by President & CEO, Kris Valerio Shock

If you want to go fast, go alone
If you want to go far, go together
- African proverb

Calling all hands on deck. The giving season is upon us and we have a couple of wonderful opportunities to "go together" with the LAA Community in the next couple of months.

First up, we ask for your help:
The 2nd Annual Food Collection event, scheduled for Saturday, November 20th, has turned into a "Collection-Palooza" as we embrace initiatives driven by LAA Alumni this giving season. 

The "Blood, Sweat-ers and Food" Collection joins forces with Anne Arundel County Food Bank (Susan Thomas, FLG21), Feed Anne Arundel (Monica Alvarado, FLG09), Luminis Blood Bus Champion Ellen Shiery (FLG21), #justonesweater founder Lisa Seborowski (FLG07) and the Greater Parole Community Association (Lon Powell, NLA19, FLG20; Beryle Downs, NLA20, FLG22; Sherry Hutton, NLA20; Lisa Wilson, NLA21; Dawna Alexander Powell NLA17, FLG18).

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

DONATE - Any and all community members are invited to DONATE food and supplies, blood and/or sweaters per the instructions available here.

VOLUNTEER - LAA Members are invited to REGISTER for a Volunteer shift* to help direct, collect and sort donations. *Please note: We are accepting volunteers for both morning and afternoon shifts, however AFTERNOON IS MOST NEEDED at this time (Noon - 2:30p).

Click here for all of the details and to register to volunteer.

Next up, we invite you to celebrate:
In December, we will gather LAA Alumni together to celebrate the Season of Giving, including a Toy Drive to benefit the Boys and girls Clubs of Anne Arundel County.

Please join us for a COVID sensitive Holiday Party on December 15, 2021 from 5:30 to 7:30 at The Golf Club at South River in Edgewater. The Golf Club is an indoor/outdoor venue, so bring your coat and relax with your colleagues in a COVID-friendly atmosphere next to the warmth of the firepit outdoors or cozy up next to the fireplace inside. 

Festive fare, beer, and wine are included. You do not want to miss this wonderful opportunity to connect with your LAA colleagues to close out 2021.  Spread the word among your classmates and invite your friends.  We hope to see you there.

Advanced registration is required as space is limited. Click here for more information and registration.

Finally, as we approach #GivingTuesday on November 30th, we know so many LAA stakeholder organizations will be running support campaigns. We invite you to join the conversation in the comments below and share a link to your #GivingTuesday initiatives so that we all might "Go Together" in support of the #GivingSeason.