Once the pandemic brought the world to a complete stop, it ended jobs for many across the globe. Tri Trinh?s photo booth business took a big hit once there was a halt to events. He lost his source of income and gained lots of free time during the pandemic. With more time on his hands, he wanted to find ways to give back to the community with very little money.?

It began with a coat drive. On the first three Saturdays of October, Tri gave away hundreds of coats to anyone in need. The idea for a food pantry sparked when he noticed others began to put canned goods in community libraries instead of books. Tri opened DC?s first 24/7 food pantry outside of Bluebird Sky Yoga. Understanding that, like himself, there are many newly unemployed people and don?t know where to go, he wanted to be that helping hand for those in this time of need without judgment. The food pantry has a take what you need set up, and he visits the pantry throughout the day to make sure the shelves are stocked.?

He has since launched a non-profit called Kindness DC and hopes to open more 24/7 food pantries across the district. Partnered with ABC 7?s Helping Hands, Easterns Automotive?s Joel Bassam was able to share our surprise donation of $1500 to continue his mission.?

“This is awesome! This will help us fill the pantry for three full weeks,” Trinh said.?

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.

Local nonprofit organizations across the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area have been stepping up to assist those affected by COVID-19.? One, in particular, is ?She Believes in Me? located in Herndon, Virginia that is founded by Renee Gorman.? ?She Believes in Me? offers elementary age at-risk girls the opportunity to participate in events designed to encourage, inspire, and empower through field trips and monthly events. Gorman is an elementary school counselor herself so she has a background in caring, listening, and understanding young girls.? Schools only provide support while students are in class, but it was Gorman that knew that young girls needed more.

Prior to COVID-19, ?She Believes in Me? held one of their largest events to date.? These monthly events were about providing young girls with life skills.? When girls are given these tools at a young age it allows them to be better equipped to handle things that arise in the future.? Some of the skills included relationship skills, self-esteem, mental health, physical health, and emotional health.

Once COVID-19 hit, everything changed.? Gorman was unable to meet the girls like she was used to which led her to revamp her strategy.? She began to notice the need for food in the community with so many families out of work with very little income.? Gorman put together several packs of food which turned into way more than she anticipated.? She moved the setup into her garage for a while and eventually to Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, VA.

Gorman and her volunteers have been able to supply food and household items for over 6,000 local families and consistently serve close to 50 families a week.? Her husband, Victor Gorman, nominated her for ABC 7?s Helping Hands segment with Easterns Automotive Group.? Helping Hands highlights individuals who are doing great work within the community.? ABC 7 WJLA cameras were able to surprise her with a $1,500 donation from Easterns Automotive Group.? Joel Bassam of Easterns was able to deliver the message to Gorman and volunteers.? This money will allow ?She Believes in Me? her to continue supporting young girls and also feed families in need affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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/cPjI_E-GSbI

The COVID-19 pandemic has really given wonderful nonprofit organizations across the DMV region to step up and help those in need. One organization is Horton?s Kids located in the poverty-stricken Wellington Park community of Washington D.C.? Horton?s Kids empowers children grades K through 12 in the District to overcome life?s obstacles so they can succeed in life.? They push the youth to graduate from high school by offering academic support and social-emotional development.

The unfortunate part about the pandemic is that many schools are participating in virtual learning.? This means that children are attending class and learning online.? With that said, each child needs the necessary digital tools to be successful and bridge the academic gap.? Horton?s Kids has been working to provide students with internet and tablets to be able to complete their schoolwork.? They have also been working to provide food and hygiene products.

The ABC 7 WJLA-TV team was so moved by the efforts of Horton?s Kids that they featured them on Good Morning Washington back in August.? This caught the attention of Easterns Automotive Group so they two decided to come together to highlight Horton?s Kids on their Helping Hands segment.? Easterns Automotive Group was able to surprise the nonprofit organization with a check for $1,500.? The donation will allow Horton?s Kids to continue helping children and supporting those in the community that needs it the most.

Horton’s Kids has a number of ways for people to get involved including – donating, volunteering, and joining their team. For more information, please visit www.hortonskids.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/DyizInqHc1U

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

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 30^th so please click here to find out the official rules and how to enter.? A total of 5 winners will be selected on October 1^st ? 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

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

It?s been a few months since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, but the effects have been long-term.? The unemployment rates remain through the roof and many people simply are hungry.? Almost every industry has been impacted and is in need of financial assistance.? The amazing folks at Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church in Alexandria, VA have been going above and beyond to help their community during this tough time.? Despite going through financial hardships, they have decided to help feed others through their Fisher of Men food truck.? The food truck has allowed them to raise money for the church while also feeding their community.? Every Sunday, they feed hundreds of people for free because they know that people are in need during this trying time.

