By Mary Tanzer

Gary Aiken, Mason District Supervisor candidate, introduced his sons, Emmett, 11, and Tyler, 9, to Rev. Dr. Carl M. Johnson, pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria. Dr. Johnson talked about issues that concerned his community, and the social and spiritual impact of patterns within Fairfax County. Dr. Johnson told Gary and his sons about an upcoming event to pack 20,000 meals to send to Liberia that is being organized as part of the church’s “Kids Against Hunger” campaign.

Gary and his wife, Brooke, try to find activities within the Jewish Community and within Fairfax County where they can teach the children the importance of performing charitable acts, and that includes packing meals for children who otherwise would not have something to eat. In February, Emmett and Tyler also spent time at the Katherine Hamel Family Shelter helping kids make valentine cards for their moms. Gary and Brooke stress to their sons the importance of learning that one of the attributes of G-d is Loving Kindness, and charity should be part of life. Gary and Brooke are teaching the boys to think about others less fortunate, and that is why they will be joining the effort with Dr. Johnson and the community at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church when they gather to pack meals with the kids against hunger.

Gary will address the congregation at Mt. Pleasant, 6477 Lincolnia Road, Alexandria, on Sunday, September 29 — join him there!  For more information, go to www.GaryAiken.org.