The images capture the extreme needs of local residents in North Fairfax County, especially in the Town of Herndon, in early December 2023.

Over 2,000 people flooded the Town of Herndon’s downtown district on Saturday, Dec. 2, to benefit from the distribution of 26,000 pounds of food as well as clothing, according to Herndon Town Council member Cesar del Aguila. The Stars & Stripes NOVA Committee, supported by the Green Lizard Foundation, produced the massive undertaking to support the local community.

“Volunteers began arriving at dawn Saturday morning,” Vice Mayor Clark Hedrick said. “The need was great — at one point, people were lined up around the block waiting to receive canned food, dry goods, fresh produce, and winter clothes.”

Although open to all current and former service members, first responders, their friends and family, Steven Boodski, co-chair of the committee, called the effort “a humanitarian mission.” It impacted the people who desperately needed it — those in the Herndon community.

“It was the most humbling experience of my entire life,” Booski said.

His comment was echoed by that of Hendrick: “I’m humbled and inspired by the efforts of the Stars and Stripes NOVA Committee to provide for our community.”

According to Beth Meyer of Green Lizard Cycling, the “Lizard” was a part of the Stars and Stripes NOVA food and clothing giveaway. The day before the distribution, on Friday, Dec. 1, employees of Green Lizard Cycling, volunteers from The Green Lizard Foundation, and the Swim Team Dads joined the Stars and Stripes volunteers in sorting and bagging donations. Herndon Vice-Mayor Clark Hedrick and council member Cesar del Aguila joined the other volunteers in distributing food and clothing. 

Sponsors and other supporters included Costco, Giant, Harris Teeter, Lowes, Mission BBQ, and Parsons Xtreme Golf.