[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE EFFORTS OF ``DO MORE 24--ONE DAY. OUR COMMUNITY.''

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the tremendous efforts 
of ``Do More 24--One Day. Our Community.'' Today, June 19th, thousands 
of residents from across the National Capital Region will help make a 
positive, lasting contribution to those in our community in need of 
assistance through the region's largest philanthropic giving day: Do 
More 24.
  For 24 hours only, residents will go to domore24.org and choose an 
organization or cause closest to their hearts to support. They will be 
able to contribute to one or more of the 550 participating nonprofits 
serving our neighbors in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, 
and suburban Maryland by providing food, shelter, education, and access 
to medical care, affordable housing, and other essential services.
  Launched by United Way of the National Capital Area last year, the Do 
More 24 campaign helps nonprofits raise money during the difficult 
summer months, when many nonprofits see a drop off in donations that 
creates gaps in their budgets. Last year, 11,000 donors contributed 
$1.3 million during the Do More 24 blitz. Their generosity allowed our 
regional nonprofits to serve more people, expand their programs, and 
buy necessary equipment.
  For example, Martha's Table, which has been providing food to 
families for 35 years, plans to use this year's Do More 24 donations to 
expand its ``Summer Food Fund'' to provide breakfast and lunch for 
children who would normally receive those meals through school. Hunger 
doesn't take a summer break, and neither will Martha's Table.
  Joseph's House, another nonprofit, provides nursing and support 
services to homeless men and women struggling with AIDS and cancer. Its 
mission is to ``nurture the living and accompany the dying.'' Thanks to 
last year's donations, Joseph's House was able to purchase a 
desperately needed new van and cover food costs that had exceeded its 
budget.
  Mr. Speaker, Do More 24 encourages us to imagine a community where 
every man, woman, and child is healthy, fed, educated, and employed. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in commending the United Way of the 
National Capital Area for this initiative and in thanking the thousands 
of residents who participate. I encourage us all to consider how we can 
``Do More'' for our local community on June 19th.

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