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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Rene Valdez, Secretary GAC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>Hello my fello Federationists! (I LOVE how that sounds!)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>As the Holiday Season is upon us once again--and so quickly at that!-- it is time to consider those who are less fortunate than ourselves. The Greater Alexandria Chapter has chosen, once again, to share our love and our resources with the children of Alexandria by giving to the Alexandria Sheriff Department's Operation Elf Drive. Here's how it works:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>Operation Elf is a community service holiday project for the families of incarcerated inmates. The Sheriff’s Office collects toys and gift cards for the children of incarcerated parents. Each child is allowed to choose two toys and two books. Donations are being accepted in the following age groups: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11,12-14, 15 and up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>All donations through the Greater Alexandria Chapter will be taken via PayPal. Here is how you can donate:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>If you DO have a PayPal Account:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>1. Log in to your PayPal account<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>2. Click on "My Account: in the upper right-hand corner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>3. Click on "Send" located at the top and to the right<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>4. In the box under the phrase "Send Money", enter the GAC email address: <a href="%20">NFBVGAC1@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>5. After you type it in the box, it should appear inside the box<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>6. Click "Next"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>7. Enter the amount of money you wish to donate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>8. In the box where it says "Add a note" please type in Operation Elf so I will know this is a donation for that cause<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>9. Click "Continue"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>10. You should be asked to review your transaction and confirm by clicking "Send"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>11. Relish in the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from giving!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>If you DO NOT have PayPal, please contact Renee Valdez at <a href="%20">reneerome@yahoo.com</a> or by phone or text at (703) 966-0836. I will send a "Request for Payment" from PayPal that will allow you to donate. We will enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling together! Ha, Ha!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>Donations for Operation Elf begin on GIVING TUESDAY, November 30, 2021, this coming Tuesday! Let's make it the BIGGEST day of giving for the children of Alexandria! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>The deadline to donate to out GAC Operation Elf Drive is December 15, 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>We hope you will take a moment and reach deep in those Holiday pockets and give what you can to the children of Operation Elf. A smile is more than worth it!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'>Happy Holidays!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Renee F. Valdez, M.A.</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Secretary/Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Greater Alexandria Chapter</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Co-Chair, National Federation of the Bilind of Virginia, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Fundraising Committee</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Vice President, Northern VA Regional Local Human Rights Committee</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>(703) 966-083</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><br><br><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>