Area Girl Scouts to Support April 8 Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Girl Scout troops in Fairfax County are lending their support to Empty Bowls, the annual fundraiser that supports Food for Others. This year, 18 Girl Scout troops from Oak Hill, Vienna, Chantilly, Centerville, Herndon, Reston and Fairfax will send representatives to greet guests, serve food, collect tickets, and help keep the busy event running smoothly. Empty Bowls, organized by the Giving Circle of HOPE, is the largest fundraising event benefiting Food for Others. From their Merrifield warehouse and neighborhood sites, Food for Others provides groceries to the elderly, the disabled, and people who struggle with the high cost of living in this area.

This year’s Empty Bowls is being held at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon on April 8, 2016 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. For a $25 ticket, patrons choose a pottery bowl made and donated by local potters, and enjoy soup, bread and dessert, also donated by local businesses. Those wishing to buy tickets can do so at http://www.givingcircleofhope.org.

Some of the Girl Scouts working at this year’s event will earn credit toward their Silver Trefoil Award and all of them are excited about helping members of their community who are food insecure. Participation of the Scouts in Empty Bowls began in 2008 when a troop from Reston and Oak Hill, led by Debi Miles, became involved in the event. Barbara Philipps, from Oak Hill is taking over the lead this year to orient the scouts in their volunteer work for Empty Bowls. Some of the Scouts are returning volunteers, having participated in this event for 3 years. When asked why they like volunteering with Empty Bowls one of the girls said, "We like helping the community and meeting other people."

Food for Others helps more than 2,000 people each week receive free groceries and fight hunger. According to Roxanne Rice, executive director of Food for Others, "The Empty Bowls event benefits Food for Others by building a healthier, stronger, and a more caring community. It is a wonderful opportunity to have local artists and some of the area's finest chefs have their work appreciated, while making a difference to people in need."