Gaithersburg Celebrates 'Character Counts!' Month

From the City of Gaithersburg:

Gaithersburg, Md. - October is national CHARACTER COUNTS!® month, and this year it’s especially noteworthy as Gaithersburg celebrates 20 years as a CHARACTER COUNTS! city. This national ethics program, built upon the foundation of the Six Pillars of Character, was adopted by the City in 1996 and has been infused in educational, recreational and community-based initiatives ever since. The Six Pillars are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

The City of Gaithersburg is hosting and sponsoring a variety of activities to celebrate CHARACTER COUNTS! month. Some are open to the public; others are open to select audiences. Details can be found here or call 301-258-6395 x3.

• Throughout the Year: The City is proud to recognize individuals and businesses that demonstrate a commitment to character. Winners of Business/Person of Character Awards are honored on a perpetual plaque and are recognized at a Mayor and City Council meeting. Nominations are accepted throughout the year.
• October: Poster, essay and photos contests for elementary, middle and high school students are underway. The submission deadline is December 5, 2016. Contest winners and their families will be recognized at a ceremony in the spring of 2017. Entry details are available at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.
• October 8: The City of Gaithersburg is joining with Women Who Care Ministries, the Victim’s Rights Foundation, The Peoples Community Baptist Church, and Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc. to present the annual “Restore the Joy”Domestic Violence Empowerment Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Rockville. For tickets call301-963-8588.
• October 9: At the Oktoberfest at the Kentlands celebration, noon – 5 p.m., student volunteers will be hosting a pumpkin painting activity, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting youth programs and the CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Fund. $5 per pumpkin.
• October 17-21: Gaithersburg Youth Club members will participate in service projects and team building games with character themes. They’ll also participate in “Cookout with a Cop” on Respect Day, October 20.
• October 29: CHARACTER COUNTS! and Community Service information will be distributed at Mall-o-ween at Lakeforest Mall from Noon to 2 p.m.
• October 29: Gaithersburg Shreds, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. A free drive-thru paper shredding and electronics disposal event will take place at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park (parking lot near Water Park next to Gaithersburg High School). Help local families in need by bringing in nonperishable food items to be donated to Manna Food Center.

Donation & Volunteer Opportunities

• CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Program: Helping high school seniors pursue secondary education. Donations gratefully accepted.
• Holiday Giving: An annual program helping families in our community in November and December. Participate by volunteering for distribution events, stuffing gift bags, collecting new books and toys, or making a monetary donation.
• Volunteer: Help others during Montgomery County’s Community Service Week, October 16 - 23. Explore opportunities here.

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