Supporting Refugees, Saving Cats, Fundraisers: VA Good News Stories Of 2021

VIRGINIA — Though this year's news cycle was dominated by COVID-19, there was plenty of good news around Virginia, as well. Some of the stories featured charity drives, academic achievements by local students, and random acts of kindness.

Here are some of the inspirational and feel-good stories of 2021, as residents across Virginia supported each other in the face of a pandemic.

Students' Achievements

Virginia has some of the brightest young minds in the country. This year, many students and young people dedicated their time and efforts to better their community. Some students broke new ground in their work as performers, researchers, and scientists.

• Woodbridge Teen Receives Scholarship For Microgravity Project
• Arlington Students Collaborate Remotely On Joint Theatre Project
• App To Help Autism Educators Earns Accolades For Fairfax Student
• McLean Students Bring Joy Of Art To Hospital Patients
• Lake Braddock Students Garden To Feed Families In Need
• Robinson Student Spreads Joy With Holiday Ornament Collection

Supporting New Community Members

This year, the northern Virginia region saw an influx of refugees from Afghanistan. Community members banded together to help these refugees find some sense of normalcy. In other areas, residents worked to support orphans in the area and a veteran in need.

• Donations For Afghan Refugees Collected By Falls Church VFW Post
• 65 Ukrainian Orphans Arrive At Washington Dulles Airport
• Homeless Veteran's 'Miracle Of Having A House' Helps In Healing

Support For Community Staples

Everyone needs a little help now and then, whether it's a local business, a band, or a sports league. These stories highlight the ways that residents and governments supported the organizations and businessess that needed help in their area.

• Owner Vows To Rebuild After Fire Guts 29 Diner's Kitchen
• Fairfax High Band Boosters Launch GoFundMe To Replace Ol' Blue
• Vienna Little League Park Gets Facelift Ahead Of State Tournament
• Restaurants, SNAP Recipients Helped By Stafford Cares Project
• Coat Drive From Prince William Realtors Exceeds Expectations

Feeling Inspired

Virginia residents have persevered throughout the pandemic. These inspirational stories highlight the work and deeds of people who put the work in and make the commonwealth a better place to be. Even in a year with COVID variants, test shortages, and school threats, these stories remind us that there are people doing good work in Virginia.

• In James's Promise, 2-Year-Old Vienna Stroke Survivor Finds Support
• McLean Girl Turns Baking Into Business, Competes On Food Network
• Navy Veteran From Chantilly Creates Special Chocolate Bar For Veterans Day
• Local Artist Brings Message Of Healing To Reston In Time Of Pandemic
• Nonprofit For Adults With Disabilities Holds Ceremony To Celebrate New Vienna Office
• $1,900 Tip Left By Group Of Diners At Virginia IHOP
• Vaccine Call Centers Staffed By Library Workers In Prince William
• 40 Cats To Fly From Fredericksburg To New Jersey To Find Homes
• Leesburg Police Department Raises $3,000 In No Shave November