Deacon James Myers is the master chef on the food truck and he truly enjoys being able to support and uplift the community.? He praises Ed Moore for offering to be a part of their community efforts.? Moore is the founder of Veterans Fishing Adventure, a nonprofit organization in Northern Virginia connecting veterans of all abilities and their families with boating and fishing adventures.? Moore saw the way that the church was getting involved in the community and decided to help out.? A few months ago, Moore and his team of volunteers caught catfish and received donations from local restaurants to benefit the Fisher for Men food truck.? To date, Fisher for Men has been able to feed over 5,000 people every Sunday thanks to the generosity of Moore.

Something as simple as pitching in to help can impact the lives of so many in need. ABC 7 and Easterns Automotive Group heard this story and wanted to pitch in on their Helping Hands segment just like Moore did.? Joel Bassam of Easterns was so touched by this story that he wrote a check for $2,000 for the Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church and their Fisher of Men Food Truck.? This story is very personal for Bassam as he and his family have a long history with feeding people in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.? Deacon Myers was truly at a loss for words and was brought to tears by Bassam?s kind gesture.? Instances like this remind us that helping someone in the smallest way can make the biggest impact.? A small act of kindness can inspire others to do the same.? Ask yourself, when is the last time you?ve been a helping hand?

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/ANre-QZMF4o

Homelessness is a national crisis but it affects many of our local Washington D.C. residents directly. According to Mission DC, 16.6% of DC residents live in poverty which is two times the national average. This number of course has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One DC resident in particular was able to find a home thanks to Miriam?s Kitchen. Miriam?s Kitchen is an organization that vows to end homelessness in the District. Easterns Automotive Group and ABC 7 DC / WJLA caught wind of their amazing work and decided to highlight them on their new edition of Helping Hands.

Leroy Fenner is an aspiring artist that recently found a home after being homeless for two years. He did this with the help of Cheryl Bell who is the chef a Miriam?s Kitchen. Bell has been working very hard during the pandemic preparing breakfast and dinner to the homeless to ensure that their needs are met. ABC 7 cameras followed Fenner to his new home where he gave Bell a tour and showed off his new artwork.

Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group arrived to give him the surprise of his life. Bassam presented Fenner with a check for $1,000 for his tremendous growth and success. He plans on using this money to further his painting career as he eventually wants to go to art school. But Joel wasn?t finished, he also presented Bell with a $1,000 check for Miriam?s Kitchen to help with their expenses as they are a nonprofit organization. Their demand has increased since coronavirus so this $1,000 donation will be able to cover 1,200 meals.

For the last 30+ years, Easterns has always given back to the community and helped those in need. Their hope is that by sharing Fenner?s story that it inspires people to never give up on their dreams. Where you start is never where you end up. Obstacles will come but you must continue working hard to get to the other side. If you would like to learn more about Miriam?s Kitchen, their services, or how to get involved ? please visit www.miriamskitchen.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.

A few weeks ago, ABC 7 ran a story about Mission of Love charities in Prince George?s County, Maryland. The food pantry was established in 1991 and primarily serves homeless individuals. However, things changed recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With unemployment at an all-time high, many people of various industries are struggling to survive and make ends meet. Mission of love has been doing a great job trying to help as many as they can, but It has become tough meeting the demand of people.

Easterns Automotive Group partners with ABC 7 on a segment called Helping Hands where they find people or organizations doing great work in the community. After seeing the work that Mission of Love is doing as a nonprofit organization, the team decided to help out. Alison Starling of ABC 7 joined Joel Bassam of Easterns on a video call to surprise the lovely ladies behind Mission of Love. They got a chance to talk about the charity and express why they are so passionate about the cause. It is very personal for them so of course they hate having to tell people no when there isn?t enough food.

Starling surprised the women of Mission of love virtually by waving a large check for $2,500 from Easterns. The excitement and joy on their faces were priceless because they know that this donation will help feed so many. Beyond providing food, Mission of Love offers utility, rental, and security deposits assistance to homeless and low-income individuals and families. If you would like to learn more, donate, or volunteer at Mission of Love ? please visit www.molcinc.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/0oXorD6iINU