HHS Help the Homeless Walk Raises $18K

Thursday afternoon was a beautiful day for a Help the Homeless Walk for Reston Interfaith at Herndon High School. 

More than 925 students signed up for the walk. Some walked during their gym classes earlier this week, while many walked the track around the football field Thursday afternoon. 

Many Herndon High School clubs took part including the Key Club, Keyettes, Student Government Association, Arts Club, Step Team, cheerleading, field hockey, dance and football teams, band members, teachers, staff and many more. 

This is the third year HHS has held a Help the Homeless Walk. The first year 240 students participated and last year 360 students participated. 

While students walked around the high school track staff from Reston Interfaith announced facts and information about homelessness. For example, on any given night there are about 800 Fairfax County students who are homeless. 

Reston Interfaith Special Events Manager Ali Robbins said homelessness usually isn't how people imagine it to be. She said at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter many families come in for many different reasons. 

Students also learned about ways they can help, including donating money, food, backpacks, volunteering their time and coming back to participate in next year's walk.

Through sponsorships, matching donations and donations from Herndon High School students and families, more than $18,400 was raised through the HHS Help the Homeless Walk. 

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• Photos: HHS Help the Homeless Walk