A non-profit organization named SHARE Inc. held a collection event at Giant Food Store in McLean on Saturday. The collection event was named "Stuff The Bus". The shoppers donated 1,468 pounds of food, $1,097 of cash and $175 worth of gift cards. SHARE provides emergency assistance to local families and the collected items will be donated to the families in need. Fairfax County Office of Public-Private Partnerships also contributed to the organization of the event.
Jennifer Ruscio stood near the checkout aisles inside the grocery store to collect cash and gift card donations from shoppers
According to McLean Connection, "Volunteers provided shoppers with a list of suggested items for donation, like canned fruit, applesauce, flour, and canned protein as they entered the store. Shoppers could drop off their donations after they checked out".
Betsy Rice, who helps run the food drives at Giant, said, "Every time we meet different people who are willing to come out and donate. One woman took the form, she said, ‘I'm not sure I have time to do this.’ She came out with two bags full of stuff for us, and one item that she had gone into the store for. And that generosity is the kind of stuff that really just smacks you in the face.”
Apart from food, SHARE also collects technology items, like computers and scientific calculators, which are reconditioned by retired government technology workers. The organization also runs free haircut events annually as well as collection drives for school supplies and clothes.
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
