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2023 SESSION

23100714D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 351
Offered February 15, 2023
Commending LINK, Inc.
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Patron-- Boysko
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WHEREAS, for 50 years, the nonprofit organization LINK, Inc., has enhanced the quality of life in Northern Virginia by providing access to free, nutritious food and emergency financial assistance to people in need; and

WHEREAS, established in 1972 by five local churches to provide nonperishable food to people in need, LINK was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1978 and has continued to expand its operations over the years; and

WHEREAS, LINK now comprises 15 churches of various denominations in Sterling, Herndon, Chantilly, and Reston; the organization’s primary drop-off point and food pantry is located at Herndon United Methodist Church, with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Sterling providing additional inventory space and hosting a monthly Mobile Food Pantry event with food donated by the Capital Area Food Bank; and

WHEREAS, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for LINK’s services more than quadrupled between 2019 and 2020; LINK currently delivers about 5,000 pounds of food to approximately 100 families each week; and

WHEREAS, in 2022 alone, LINK completed 3,338 food deliveries to 16,578 people, and nearly 1,609 families received 98,000 pounds of food through a monthly distribution program operated by LINK and the Capital Area Food Bank; and

WHEREAS, during the holiday season in 2022, LINK also provided food and grocery store gift cards to more than 6,560 people and provided toys and gifts to more than 2,900 children; and

WHEREAS, financial assistance is provided to individuals or families referred by the clergy of LINK member churches or specific county agencies in the areas of Herndon, Sterling, and Ashburn; assistance is provided to people in crisis where there is no other sufficient means of support and as funds allow, typically for utility costs if there is a cut-off notice or rental housing after an eviction notice; and

WHEREAS, LINK has fulfilled its mission entirely through the dedication and hard work of volunteers, with no paid staff, and through generous donations from local individuals and community partners; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend LINK, Inc., on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lisa Lombardozzi, president of LINK, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the organization’s vital work to reduce food insecurity in Northern Virginia.