It speaks volumes when a person goes above and beyond to help others in need.? Jonathan Bell is a former patient of Children?s National Hospital in Washington D.C.? When Bell was a child, he suffered from kidney failure but unfortunately this was in the 1940s before many medical advances.? There was so such thing as dialysis at that time so he spent much of his childhood in and out of the hospital.? His personal health experience inspired him to become a volunteer at Children?s National Hospital.? Bell has been volunteering for over 20 years and is truly an inspiration for being a selfless individual that chooses to put others first.? It was and still is important to him to make a difference in the lives of sick children and encourage them to persevere and appreciate the top-tier medical care they have been given.? Thanks to Bell, the children in the hospital are able to talk and work with someone that has been in their shoes and directly affected by health issues firsthand.

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group of DC, Maryland, and Virginia teamed up to surprise Bell during their Pay It Forward segment.? Maureen Umeh, host of Good Day DC, surprised Bell with Fox 5 DC cameras during his volunteer hours at Children?s National Hospital.? Joel Bassam of Easterns was also in attendance to present Bell with a $1,000 gift card to help him buy books and supplies to continue his volunteer work.? To top it off, Bell also received tickets to take his grandchildren to the Washington Nationals baseball game.? He has been a Nationals fan for years so being able to witness the excitement on his face was truly priceless.? We must congratulate the Washington Nationals as they are now playing in the World Series against the Houston Astros.? If you would like to learn how to be a Patient Care Volunteer at Children?s National Hospital, please visit www.childrensnational.org

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/pay-it-foward-childrens-national-hospital-volunteer-surprised-with-nats-tickets

Growing up as a millennial has its fair share of obstacles.? Bullying used to just be something that children had to encounter while at school.? However, due to the rise of technology, it often extends on to the world of social media.? A Montgomery County teen learned his true power when he decided to take his speech disorder into his own hands by choosing to embrace it and inspire others along the way.? Jared Glickfield was born with a stutter but he aimed to not let it get the best of him.? Dr. Tommie Robinson Jr. works with Jared on techniques to help him manage his stuttering and encouraged him to start his very own podcast.? Jared created Stuttering Since ?02 to be an inspiration to other students facing the same battle as him.? The platform gives him the privilege to share his story, give kids a positive experience, and provide a safe space on the internet that encourages others to be themselves.

Easterns Joins Fox 5 DC to Pay It Forward to Jared?

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC joined forces to Pay It Forward to Jared because they were so touched by his incredible story.? Allison Seymour of Good Day DC invited Jared and his parents down to the studio to chat about raise awareness about his podcast.? He was surprised by Joel Bassam who presented him with some promo items to market his podcast along with a $500 gift card to Sweetwater Sound to purchase new audio equipment to record the podcast.? ?The smile on Jared?s face was priceless.? He is a great example to teens and even adults to show that when you own your truth, no one can use it against you.? If you would like to listen to his incredible podcast, please click here.

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

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

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

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.

Link to original article

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC are always looking for someone who is doing great things to make a difference in the community.? Just recently, their Pay It Forward segment with Fox 5 DC was nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.? It is so wonderful to see such a positive segment get noticed that touches many lives across the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.? This week?s Pay It Forward segment is special for several reasons.? A small child by the name of Callie Linscott was born with a rare medical condition.? Her parents struggled to find her the proper care but eventually found a specialist in New York to help her with her needs.? She was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition called pulmonary hypertension which greatly affected the family.? Living in Virginia comes with its fair share of obstacles in terms of getting Callie?s medication.? There are three types of medication that she must take three times a day along with a pump attached to her.? Callie?s parents, Nikki and Warren Linscott coordinate with various pharmacies around the clock to make sure the medicine is ordered.? However, some instances arise where shipments can be missed or overlooked.

The family ran into a bit of unexpected trouble on the Friday before Easter when they were alerted by Walgreens that there was a nationwide shortage of Callie?s medications.? They were told that the medications would not be available for a few weeks.? At this point, they only had a two day supply left.? Local pharmacist, Laura Thomas was on the phone with Nikki and offered to try to help locate the medications.? Thomas called the Linscott family back with great news.? The medication was located at a store 100 miles away and she offered to pick it up.? She woke up the next morning and drove for over two hours to pick up the medication and make sure that it was at the store on Monday.? Thomas sacrificed her Easter Sunday to because she knew that Callie?s life depended on these medications.? Needless to say, the Linscott family was thrilled and honored that she would even go the extra mile.? When Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group got wind of Thomas? actions, they had no choice but to Pay It Forward for her selfless deed and compassion that she showed to Callie as a sick child.? Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group was on site with Erin Como and Fox 5 DC cameras to gift Thomas with a spa day for two at the Salamander Resort and Spa and couple dinner at Texas de Brazil: Brazilian Steakhouse.? We thank Laura Thomas for going above and beyond and showing how important it is for a pharmacist to have a caring relationship with their patients.

