Fort Belvoir, Va. (Aug 21, 2014) - Volunteers took time from their weekends to assist with free physicals for uninsured children Saturday at the South County Health Department in Alexandria, Va.
The event allows children to get the physicals they need before the school year begins.
The children received a physical and got their blood pressure, hearing and vision checked, as well as their height and weight. At the end the children received free supplies, books and bicycle helmets.
"I think it's nice for the community to see Fort Belvoir reach out and help the community," said Bonnie Lilley, volunteer coordinator. "These young people are just wonderful. The kids love them and get really excited when they come. It's part of a community effort."
Hilda Layne, military spouse, said this was her first time volunteering at the event.
"(My Family) moved to Italy and there was nothing I could do. I couldn't work and so the biggest thing for me was volunteering," she said. "I've volunteered at schools, with Army Community Service, with the Family Readiness Group -- and today, here. I also brought my kids because I wanted to expose them to helping others and not just themselves."
Layne helped interpret for families unable to speak English.
"Many (of the families) don't speak English and so there are volunteers, who are interpreters, who take the family … and take them point to point," said Barbara Huffman, a volunteer.
Kathleen McCulloch, a volunteer escort who works for the Department of the Navy, said it's exciting to volunteer because some of the children are also excited about school.
"It's something I always look forward to doing every year," McCulloch said, adding that it makes you realize how lucky you are and motivates her to serve in the community.
"It's a wonderful experience because you get to help people," Huffman said.
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