Lake Braddock Secondary School has expanded its annual Blessing Basket program, providing 425 Thanksgiving baskets to families in Fairfax County this year. The initiative, which started with just 30 baskets a few years ago, is organized by the school’s counseling team and led by Principal Lindsey Kearns. Community partner Jeannie Garcia has played a key role in growing the effort through her outreach and connections.
Most of the donations come from the Lake Braddock community and local businesses. Some donors provide fully assembled baskets, while others send items that are put together at the school. The school’s counseling and administrative teams distribute these baskets to Lake Braddock families first and then share additional supplies with other schools when possible.
This year’s increased donations allowed Lake Braddock to assist more schools beyond its own community. Burke Elementary School, Herndon High School, Mountain View High School, and Frost Middle School received baskets as well. Frost Middle was included after new needs arose following a recent government shutdown.
There has been a noticeable rise in demand for food support across Fairfax County due to inflation, reduced program funding, and greater family hardship. As a result, schools have reported more emergency requests for assistance.
Debby Brown, a counselor at Lake Braddock, described this as their most successful year yet. She noted improvements in how the team organizes support so that it is both meaningful and considerate of each family’s situation.
A donor who participated in delivering a basket said: “truly heartwarming,” witnessing firsthand the care, coordination, and gratitude that filled the school community.
The Blessing Baskets program supports Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan by helping students feel safe, supported, included, and empowered.
