Earlier this month, members of the Providence Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Fairfax Station, Va., collected food and toiletries, adult coloring books, used ink cartridges, and old cell phones as part of a statewide service project that was initiated by State Regent, Judith Joy Surber. The chapter combined its donations with those from over 100 chapters across the Common-wealth. Janet Crowl, Chapter Regent, estimated that Providence Chapter's contributions were valued at about $900.00.
The food and toiletries were given to USO Centers across Virginia to benefit military members. The USO provides welcome home celebrations for service members and their families; and, for those leaving on deployment, the USO provides food to eat during the long flights and a small bag of toiletries. The adult coloring books will be used for recreational therapy at three Veterans Administration Medical Centers located in Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Salem, Va. The ink cartridges were sent to a recycling center to benefit several schools; and the cell phones were given to an organization that makes them available to women and elderly people who are in danger of domestic abuse.
DAR was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 180,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. Providence Chapter is located in Fairfax Station and has 119 members. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.