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By Carla Branch
alexandrianews.org
ARHA Board Member Stan Vosper, Rev. Dan Carlton of Downtown Baptist Church, ARHA Executive Director Roy Priest and B3 Solutions President Brenda Bearden prepare to distribute Valentine's Day Roses and chocolate to ARHA residents. (Photo: Wayne Hulehan)
Valentine’s Day is a day to express love by giving flowers and candy. For the many Alexandrians who live in public housing, however, flowers and candy may be out of reach. B3 Solutions, Downtown Baptist Church and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority are joining forces to deliver one red rose and chocolates to more than 800 public housing residences today, just to say “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“It has been in my heart to do something with the ARHA residents for some time,” said Brenda Bearden, president of B3 Solutions. “I live in Chatham Square and the lord has made it possible for me to give back to this community.
“B3 Solutions made a donation to my church, Downtown Baptist Church, late last year and my pastor and I have been thinking of something that we could do. We called ARHA and they came up with this idea. I hope that these flowers and chocolates touch the residents’ hearts and let them know that there are people who care about them,” Bearden said.
Downtown Baptist Church volunteers wrap roses for delivery to ARHA residents (Courtesy photo)
Downtown Baptist Church is located on S. Washington Street in Old Town. There are 250 members of the congregation.
“Our church is 60 years old and is located in an historic building that is 170 years old,” said Dan Carlton, the pastor of Downtown Baptist Church. “Over the years we have had many missions but we want to become more involved with our community. Brenda and her company are helping us meet that goal.
“We bought the flowers and had volunteers sort and wrap them individually this morning so that they can be delivered to the ARHA homes. We are happy to share with them,” Carlton said.
Members of Bearden’s staff packaged the chocolates and the ARHA staff prepared a Valentine’s Day card. “We are so grateful to B3 Solutions and Downtown Baptist Church for giving us the opportunity to say thank you to our residents,” said ARHA Executive Director Roy Priest. “We hope that these roses and chocolates will make their day a little brighter.”
