Hello and Welcome! We're so glad you are here and hope that you find these newsletters to be informative and will reach out to us with any ideas/feedback.

If you are new to Families Helping Families, check out our explainer video below for deets on the organization.

Share this newsletter freely. It takes a village to raise a child and we hope that together, we can make it a bit easier!

Families Helping Families, in collaboration with the African American Pastor's Council and Sentara were recently able to support an effort to get basic cleaning and hygiene supplies to 250 families across 14 ACPS schools.

A huge THANK YOU to ALL the volunteers that made the cleaning supply drive a success!

We would also like to give a special shout out to Kim S.

This project was a bit intimidating in scope and she was the model of calm throughout.

This school year, we have seen an influx of help requests. We have no reasonable expectation that the help requests will slow down in the upcoming year. We need your help to continue satisfying these requests so that our Albemarle County Public Schools families have what they need to work toward achieving academic success.

Other ways to Give this holiday season: 

Volunteer | FHF

• Backpacks and Supply Wish list for AHS Students
  
• A local family needs help with building a shed to protect work tools. Can you help? Email us at familieshf@gmail.com.

Are there other local efforts to support ACPS families that belong on this list? Email us if so!

little people w/BIG DREAMS LLC. & MxA Kids Spa is hosting their first ever kids New Years Eve Ball (ages 3-15)!!!

They do ask that all kids and parents come dressed in ballroom attire.

This is a FREE event and you will need to RSVP through the event page!!!

Survey: How do you plan to give back this holiday season?

BIPOC Children Books | Mahogany and Friends | Janasha Bradford | Charlottesville local author new book great idea for christmas gifts.

International Migrants Day

December 18th

International Migrants Day can be observed by taking the time to think about the challenges faced by migrants and by attempting to put yourself in their shoes. It’s also a good time to think about what your country would be like if there were no migrants. You can also trace your ancestor’s route to your country, or even take the time to ask a migrant about their experience. (SDG Knowledge Hub)

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 

December 27

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of investing in systems to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. 

The first ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, being held on 27 December 2020, was called for by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for and partnership against epidemics.



WHO works closely with governments to support efforts to build strong emergency and epidemic preparedness systems, as part of an overall approach to advance universal health coverage and strengthen primary health care systems. (World Health Organization)

Visit the Zoo Day

December 27

Locate the nearest zoo

Get on the internet and search for your local zoo. Be sure to find the name of the organization that runs it and learn more about the safety measures they have in place for your and the animals’ benefit.

Visit the zoo

Make the most of the holidays and visit the zoo with your family. Spend a day appreciating the beautiful creatures that call the zoo home.

Raise awareness

Zoos are in constant need of support, financial and otherwise. Encourage your friends and family to visit the zoo and help support the animals near you.

“In the coming year, we’re hoping to raise even more funds to be able to meet an increasing number of requests for emergency needs,” said FHF co-organizer Amanda Alger. “Mental health and transportation are two key needs that come up again and again.”

Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible.

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