Clearview Adds Winter Coat Drive To Annual Joy of Giving Program​

HERNDON, VA — Clearview Elementary and the Clearview PTA are teaming up once again to bring joy to the school's community as part of its annual Joy of Giving Program. The school will distribute winter coats, hats, gloves, gift cards, and Thanksgiving food baskets to Clearview families in need.

"We really enjoy our Clearview staff and families," said Kelly Ginieczki, a school counselor who has been coordinating the annual effort for the last 16 years. "We really enjoy at this time of year helping out our families in need."

For the last five years, Clearview has partnered with Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and School in Vienna for Thanksgiving food baskets. Their families are putting together food baskets to be distributed on Nov. 24 to Clearview families, who are in need of assistance.

"Normally, that's what we do for Thanksgiving," Ginieczki said. "This year, given COVID and safety, etc., we are also combining a winter coat and winter gear drive at the same time, as well as winter holiday assistance."

Usually, Clearview offers an "adopt a family" program as part of the Joy of Giving, but safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic have made that impossible. Instead, the school will be distributing gift cards to its families, so that they can purchase holiday gifts for the children in their household.

Clearview is asking the public to donate new or gently used and laundered winter coats, in size 5 all the way up to adult small, along with hats and gloves. In addition, Clearview is accepting donations of $25 gift cards from Kohls, Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Visa gift cards will also be accepted. An Amazon Wish List is also available for donations.

Donations can be shipped to Clearview Elementary or dropped off at the school Monday-Friday, between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Door 1. Lettie Bobby, one of the school's office workers, will be accepting the donations for the Joy of Giving Program. Items shipped to the school should be marked to her attention.

"It's been a particularly tough year for many, many people," Ginieczki said. "At this point, we already have identified 95 families. We're not going to turn anyone away. My contacts at OLGC, if we go above 100, are going to work on their end to be able to support more. Our thought is that we'll be assisting around 100 families."

About half of Clearview Elementary's students participate in the free and reduced meals program. When school is in session, it also offers a weekend food program. Adding the winter jacket drive to the annual Joy of Giving effort serves those same children during the holidays.

"We note that as the weather gets colder, as far as jackets are concerned, we note that our kids come to school without winter gear or winter gear that fits them," she said. "That's why we've worked in partnership with donor organizations to be able to get jackets on the backs of kids."

For more information about the Joy of Giving Program, making a donation, or signing up to receive a basket, contact Ginieczki via her school email address: KMGinieczki@fcps.edu.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.