A big thanks to Christmas in July volunteers

Good morning Prince William. Please join me in a gigantic cheers to all the volunteers who helped with our Christmas in July event. It was wonderful because of the work of tons of volunteers. The most amazing part of the day was when just after a huge rain storm the kids from Manassas St. Thomas United Methodist Church appeared at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion ready to lend a hand. They had been working in the community for several days as part of their summer mission and were drawn to us by fate. Every table, plate, silverware and lantern was wet. They quickly went into action – one of the moms took all the wet tablecloths home to put in the dryer, the kids and other volunteers dried every piece of china and silverware one at a time and then the boys started air drying the other tablecloths. When the tablecloths were dry, the kids went quickly to work setting the tables again. Needless to say an extraordinary group of kids led by a super group of adult leaders. Thank you all for saving the day!

The American Cancer Society has the perfect outing for you and your dog on Aug. 22 at its Annual Bark for Life fundraiser to honor the life-long contributions of canine caregivers. I can’t imagine life without my two dogs and I know you feel the same. So put on your walking shoes and grab your pal and head for the beautiful grounds of the Benedictine Pastoral Center on Linton Hall Road. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the cost is just $25. There will be contests, prizes, the blessing of the dogs, food, music and more. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Sounds like great fun and for a super cause.
Please visit their Web site a: manassasrelay.org for more information, or give JoAnn a call at 703-937-1916.

Those super folks at Project Mend-A-House are gearing up for their first golf tournament on Sept. 18 at Bristow Manor Golf Club. The entry fee is just $100 with a buffet lunch to follow. This sounds like the perfect opportunity to play hooky and support all the great work this wonderful organization does for seniors and the disabled to make their homes safe. There are also hole sponsorships available for $100 a hole. Please call the tournament chair Kevin at 703-499-2247 for more information.

Please don’t forget about Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer Effort Inc.’s school supply drive. Volunteers are needed starting Aug. 17 to help sort, organize and assemble the backpacks. This is the perfect job for kids from age 8 and older. Supplies will be handed out to the families starting Aug. 31. Please call Jan at 703-367-6742 to sign up for this fun and needed project. Kids are depending on you!

Mary Foley is the executive director of the Voluntary Action Center in Manassas.