Dear Friend,

Cynthia Hull, UCM Executive DirectorRecently UCM was profiled on WUSA9's Evening News' Friday's Heroes. What made the piece especially poignant for me was an interview with a long-time food pantry volunteer. She began her association with UCM more than a decade ago when she was a client. She spoke of how she reassures people who come for help, those who have no food for their children or are at risk of homelessness. Being able to tell them that she once stood in their shoes, and today lives a life in which she is able to give back to UCM and to the community, is deeply inspiring and provides the essential element of hope to those whose lives she touches. You can view the video here. 
 
So you can learn more about the powerful work that UCM is doing, we have just launched Facebook page.  Simply click the 'Like' button next to our name and you will receive regular updates on the work we are doing in the community. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Cynthia N. Hull
Executive Director
In This Issue
 
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schoolIt's Backpack Packin' Time!
Last year, UCM supplied more than 800 students with backpacks and school supplies to start the year off right.
backpacks
The first day of school is almost here and UCM is making sure that local kids are ready for it. August 26th & 27th, UCM will distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies. Thanks to immense community support, UCM's large conference room is filling up with paper, pens, binders and notebooks to outfit local children in need. We deeply appreciate the many churches, civic groups and individuals that have donated supplies and funds to support this project. Items that are still on our wish list include:
  • Backpacks                               
  • Scientific calculators
  • Coposition notebooks
  • Pencil Boxes and Pencil Bags
  • 3 Subject Wide Ruled Notebooks
  • Scissors
  • Protractors
  • 4 oz Bottles of Glue
  • Pencil Sharpeners
  • Pocket Folders 
  • Graph Paper
  • Colored Pencils
 
Volunteers are vital to this project!  If you would like to sort supplies, pack backpacks or help with distribution, please contact Christine Fiske at 703-768-7106 ext 328.


hthTime to Put on Those Walking Shoes!
Get ready to put on your walking shoes and join UCM as we take steps to end homelessness and raise funds for UCM through Fannie Mae's 2010 Help the Homeless Program. 
 
 
Help Us Get to 3,000 Walkers and Reach Our Goal of Raising $140,000
 
There are many ways that you can help us meet our goal of having 3,000 walk to support UCM:
  1. Donate funds to sponsor children in local schools whose families cannot afford the registration fee. Just $15 sponsors a child or $375 sponsors a classroom of children. You can donate now.   
  2. Join or start a mini-walk with your place of worship, school, neighborhood association, service or civic group. Email sarah.stone@ucmagency.org for more information about starting a mini-walk. 
  3. Become a Help the Homeless Sponsor and name UCM as your beneficiary organization and Fannie Mae will match your sponsorship by 20%.  That means if you sponsor at the $5,000 level, UCM will receive an additional $1,000 from Fannie Mae.  For more information about sponsorship benefits, visit the Help the Homeless website.  
  4. Sign up to walk with us on the Mall on November 20th.  Just visit our team page and click "join team."
All checks must be made to "Help the Homeless" and should be sent to UCM, 7511 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, VA 22306.
 
Every step we take together is one closer to ending homelessness.  Won't you come walk with us?


Back Porch Seeks Your Donations
Back Porch
 
UCM's Back Porch Thrift Store has been a fixture in the community for more than 27 years. Stop in to shop and you will find treasures for your home. Or drop off household items to recycle and we will provide those items to UCM clients, low-income community members and others who are looking for used items at great prices. Today, we are in need of your donations! Please consider donating:   
  • Gently used furniture (free of stains and tears)
  • Used books (both hardback and paperback) for our recently expanded used book section
  • Houseware items, particularly small kitchen appliances, sets of dishes and glassware, etc.
  • Mattresses and box springs (free of stains and tears)
  • Used clothing - men's, women's and children's
Donation drop-off days are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Furniture and larger item pickups can be arranged Tuesday through Saturday. Please call 703.768.7106 ext. 320 to arrange for truck pickup. For additional information on items we can and cannot accept, store hours and other information, please visit www.ucmagency.org/BackPorch
 
Come in soon to find special treasures


An Organization You Can Trust

 

At UCM, $.94 of every dollar you donate goes directly to programs that help people in need. How we use your money is as important to us as it is to you.