easterns Automotive Group loved the gesture of kindness, saying, “There’s no wrong way to give back.

Pay It Forward – Gas Giveaway

Community,

A group of hospital staff and public safety employees joined us at the Circle Sunoco in Fairfax. To share the love and give back, Fox 5 and Easterns Automotive Group gave away free gas to the first hospital and public safety workers. 

If you know someone who should be featured on Pay It Forward, you can nominate them at wttgpayitforward@fox.com. In your email, be sure to include who they are and why they deserve to be recognized.

Helping Hands: Operation Understanding

Community, Uncategorized,

Operation Understanding has been giving back to the community for the past 30 years now. The nonprofit brings students together to fight racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

“A very important part of the program is the emotional component, difficult discussions addressing tough issues and being honest with each other,” says Daniel Nathan, President of OUDC. “The students create a sense of community, and these are 24 students with a very diverse background.”

Youth from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) are brought together by the nonprofit to empower a generation of social justice leaders by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation.

“Still focused on anti-racism and anti-Semitism, which is still very important, we are looking at other oppressed minorities,” Nathan said. “We are looking at Asian-Pacific Islanders and anti-Muslim and LGBTQ+.”

Karim Marshall, an active board member, is an alum of the program from the ’90s.

“We have expanded the program to explicitly include all communities because we know that in order for us to make meaningful social changes and build coalitions, we need to make sure that everybody is at the table,” Marshall said.

Amazed by the awesome work that Operation Understanding is doing Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group wanted to surprise Operation Understanding DC with a 7 News Helping Hand.

“Operation Understanding DC has been doing amazing work for almost 30 years. Leading change, strengthening identity, and exploring history is such a beautiful mission. The way that you have been able to promote respect and cooperation by fighting discrimination of all forms is a beautiful mission that we want to support. We are donating $2,200 to your cause so you can keep helping those who need it most.”

Nathan expressed that the donation would benefit the nonprofit in a variety of ways such as paying staff and meals for students.