The fourth annual Fox Mill Elementary School PTA Mini-Walk for the Homeless was Thursday, Oct. 15, and though the rain brought the event indoors, spirits were not dampened for this important cause. A total of 285 walkers raised more than $5,000 to help Reston Interfaith in their efforts to end homelessness in Fairfax County.

A large and enthusiastic group of students quickly shifted gears due to the rainy weather, and met in the school auditorium on the afternoon of Oct. 15. Talon and Glory, mascots for DC United and Washington Freedom professional soccer teams, along with school mascot, Foxy, joined the students, parents and teachers for the 1 mile, 14-lap walk through the school. Prior to the event, Fox Mill Student Council officers took a tour of Reston Interfaith’s Embry Rucker Shelter in Reston, and then shared facts about homelessness with the rest of the school. Many local businesses, such as Potomac River Running, The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub and Restaurant, Bowl America, Great Harvest Bread Co., Glory Days, Reston Music, ksb Bagel Cafe and Woody’s Golf, contributed prizes to the event so it was both fun and educational for the students.

At the walk, fifth grader Kristin Allgaier spoke to her schoolmates, reminding them that children can make a positive difference in the community. Kristin, with the help of her mother, Beth, organized Fox Mill’s first mini-walk as a second-grader in 2005, after she heard a report about the high numbers of homeless families living right here in Fairfax County. Now in its fourth year, the mini-walk is at the core of Fox Mill Elementary’s goal that all children be able to provide service to the community as part of their elementary school experience. With the ongoing support of Principal Pat Sheehy, Fox Mill has taken steps towards engaging all students in meaningful community service.

Over the past four years, Fox Mill’s walks have raised more than $28,000 in support of Reston Interfaith’s social service programs. "Reston Interfaith has not only benefited from the funds raised by the Fox Mill walks, but even more so from the knowledge that a young person like Kristin is spreading the word about making a difference among her peers," said Reston Interfaith CEO Kerrie Wilson. "There is no greater investment that we can make as a community than in our children, and Kristin Allgaier is an incredible example of the impact that youth can have when they are engaged on local issues of importance. Our organization is truly fortunate to have developed a strong relationship with the Allgaier family and looks forward to many more years of meaningful walks at Fox Mill Elementary."