Taking Our Mission Local: IREX Employees Support 826DC

In over 100 countries from Armenia to Zimbabwe, IREX enables local individuals and institutions to make a better world. While we share a passion for international action, IREX headquarters employees also strive to make a difference here in the Washington Metropolitan Area. As a way of giving back to the community, IREX holds a silent auction of gift donations made by staff and IREX service providers during our annual holiday party. The entire proceeds from the auction are donated to a charitable organization in the area and are matched by IREX. This was the largest silent auction that IREX has ever held, raising $25,000 in donations for 826DC,  a local not-for-profit dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills and helping teachers inspire their students to write.

826DC is one of eight affiliates throughout the United States of 826 National. Their services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. 826DC’s staff and trained volunteers provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. Its programs aim to be challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student’s power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice. Please consider volunteering with 826DC.