Food basket group earns state honor

By BENNIE SCARTON JR., Potomac News & Manassas Journal Messenger
Published: May 1, 2008

A longstanding Prince William County program that provides holiday meals to needy families is being recognized with an award in Richmond today.

The 31st Court Services Unit Food Basket Drive will be honored with a Community Service Award at the National Counseling Group's Second National Conference at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Four representatives from the Unit—Ellen Patterson, James Rankin, Lynn Dotson and Lester Leonard—will be cited for their efforts to provide holiday meals to more than 73 needy families in the county in 2007, growing from just six families 34 years ago when the program began.

While none of the participants claim coming up with the idea to start the program, they recall a series of conversa-tion in 1973 between Rankin, who at that time was a parole officer, and "softball buddy" Leonard, who at that time worked as a grocery store manager, that led to help a few families in need to enjoy a special holiday dinner that year.

At the time, Court Services Unit staff consisted of five probation officers who personally opened their wallets and collected money for groceries that were delivered to a half-dozen of their most needy families.

Now, 34 years later, the program has expanded, and in 2007 the staff and volunteers worked together to raise funds, prepare and deliver groceries to 73 families. Founders and participants in the program credit the staff for the growth in the program. Specifically credited are the managers of the program, including Rankin, who now served as direc-tor; Ben Fadley, a former director and Jeff Homan, deputy director.

Rankin said there are many who have made the program a success and deserve recognition.

"The staff, as well as their family members, friends and volunteers, have all come together, not only with financial contributions, but with their personal time too, to help with the program. Without their support, this could not have grown as it has," he said.

The National Counseling Group has served as a major contributor to the program. In addition to making financial contributions to purchase groceries, the staff joined with the Court Services Unit employees to volunteer their time and support.

"The group has really come forward to support our program," said Rankin. "They consistently volunteer to help us in any way we need them and we appreciate all they do to assist us and our neediest fami-lies."

Tom Minnick, president and CEO of the National Counseling Group, cites the project as "wonderful collabo-ration between government, courts, schools and local businesses to ensure the spirit of the holidays can be enjoyed by those who are less fortunate in our community."

He added: "They deserved to be honored for the exceptional way they are impacting our commu-nity."

The conference where the Food Basket Drive will be honored will also feature remarks from Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, former Secretary of Education Jim Dyke, and nationally known mental health expert Dr. Stanton Samenow.

The overall focus of the conference will be celebrating the group's 15 years providing premium mental health services to individuals and families throughout Virginia, as well as showcasing the positive impact public-private partnerships can have serving mental health needs in the state. It has an office in Manassas along with 10 others around Virginia.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.