By Dan Sullivan

Donate Your Gently Used Footwear to Soles 4 Souls!

Spring cleaning? Itch for a shoe shuffle? Don't toss those gently used kicks in the donation bin just yet!  The Virginia Moose District 4 is teaming up with Soles 4 Souls for a shoe drive that'll have you stepping into good karma with style.

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, April 13th, join your fellow Mooses (and honorary hoofed friends) at the Franconia Moose Family Center #1076 for a chance to give your old shoes a new lease on life.

Why Soles 4 Souls? This fantastic organization takes your pre-loved footwear and clothing and turns them into opportunity. They distribute shoes and clothes to those in need, both here in the U.S. and around the world.  Imagine the joy on a child's face when they receive a sturdy pair of sneakers to run and play in, or the warmth a new jacket can provide someone facing a harsh winter.

So dig deep into your closets! Dust off those barely-worn boots, those comfy sneakers you've retired to the back of the shelf, or those dress shoes that haven't seen the light of day since your last formal event.  Soles 4 Souls accepts all sorts of shoes in good condition, from sneakers and boots to dress shoes and sandals.

Here's the best part:  Donating your shoes isn't just good for someone in need, it's good for the environment too!  By keeping footwear out of landfills, we're all taking a step towards a greener future.

So come on down to the Franconia Moose Family Center on April 13th!  Drop off your donations, mingle with your fellow Mooses, and enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others.  We'll see you there!

By Dan Sullivan

Calling all Centreville green thumbs and recycling enthusiasts – the Women of the Moose Lodge #1674 needs your help! We're on a mission to collect a mountain of plastic bottle caps to create a brand new buddy bench for the Providence Elementary School Panthers.

But what's a buddy bench? It's a bright and friendly seat on the playground where a child can sit if they're feeling lonely or left out.  Seeing a friend on the bench is a universal sign for other kids to scoot over, say hello, and maybe even invite them to join a game. It's a simple idea that can make a big difference in fostering friendship and inclusion at recess.

Here's where you come in! We're collecting all kinds of clean plastic bottle caps –  milk jugs, soda bottles, juice containers – anything with a plastic top goes!  By recycling these caps, we can create a one-of-a-kind buddy bench that's not only colorful and fun, but also eco-friendly. It's a win-win for the environment and the Providence Panthers!

Ready to join the Cap Crusaders?  Drop off your clean plastic caps at the Centreville Moose Lodge #1674 (ask a friendly Moose member where to stash them!).  Every cap you donate brings us one step closer to building a fantastic buddy bench for the Providence Elementary School playground.

Want to learn more? Contact Deb Wiker at bcjwiker@gmail.com. Together, let's turn those used caps into a symbol of friendship and inclusivity for the Providence Panthers!

In a heartwarming initiative, the Virginia Moose Association's District 4 is inviting the community to join hands in a fashion-forward endeavor to show our appreciation for military veterans. The mission? To deck out our heroes in the latest cozy chic attire, namely new sweatshirts and sweatpants!

Picture this: A sea of trendy sweatshirts and stylish sweatpants making their way to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, transforming it into a runway of gratitude. The Virginia Moose Association District 4 is spearheading this fashion frenzy and encouraging everyone to participate.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to strut your generosity at the upcoming District 4 meeting on January 13, 2024. This is not just a chance to declutter your wardrobe but an opportunity to make a sartorial statement of support for those who have selflessly served our nation.

Why sweatshirts and sweatpants, you ask? Well, aside from being the epitome of comfort, they're also versatile enough to accommodate various weather conditions and offer a cozy respite for our veterans. It's not just about keeping them warm; it's about wrapping them in a metaphorical hug of appreciation.

Imagine the smiles, the warmth, and the camaraderie that a simple piece of clothing can bring. It's not just about the fabric; it's about the sentiment stitched into every seam. This initiative is more than a call for donations; it's an invitation to be part of a fashionable force for good.

Let's turn the act of giving into a runway show of compassion. Your new or gently used sweatshirts and sweatpants could be the stylish boost that a veteran needs. Join the Virginia Moose Association District 4 in this fashion-forward philanthropy and let's make a difference, one cozy ensemble at a time!

The Virginia Moose Association's District 4 is seeking volunteers for its Wreaths Across America event on December 16, 2023. We'll gather at the National Museum of the Marine Corps at 11:30 am to discuss the day's activities. Your help is crucial to make this event a success, as we aim to remember and honor our veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

Wreaths Across America, a national tradition, ensures that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten. This holiday season, you can make a difference by participating.

Event Details:

Date: December 16, 2023

Time: 11:30 am

Location: National Museum of the Marine Corps

Community members, veterans, and families are all welcome to join us. For more information or to volunteer, please contact us at ANTLIZ14@gmail.com. Your involvement will help us pay tribute to our nation's heroes and spread the holiday spirit.

Let's come together to make this Wreaths Across America event in Virginia a memorable and heartfelt occasion. Your participation can make a significant difference in honoring those who served our country.

Dear members and friends,

In the heart of District 4, where our community thrives, we come together for a cause that warms both body and soul. Winter's chill is approaching, and there are those among us who need a helping hand to stay warm. We invite you to join us in a beautiful act of kindness as we collect winter gloves to donate to the Northern Virginia Family Service.

These gloves are not just pieces of clothing; they are symbols of care and compassion. They will shield the delicate hands of children, provide warmth to women, and offer comfort to men. It's a simple gesture that can make a world of difference in someone's life.

Please mark your calendars for our District 4 meeting on October 14, 2023, at 11 am. We will gather at the Franconia Moose Lodge, located at 7701 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22315. This will be the moment when our community comes together to share the warmth.

As you go about your daily routines, we kindly ask you to keep an eye out for winter gloves that are in good condition but no longer needed. Every pair you contribute will be a blessing to someone in need.

Let's create a winter filled with warmth and hope for all members of our community. Together, we can make a significant impact and remind each other of the strength that lies in unity and compassion.

Thank you for being a part of this beautiful endeavor. Your generosity will surely bring smiles and comfort to those who need it most.

With gratitude,

District 4