This Veteran's Day I was asked by the American Legion, Wayne M. Kidwell, Post 184 to be the guest speaker at their Veteran's Day ceremony in Herndon.  Unfortunately, the ceremony was cancelled because of the weather.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank our veterans, past and present, who have served this country so that we may be free.   Without their dedication and sacrifices, we would not enjoy the freedoms that we are blessed with each day.

As we approach the holidays, I wanted to use this edition of the Rust Report to highlight some of the worthwhile organizations in our community who are helping those less fortunate.  It is through helping others, that we help ourselves.

Scouting For Food
 
This weekend the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be picking up donations of non-perishable food to give to the needy.  Please remember to leave your donations on your doorstep by 9 am Saturday morning for pick-up.  If you did not receive a plastic bag on your doorstep from the Scouts last weekend, please contact my office and we will put you in touch with your local Scout troop.
 
LINK is an organization who 'links' those who are able to donate with those who are in need.  This year, as in past years, LINK is asking for donations of non-perishable food, new (or gently used) coats, mittens, hats, and toys.  In addition they need volunteers to help with distributing these items during the holidays.  I am happy to announce that my legislative office will be a drop off location for LINK during the holidays and throughout the year.  If you would like to volunteer for LINK during the holidays, please contact Lisa Lombardozzi at 703-973-4444.
 
FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help) is busy collecting non-perishable food donations for the Thanksgiving and December holiday food boxes.   In addition, $10 grocery store gift certificates are also requested to supplement the food boxes.   They are also collecting gifts (such as books, educational toys, and infant supplies) for the December holiday gift boxes.  If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact Robyn Kampf at 571-926-8019 or rhkampf@gmail.com.  You can also make a tax deductible contribution to:  Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA  20170.  
 
The Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic (previously known as the Herndon Free Clinic) is preparing to move to from their Grove Street offices to a new "service center" at Connections for Hope, located on Dulles Technology Drive in Herndon.  This "service center" will house many non-profit organizations serving low income neighbors.  The move is scheduled for December 18th and 19th, and they are looking for volunteers to help with the move.   If you can help with the move, please contact Tricia Mussante at volunteers@jsfreeclinic.org or visit www.jsfreeclinic.org.  
 
Now that the election has ended, I am beginning to put together my legislative package to introduce in the General Assembly in January.   If you have legislation that you think may be beneficial for Virginians, please contact me either through email or phone, and I will be happy to discuss your ideas with you.  Please be aware that unless the rules are changed, I am limited to the introduction of 15 bills so I will have to carefully review each request and prioritize them.
 
As always, I am happy to hear from Rust Report readers about your concerns and questions.
 
Warm regards,