Here is a sampling of our current, past, and future projects:
ANNUAL: Project JUmp Start
AIDNOW is so thankful to have worked with so many great people to make Jump Start a success. Partnering with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Social Work Services, we've helped over 3,000 homeless students K-12 in Virginia Beach. The 12th Annual Event in 2023 provided free clothing (including socks and underwear), new shoes, snacks, books, medical screenings, hygiene products, food, haircuts, new backpacks and school supplies for 544 homeless/high needs students.
Collecting New Clothing Currently
Children S-XL
Teen S-2XL
Jeans- all sizes
New packaged underwear for Children
New packaged Men’s boxer briefs
New packaged Women’s hipsters
NOT accepting the following clothing:
Suggestive Clothing
Tops with City/State names (like from souvenir shops)
Pajamas
Formal attire
Bathing Suits
Tank Tops
OTHER PROJECTS & Fundraising Opportunities
Sponsor our annual Spring Golf Tournament at Cypress Point May 15, 2024: $500-$2500
Donate gift certificates for our fundraisers at Wasserhund Brewery “Evening of Caring” : $75+
Financially Support 10 homeless individuals with a Hot Thanksgiving Meal in Portsmouth: $100
Purchase new clothing for 5 homeless students our annual Project Jump Start in August: $250
Sponsor a week’s worth of groceries for a family of 4 through Families 4 Families: $130
Sign up to volunteer at our VB Warehouse and sort, inventory, organize and pack clothing
Become an OCV~ On Call Volunteers lend a hand, shop, deliver and show up at our events to help setup/breakdown. If this is YOU, reach out to our Special Projects Coordinator, Ramona via Ramona@aidnow.org
North Carolina Hurricane Relief
Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas leaving in its wake extensive damage. AIDNOW, in partnership with Forefront Church, Two Rivers Church, and International Disaster Emergency Services, jumped in to provide financial aid and sent team members down to help with clean up and rebuilding.
Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief
After the September Hurricane that struck Puerto Rico and the southern U.S., AIDNOW rallied individual donors and Sandbridge Tattoo. We partnered with De Rican Restaurant of Virginia Beach and the Chabad of Puerto Rico to send two relief packages, at a cost of over $4,000. We were able to provide:
7 propane stoves
22 tarps
108 cans of bug spray
2,240 batteries
15 packages of feminine hygiene products
Over 1500 diapers
24 cans of formula
100 bottles of pedialyte
4 soccer balls
4 soccer goals
Mexico Building Project
AIDNOW funded the building materials for a new home for a family in Mexico through Yugo Ministries. To see an example of how this amazing opportunity can transform a life, watch the incredible story of the Escamilla family.
In July 2023, Board Member, Erik Peura joined a team from Forefront Church, to host Vacation Bible School and also do a major roofing project. With their man/woman power and our financial support, it made a huge impact in the Ensenada Community. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Gulf Coast Support
Hurricane Hermine struck the Golf Coast with a fury. In support of our neighbors to the south, we very quickly partnered with a church in Jasper, Texas to provide the following to local residents, through Walmart purchases:
Cleaning supplies-
Formula 409, Pine-Sol, bleach, Clorox wipes, scrub brushes, brooms and heavy duty shop towels
Household goods-
Paper plates, plastic cups, plastic cutlery, toilet paper, and electric skillets
Toiletries-
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes, antiperspirant, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products
Then mid-October, we personally delivered boxes of clothing and additional supplies.
UNION MISSION
The holidays are a very busy and important time at Union Mission so they need a lot of community support and involvement. We've worked hand-in-hand with some wonderful humble servants. This is truly what God calls us to do… serve others in our community. We hope that through AIDNOW, we are able to show God’s love and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE
A devastating earthquake in Japan gave us the opportunity to team up with our partners at Virginia Beach Public Schools to promote a city-wide concert at Princess Anne High School on April 11th. Over 400 attendees supported the event with monetary donations for relief efforts in Japan plus they also brought food donations for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. It was a night to reflect on the suffering in Japan and the needs of our own community. Thank you to all of the incredible high school musicians for donating their time to put on this benefit performance.
TORNADO & HURRICANE RELIEF
Weather continued to amaze us this Spring as tornados ripped through Alabama leveling complete neighborhoods and communities. We learned from our friends at Forefront Church in Virginia Beach that they planned to “Stuff the Truck” for victims and literally drive a mach truck filled with clothing, personal hygiene products and baby products right into the areas most affected. Thanks Forefront for taking the initiative and making a difference.
In the wake of Hurricane Dorian and Ian, it left much of the homes completely devastated and in need of repair. Helping with infrastructure in remote areas is challenging. AIDNOW was able to provide support and relief to the area during their time of need.
2023
A Team of 8 from our partner church, Forefront Church Virginia Beach, traveled with AIDNOW Board Member, Erik Peura, to MX to assist a family who has severe roof damage and no bathroom. While there, they also developed then lead VBS for Christian based non-profit, YUGO Ministries.