F E AT U RE To date, more than 1,000 people have served in excess of 3,000 volunteer hours, and their efforts have produced more than 30,000lbs of donated produce easement. This is a legal agreement that limits the use of the land. Kuhn launched the farm in April last year, hiring a farmer to grow 16 varieties of vegetables including sweet potatoes, potatoes, lettuce, corn and kale for the Loudoun community in Virginia and beyond. The Kuhn family also contributed beef, pork, and venison, and the retail value of its first years donations is nearly $240,000. The farm is a philanthropic effort designed to alleviate hunger by growing and harvesting chemical-free crops and livestock, and then donating them. As part of this innovative programme, JK Moving Services partnered with Loudoun Hunger Relief (LHR) to distribute the crops and protein to those facing food insecurity. In November, its efforts were recognised by the Washington Business Journal, which named JK Moving Services a top corporate citizen for its partnership with LHR, specifically recognising its work to start the farm. We are humbled by the Business Journal award and proud of our partnership with Loudoun Hunger Relief, says Kuhn. Starting JK Community Farm is a sustainable, tangible way for us to meet a critical community need but it only works by having a great relationship with a nonprofit with a shared interest. Our Loudoun Hunger alliance is built on trust and respect, ensuring it will strengthen the community for years to come. To date, more than 1,000 people have given in excess of 3,000 volunteer hours, and their efforts have produced more than 30,000 lbs of donated produce. Over the winter months, the farm is also expected to donate about 50,000 lbs of protein. This is not where the story ends, however. In addition tosharing meat and fresh produce, the JK Community Farm hosts educational classes for LHR clients on cooking,gardening and nutrition. The farm provides volunteering opportunities for JK staff and others in thecommunity interested in growing food, and will serve as a source for workforce training for LHR and other non-profit clients. Chuck Kuhn, CEO of JK Moving Services 68 FF289FebMar19 pp66-69 Community Work.indd 68 Paxton volunteers help deliver clothing for the homeless PAXTONS SMALL ACTIONS MAKE A MASSIVE IMPACT The Paxton Volunteer Committee explains how Paxton International Washington DC is helping the homeless this winter season As a chill returns to the air in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia metro area with temperatures regularly falling, and staying, below freezing we are reminded how those less fortunate than us are adversely affected by this change in the weather. Paxton is happy and fortunate to have partnered again with a local non-profit, Gifts for the Homeless, to make a true difference in the day-to-day lives of so many of the disadvantaged people in ourcommunity. The annual Used Clothing Drive takes place in late November, early December, in Washington, DC. Now in its 32nd year, feeder drives take place in the lead up to the weekend of the Drive, when hundreds of volunteers come together to sort nearly 3,000 bags of donations. Requested donations get delivered by Paxton to about 55 shelters, churches and homeless organisations around the DC metro area. Sometimes, only a few womens and childrens coats and items of clothing are needed; at other times, much more is sought hundreds of coats and boots for men, women and children. Regardless of whether the need is large or small, Paxton stays until the end, making as many deliveries as it takes to fulfill the need. Paxton is active in dozens of community programmes year round, and is happy, once again, to serve a cause that will, literally, be felt throughout the winter months. The appreciation of those receiving gifts of warm clothing is palpable, humbling and reminds us all of how much of a difference a small action can make, especially going into the holiday season. We are looking forward to carrying the tradition of giving back into 2019 and hope you will, too. WWW. F I D I . OR G 23/01/2019 16:54