Real estate brokerage gives back to local communities for annual event

The Long & Foster Strawberry Street office in Richmond, Virginia continues to cherish their tradition of giving back to the community. They recently donated 24 new “clear” backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Carver Elementary School. These clear backpacks comply with the new Richmond City Public Schools (RPS) policy for the 2024-2025 school year, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of students and staff. The RPS School Board implemented the clear backpack requirement on June 3 as a proactive measure to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

For several years, the Strawberry Street office has supported local students by donating backpacks and supplies. Once again, this year, the office focused on supporting Carver Elementary, which is located nearby and serves many inner-city students that are all too often in need of assistance.

“With the new clear backpack policy in place, our office felt it was crucial to step up and provide this support,” said John VanderSyde, managing broker of the Strawberry Street office. “When the policy was announced this summer, our agents quickly mobilized to address this need.”

Jean Longest, an agent in the Strawberry Street office who delivered the backpacks, shared, “The appreciation from Carver Elementary’s staff was truly heartwarming. The school provided a detailed list of supplies needed for each grade, and our agents selected items accordingly. The inclusion of earbuds and headphones especially excited the staff. Knowing our efforts make a meaningful impact on these students is incredibly rewarding and embodies the spirit of giving back to our community that we embrace within our office family.”

Patrick Bain, president and CEO of The Long & Foster Companies, the parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate, added, “Community service is a cornerstone of Long & Foster’s corporate culture. Our team derives immense satisfaction from dedicating their time and resources to support the communities in which we live and work.”

The Strawberry Street office looks forward to continuing its tradition of community support and making a positive difference in the lives of local students. The office’s next effort will be to collect winter coats for these same children.

For more information about Long & Foster, visit www.LongandFoster.com.