Bill Text: VA HJR398 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-07 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ398ER) [HJR398 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR398-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc., a beloved nonprofit thrift shop in historic downtown Herndon, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, Janice Shanks, then head of community outreach at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Herndon, discussed with fellow church members and other local congregations the idea of opening a clothing thrift store to assist low-income families in the area; and
WHEREAS, with the support of several congregations and service organizations, The Closet opened in a small space above a farm supply store in 1974; and
WHEREAS, The Closet would grow and evolve over the years and occupy a number of storefronts before ultimately settling at its current location on Station Street; and
WHEREAS, over time, The Closet broadened and diversified the range of items it accepts and resells to include an array of household items, electronics, sporting goods, books, toys, videos, musical instruments, and more; and
WHEREAS, The Closet frequently donates clothing without charge to low-income families and individuals in need who have been referred by local service agencies and also sends many items to communities in the western part of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The Closet benevolently distributes its proceeds after expenses back into the community through post-secondary scholarships to students at several area high schools and grants to social service organizations in western Fairfax County that either directly or indirectly support low-income families; and
WHEREAS, since its founding, The Closet has raised and given away more than $2 million through its scholarships, grants, and donations, making a profound and lasting difference in countless lives; and
WHEREAS, the accomplishments of The Closet are the result of the hard work and generosity of the organization's staff, many volunteers, and 20 local faith-based congregations whose efforts have helped to make Herndon a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc., on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's history and its contributions to Herndon and the Commonwealth.
