Get More Out of What You Give!

Community service is among the core principles of WMCCAI, and the Chapter offers many ways in which members can give to the community. An afternoon of your free time or a few dollars may bring comfort, hope, joy, and strength to those who need it most. Members may donate an afternoon of their time or even materials to complete the projects. Either way, all who participate in Chapter charity projects receive recognition in Quorum and in press releases distributed to the media. More importantly, Chapter charity volunteers and donors will feel the satisfaction known only by those who dedicate themselves to volunteerism.

Habitat for Humanity

In 2006, the Chapter formed a partnership with the Northern Virginia and Montgomery County affiliates of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat works with individuals, institutions, businesses, and families to build decent and affordable housing for those living in substandard conditions. Recently, the organization began building common interest communities of town homes and condominiums. WMCCAI is striving to foster vibrant, competent, and harmonious living within those communities by donating resources, materials, and time to educate Habitat for Humanity and the families it serves. For many families, a Habitat home is a dream come true, and WMCCAI is proud to help them both realize and maintain that dream.

For donations of time, materials, and/or labor to joint WMCCAI-Habitat projects, including educational courses and renovations, you will receive recognition within related press releases sent to Washington metropolitan area media outlets by WMCCAI and HFHNV; acknowledgement in WMCCAI’s monthly Quorum magazine; recognition and acknowledgement in HFHNV’s Annual Report and regular E-Newsletter; and recognition and link to your company's Website on WMCCAI’s Website. For further information or to get involved, please take a look at the sponsorship form.
On Site Essentials
WMCCAI members have been involved with the development of Linganore Woods' budget, bylaws, and more. On Saturday May 5, 2007 the Chapter gathered at the build site to lend a hand, and in July 2007 the Chapter presented homeowners with our Onsite Essentials of Community Association Volunteer Leadership course. The Chapter is seeking sponsorship funds totaling $800 to cover the cost of Essentials course materials for 12 to 14 participants. We are also seeking sponsors to fund breakfast and lunch at the event. In addition to the feeling of satisfaction that accompanies altruism, sponsors will receive recognition on related press releases sent to Washington metropolitan area media outlets; acknowledgement in Quorum magazine; company recognition during the event; company recognition and link to your company's Web site on WMCCAI's Web site; company recognition on signage at the event; recognition in the program educational materials; and the opportunity to provide promotional materials, such as brochures or newsletters, for distribution at the event.

National Make a Difference Day- Saturday, October 25, 2008
Chapter members, family, and friends are encouraged to join in the effort at a Habitat job site or community on National Make a Difference Day. National Make a Difference Day, an annual event, created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.

 

This year, the Chapter is partnering with McFall & Berry Landscape Management, Inc. for its National Make a Difference Day project. The Chapter's Community Relations Committee will begin planning for this event during the summer months.

11th Annual Ronald McDonald House Landscape Day - Saturday, May 17, 2008 (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

WMCCAI members will gather to landscape the grounds at the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia at INOVA Fairfax Hospital (3312 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA). The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children who are undergoing treatment at area hospitals. They strive to provide a home-like environment where families can find comfort, necessities, and respite during a time of great stress.

Under the direction of Pine Ridge Landscaping, Chapter members, family, and friends will work to clean and rejuvenate the WMCCAI honor garden and spruce up the house’s surroundings. This year WMCCAI will also be collecting supplies for the Ronald McDonald House. Needed items include: books of stamps; gift cards to Giant, Safeway, and Target in $10 or $20 denominations; gift cards to Home Depot; white bath towels and washcloths; disinfectant sprays and wipes; travel size toiletry items; toothbrushes; individually packaged foods such as chips, cookies, granola bars, and tuna; zip lock bags; and DVDs.

Toy Drive - December 2008

In keeping with our tradition of giving during the holiday season, WMCCAI encourages members and guests at our annual Holiday Party to bring unwrapped gifts for children. Last year these toys, books, videos, puzzles, and games were collected and donated to the sick children of Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC.