MOSS Community Outreach “BuildAPalooza” Event Inspired by and In Partnership with Local Teen

Inspired by Northern Virginia teen, Colby Samide, MOSS Building & Design leapt on the opportunity to co-host a “BuildAPalooza” event on September 28, 2020 to help Colby’s organization, Desks For Distance, build over 50 desks to help Northern Virginia students in need tackle and succeed in virtual learning. MOSS provided warehouse space, labor, volunteers, materials, and lunch to help fuel the day.

Desks For Distance, the brainchild of Woodgrove High School junior Colby Samide, began in late August 2020 as a way for the founder to perform a community service, having heard about the shortage of desks for students across the area, while also using his woodworking skills. From the organization’s Facebook page, there was an immediate and positive response from the local community, which prompted MOSS to reach out to Samide to help and help fulfill the many requests he had received for desks.

 

"I’m incredibly thankful for MOSS Building & Design’s help in pulling together so many resources and local organizations for “BuildAPalooza” on the 28th,” said Samide. “I never imagined that this idea could get so big, but I’m so grateful for all the volunteers and donations to help so many local students in need.”

 

“BuildAPalooza” featured not only the entire MOSS Building & Design staff, but also members of the community who were interested in helping, including area Scout troops, volunteers, parents, and others. In addition, Lowe’s Home Improvement partnered with MOSS to provide an expert team of volunteers to assist in the assembly of the desks as well as supply all materials. Taking place at the MOSS Building & Design warehouse, located at the company’s headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia, space was allotted for storage of the desks until they were picked up or delivered by My Guys Moving and Storage, which helped as the “desk transportation” sponsor. In addition, Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food will sponsor breakfast and lunch for the day for all volunteers. 

“MOSS Building & Design has been highly involved in community partnerships and organizations for years, as giving back to the local community has been a cornerstone of our principles since the company’s founding,” said Paul DesRoches, MOSS Building & Design CEO. “When we learned about Desks For Distance and Colby’s incredible work, we knew that we could offer our building expertise and area contacts to help this young man fulfill his mission and vision.”