Most people are familiar with the old adage “it is better to give than to receive.” And this past holiday season at CIS of NOVA truly captured the significance of that saying.  While the holiday season is oftentimes marked as a special time of the year with celebrations, family gatherings and the exchanging of gifts, we know that it can also be a difficult time of the year for those who experience significant financial constraints.

The third annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the Arlington Career Center offers a special opportunity for school officials, community partners and the staff at Communities in Schools of NOVA, to step in and help alleviate some of that burden.  With the help of generous volunteers and donations, we were able to make this year’s pop-up shop even more successful than the previous. We served well over 100 students, many of whom walked away with brand new winter accessories and coats. One student said, “I wasn’t expecting anything this Christmas, but that all changed after today.”  

Although the holidays have come and gone, we know that the work and efforts of our communities and schools are long lasting. Thank you to everyone who contributed to that effort!