Community Outreach

We Reach the Children of our Community through Service and Donations
FASL members touch lives and are themselves touched through volunteer community service. Last year, members contributed more than 2,200 hours of service to our own projects and those run by other organizations.

FASL SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

Books in Hand
Books in Hand was launched in 2006 as a FASL signature project. Our goal is to collect, inscribe and distribute 1,000 new books to underprivileged children of all ages in the greater Fredericksburg area.

Summer Scholars
“Summer Scholars” is a signature Service League program which focuses on middle school students in the Fredericksburg area. FASL will award four full scholarships to an "All Arts and Sciences Camp" at George Mason University, Virginia Tech or William and Mary. This academic summer camp is one week in duration. Students will be selected in the early spring based on academic performance, interest and financial need. Not only will the full tuition be provided by FASL, but other necessities, such as luggage or a gas card for the families to cover transportation costs, will also be included. For more information on the camp, see http://allarts.uncg.edu/dcl/web/allarts/. To inquire about the FASL summer scholars program, contact your school guidance department.

College Scholarships
Each year, the Service League awards multiple $1,000 scholarships to college-bound seniors attending public high school from Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and Spotsylvania County. Scholarships are awarded based on community service performed by the teen in high school. Application requirements include a student essay, written recommendations from a faculty member and community leader, and school transcripts indicating at least a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship is not based on financial need. For further application information, contact your high school guidance office.

Community Initiatives

Adopt-A-Family
Holidays can be especially stressful occasions for families in need. Every year, FASL provides Thanksgiving dinner for a selected area family. FASL members support the Big Brothers Big Sisters holiday gift program, making wishes come true with new clothing and presents for dozens of area children.

George Washington’s Ferry Farm
Our area is rich in culture and history. FASL members contribute time and energy to support educational outreach programs under the direction of two of Fredericksburg’s best-loved institutions: historic Ferry Farm. Look for FASL members at children’s events throughout the year.

Head Start, Healthy Families, Bragg Hill Family Life Center and Old Forge Junction
Whether it’s running carnival games, distributing child-safety kits to young families, mentoring or tutoring a child, or serving refreshments at a neighborhood party, FASL members regularly contribute their time to key child- and family-based community programs.

Spotsylvania YMCA Playground
FASL has donated $25,000 to the area's only 100% handicapped-accessible playground

   

THE GREAT TRAIN RACE
Fredericksburg Area Service League will be the proud beneficiary of the Great Train Race 2011.  Fredericksburg Area Running Club has donated over $40,000 to FASL over the past 3 years. 
Contact Kate to get involved in this phenomenal community event.

       Provisional Project 2011

 
The 2011 Fredericksburg Area Service League’s Provisional Class planned and hosted a Spring Health Fair at the Massad YMCA for the children and families of Stafford Junction. Organizing into committees, the Provisional Class planned for everything from Lions Club vision and hearing screenings to a 1-mile fun run and Zumba class; gym activities including WiiFit, basketball, and jumping rope, and an amazing cooking demonstration by a celebrated local restaurant chef.

Provisional Class members worked hard to ensure that each child would leave the Fair with the information and equipment to help them develop a healthy self-esteem and a healthier lifestyle. To that end, all of the children got to pick out at least one major prize, from a treasure trove of toys and sports equipment donated by Goodwill and by FASL members (rollerblades, Big Wheels, footballs, and bike helmets, to name a few) and a goody bag containing personal hygiene items, books promoting self-esteem, and small toys.  A fabulous, healthy catered lunch organized by the provisional class and primarily donated by a local deli was a treat for all of the families.