The holidays are upon us, and already we have been inundated with messaging from Black Friday sales and holiday deals. And while the spirit of the season is often aligned with the joy of giving gifts, the essence of giving is even more meaningful when it extends beyond the exchange of presents. Giving back to the community is a gesture that transcends personal relationships and can have a profound impact on the world around us.
Allen & Allen cooks a meal for families in need at the Ronald McDonald House
Every year on Giving Tuesday, Allen & Allen highlights community organizations associated with Hometown Heroes we have acknowledged over the years. Our in-house committee selects community members who make Virginia a better place to live, work, and play. Many of these Hometown Heroes are founders of incredible organizations.
These worthy institutions can use donations and/or volunteers to help build stronger communities, which positively affects us all. This holiday season, consider contributing toward the change you wish to see in this world.
Fredericksburg
The Fairy Godmother project
In 2017 we honored Hometown Hero Andie Ayers, who founded The Fairy Godmother Project. This organization works to ease the burdens that families face when battling pediatric cancer. The range of services are wide, from providing cooked meals and professional house cleaning, to lawn care and supplying gas and grocery cards. Families are also offered professional photography sessions. This gift has been quite impactful for those facing pediatric cancer.
Should any of these families have to navigate the profound grief of losing a child, The Fairy Godmother Project can help with funeral arrangements and related expenses. Additionally, they facilitate group support sessions and aim to foster a network of support through their grieving process.
Scottsville (outside Charlottesville)
Finally Home Animal Haven
At just 13 years old, Natalie Jenkins founded Finally Home Animal Haven, a nonprofit rescue in Scottsville, Virginia dedicated to saving abused, neglected, and surrendered animals. The ultimate goal is to find these animals a new lifelong home. In 2023, Natalie became an Allen & Allen Hometown Hero for her and her family’s incredible efforts! They rehabilitate, retrain, and safely place these animals into a forever home, and if that isn’t possible, they provide a permanent sanctuary at Finally Home Animal Haven. Their farm is a safe haven for horses, donkeys, mules, ducks, cats, dogs, pigs, and every creature in between.
Richmond
Making a Difference for You, Inc. (MAD4FU)
In 2019, we honored Hometown Hero Gail Crawford, who founded Making a Difference for You, Inc. (MAD4FU). This organization provides essential computer literacy to underserved populations, from youth to senior citizens. Their overall goal is to build a stronger and more self-sufficient community for everyone.
They have a staff of volunteers who train, educate, do grant writing, and offer technical support to a wide swath of those in need. They customize their support according to the strengths and interests of those they are serving. Services include resume writing, tech basics, finance management, web design, social media, fundraising, grant writing, and general computer training.
Enjoy the spirit of giving on this Giving Tuesday, and have a wonderful holiday season!