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

The District of Columbia is known for various historic African American historic grounds.? One of these places is the Woodlawn Cemetery located on Benning Road in Southeast DC.? The cemetery sits on 22 acres of land with about 36,000 people buried there.? Some notable figures that are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery include Blanche K. Bruce, Wilson Bruce Evans, and John Wesley Cromwell. ?Blanche K. Bruce was the very first black Republican senator to serve full term in Congress.? Wilson Bruce Evans was a prominent abolitionist that owned a house on the Underground Railroad.? His house was a frequent stop for travelers such as Harriet Tubman.? John Wesley Cromwell was a lawyer, teacher, civil servant, journalist, historian, and civil rights activist.? However, even though Woodlawn Cemetery was their final resting stop, the land was not well maintained over the years.? It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 but still nothing had been done about the land being overgrown and very dangerous.

Thanks to Tyrone Carter and the Woodlawn Cemetery Association, they took it upon themselves to step up and revitalize the historic cemetery.? It was important to them to have the families of deceased loved ones to make the land clean and neat for tourists.? Something that is a tremendous part of history like shouldn?t just be left untreated.? For this reason, Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group teamed up to Pay It Forward by helping the Woodlawn Cemetery Association continue the restoration process.? Joel Bassam of Easterns announced that they will be donating $5,000 worth of landscaping courtesy of SML services.? With these funds, they will be able to clear debris and replace headstones.? It is important that Woodlawn Cemetery gets back to its original condition.? Shout out to both Tyrone Carter and the Wood lawn Cemetery Association for their incredible work!

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.

Teacher Appreciation Week took place from May 5^th through the 11^th.? Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC connected to Pay It Forward to a group of incredible educators at Randle Highlands Elementary School in Southeast DC.? Being a teacher in America is one of the hardest jobs anyone can have.? The level of patience, care, and knowledge that it takes to educate children is truly remarkable.? Many times, teachers are not appreciated and celebrated on the level that they should be.? Mike Thomas of Fox 5 DC was on hand to highlight all of the wonderful teachers and the impact that they have on their students.? Mrs. Wilson was one of the teachers that allowed cameras in her classroom during a short presentation that she did for her students.? Like many teachers, her goal overall is to ensure that the children are having fun throughout the process of learning.

The group of teachers at Randle Highlands Elementary School is truly an incredible bunch because they operate as a family.? This is not an easy feat while serving over 350 students but they remain dedicated to their craft.? For their tremendous contributions, Easterns and Fox 5 DC surprised them all with a catered breakfast, notebooks, and a $50 dollar gift card for every teacher.? It is extremely important that teachers everywhere know how much they mean to the community.? They are the leading force in pushing our children to be the best they can be.

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.

Mother?s Day is just around the corner!? This is a special time of the year for mothers across the world to be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated for all of their hard work.? Being a mother is a hard job but being a mother in the military is another level of difficulty.? Fox 5 DC captured a very special moment last month when they followed Shadia Everett of Fairfax County, Virginia to surprise her son, James at his school.? James is a student at Riverside Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia.? As a Navy petty officer, Everett was only given one week to visit the U.S. and leave her station at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa.? The joy and excitement on both of their faces spoke volumes.? Small moments like that become memories that last a lifetime especially when you are unable to see your loved ones everyday.

Easterns Automotive Group was so inspired by the clip that they decided to partner with Fox 5 DC to Pay It Forward.? Initially, Everett was the one trying to surprise her son but this time she was the one ?to get surprised.? Easterns and Fox 5 DC came together to provide Everett, James, and close family members with a limo ride to the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.? The family was treated to an early Mother?s Day brunch since Everett won?t be home the actual holiday.? It was a very special day for the family because it truly does take a village to raise a child.? While Everett is deployed, James is in the loving care of his ?grandparents, aunt, cousins, and even church members.? Mother figures are extremely important because James is still able to receive that love even though his mom is not always able to be present. ?All of these wonderful people did not hesitate to step up to the plate and help while Everett is hard at work hoping to provide a nice future for both her and James.? We would like to send a special shout out to each and every single mother that works tirelessly to provide for their family.? You are loved and appreciated!

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.