Lisa Mitchell

Fairfax County

Washington Metropolitan Area

Chantilly

Virginia

Patch AM Team

Greenbriar

Centreville

Franklin Farm

Fair Lakes

Fair Oaks

Floris

McNair

Loudoun County

South Riding

Herndon

Michael O'Connell

Reston

3110 Fairview Park Dr Ste 500, Falls Church, VA 22042

At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), one of the region’s largest and most established human services nonprofits, we believe every child deserves to walk into the classroom on the first day of school feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. But for many local families, the excitement of a new school year is overshadowed by the financial stress of buying school supplies. By helping families meet this essential need, we can ease financial pressure and give students the tools they need to succeed from day one.
This summer, NVFS is bringing together individuals, businesses, and community partners from across Northern Virginia, to provide new backpacks and essential school supplies to more than 1,500 local students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Together, we're helping children feel prepared for the school year ahead while easing the financial burden on families working toward greater stability.
You can help families start the school year with confidence. Whether you donate, host a supply drive, or spread the word, every contribution helps equip students for success in the classroom, and strengthens families across our community.
Help us reach our goal. There are several ways you can help.
<ul><li>Donate to our Back2School Fund online, and we'll shop for the most-needed supplies on your behalf: <a href="https://nvfs.link/b2sdonate" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">nvfs.link/b2sdonate</a></li></ul>
<ul><li>Shop our Amazon Wish List by July 22: <a href="https://nvfs.link/b2s2026amazon" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">nvfs.link/b2s2026amazon</a></li></ul>
<ul><li>Host a school supply drive or learn more about how you can support the campaign: <a href="https://nvfs.link/b2s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">nvfs.link/b2s</a></li></ul>
The new school year will be here before we know it. Together, we can make back-to-school season a time to help more than 1,500 local students start the school year strong and give families one less worry as they work toward a brighter future.

Local Event: Join Northern Virginia Family Services in Helping 1,500 Local Students Start the School Year Strong

Falls Church

Join Northern Virginia Family Services in...

At Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), one of the region’s largest and most established human services nonprofits, we...

Join Northern Virginia Family Services in Helping 1,500 Local Students Start the School Year Strong

<a href="https://eclpfriends.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends</a> is proud to present the inaugural Summer Slugfest, a charity softball game uniting alumni from two legendary local youth sports organizations for an afternoon of friendly competition, community spirit, and charitable impact.
The six-inning game will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 12 to 3 pm at the softball fields at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (5000 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151). The event features alumni players (ages 21 and over) from the <a href="https://www.chantillyyouth.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chantilly Youth Association (CYA)</a> and the <a href="https://syasports.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Southwestern Youth Association (SYA)</a> competing for the 2026 Slugfest Cup.
The free public event will feature:
<ul><li>An alumni softball game between former CYA and SYA players</li><li>Food trucks featuring gourmet hot dogs and cool summer treats&nbsp;</li><li>Giveaways, merchandise, and a 50/50 raffle</li><li>Family fun and community engagement</li><li>Live on-field broadcast from CYA’s The Sideline podcast</li></ul>“Summer Slugfest is exactly what youth sports should be about—community, connection, and giving back,” says SYA CEO Gary Flather. “We’re excited to see former players come together again, represent SYA, and support opportunities for kids and families throughout our area and through ECLP.”
Organizers say the event is about giving back to the next generation and shining a light on all that <a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ellanor C. Lawrence Park</a> offers—over 650 acres of sports fields, trails, historic Cabell’s Mill and Walney Visitor Center, plus the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center and more.
Proceeds from donations, raffles, and merchandise sales at the Summer Slugfest will support scholarships, summer camps, school field trips, and educational programming through local nonprofit Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (ECLP) Friends, helping underserved children access outdoor recreation and learning opportunities.
“With the Summer Slugfest, we hope to get more young adults out enjoying ECLP,” said Friends volunteer and Slugfest organizer Zach Velis. “Funds raised will provide more scholarships for park programs. We grew up attending ECLP camps and playing youth sports—we want every child to enjoy the same opportunities.”
Summer Slugfest is a free, family-friendly event open to the public, with players registering through either CYA or SYA. Community members are encouraged to dig out their purple or red gear and come cheer on their favorite team as local alumni take the field for a great cause.
“The Slugfest is about more than winning a trophy,” added CYA Executive Director Mark Abbott. “It’s about reconnecting alumni, celebrating our shared history in youth sports, and investing back into a park that serves as an educational and recreational resource for the entire community.”
To learn more or to register as a Summer Slugfest player for either CYA or SYA, visit <a href="https://www.eclpfriends.org/summer-slugfest-22026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ECLP Friends</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;###


<h3>About Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends</h3>
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization dedicated to supporting park initiatives and activities that help protect and preserve our park—and our planet. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eclp.friends" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eclp.friends/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Visit <a href="https://www.eclpfriends.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.eclpfriends.org</a> and <a href="https://eclpfriends.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6c393e62879cab4e4ec07125c&amp;id=68d949a468" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to learn more, donate and get involved.&nbsp;

Local Event: Free Community Event: Summer Slugfest at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Free Community Event: Summer Slugfest at...

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends is proud to present the inaugural Summer Slugfest, a charity softball game uniting alumni from...

Free Community Event: Summer Slugfest at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

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Join Northern Virginia Family Services in Helping 1,500 Local Students Start the School Year Strong

Free Community Event: Summer Slugfest at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

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