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2005 SESSION

058525744
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 488
Offered February 4, 2005
Commending Kids R First.
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Patrons-- Howell; Delegate: Plum
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WHEREAS, the Best of Reston Awards were established by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith to honor businesses, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to serving the Reston community; and

WHEREAS, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce helps businesses prosper in the Northern Virginia area by promoting the business and civic interests of Reston Chamber members and residents; and

WHEREAS, Reston Interfaith, the oldest and largest social service agency in the Reston area, is sponsored by numerous religious organizations and a large volunteer base and sponsors local shelters and transitional and affordable housing and provides emergency food and clothing; and

WHEREAS, among the honorees of the 2005 Best of Reston Awards, announced January 13, 2005, was Kids R First, honored for its successful efforts to ensure that children in the Reston area never go without needed school supplies; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1998 by several retired school teachers, Kids R First is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that provides children of needy families with basic school supplies; and

WHEREAS, with school supplies costing as much as $75 per year in Fairfax County, many families have trouble purchasing supplies for their children, and Kids R First fills backpacks with pencils and paper, and for older students, with calculators, science project materials, and SAT and ACT test registration fees; and

WHEREAS, relying on its volunteer members to raise funds by running charity events and knocking on doors, Kids R First helped 3,000 students in its first year, a number that increased to 11,000 in the 2004-2005 school year; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, Kids R First has provided necessary school supplies to some 36,500 students in the Dulles Corridor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Kids R First; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kids R First as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for its efforts on behalf of the school children of Reston and its surrounding area.