ABC7 Helping Hands and Easterns Automotive Group surprise Women Giving Back with $2,000

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many people in a variety of ways. Some organizations like Women Giving Back have stepped up to try to help their local communities as much as possible during these tough times.

Women Giving Back is a non-profit organization that helps women and children shop for and take whatever they need to help start the next chapter of their lives. There is no charge for clients who have a referral.

"We provide gently used quality clothing to women and children in crisis throughout the Greater Washington DC area," Nicole Morris, Executive Director said. "A lot of these women are domestic violence victims or in the homeless shelters, so they're really rebuilding their lives and starting brand new, and they need a whole new wardrobe to get started."

To help people start their new lives on the best foot possible, Women Giving Back takes a lot of pride in giving out clothing that is in good condition.

When the pandemic began, Women Giving Back jumped into action to serve the community in a different way.

"We actually closed our doors to the boutique, but we were serving our local community with food. So, our boutique turned into a warehouse, and our warehouse turned into a food pantry," Morris said.

The staff at Women Giving Back didn't stop there. They saw a need for helping children specifically, so they started a community diaper pantry that distributes diapers, wipes, and toiletries to people in need. Since June, they've served 300 to 400 infants a month.

"You think about when people are struggling to help make ends meet, and to have a little help with certain items is a huge impact," Morris said.

Helping others never stopped for this mostly volunteer organization. However, Women Giving Back relies heavily on funding from special events that weren't possible during the pandemic. Then they were faced with an unexpected cost that threatened their community outreach even more.

"We were unfortunately hit with a $40,000 rent increase this year, and so that really affected our budget," Morris said.

That's why they were so surprised by a video message from Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group, which partnered with ABC7 Helping Hands to surprise the Women Giving Back staff outside their Sterling VA non-profit location.

"Hey there! This is Joel from Easterns Automotive Group. We were touched by what you guys are trying to achieve and the way you've pivoted to continue to support families throughout COVID-19 and supporting 300 babies a month. That's incredible! We want to continue to help you guys and support what you're doing by donating $2,000 to your organization so you can continue to give back."

Find out how you can help Women Giving Back and the neighbors in your community by clicking here.

To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group, click here.