RESTON, Va., Nov. 16, 2007—Sallie Mae employees gave approximately 16,000 boxes and cans of green beans, mashed potatoes, yams, and other Thanksgiving fixings to assemble 800 meals for families in need in Northern Virginia.

Two leading area service organizations, Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. (Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help) and Reston Interfaith, will distribute the baskets to area residents struggling to make ends meet. The value of this in-kind contribution is estimated at $24,000.

The Thanksgiving baskets were supplemented by an additional $9,000 contribution from The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, for grocery store gift cards to enable families to purchase a turkey or other items for their holiday dinners.

The gifts of Sallie Mae employees, The Sallie Mae Fund, and others from the community will enable Reston Interfaith to deliver an estimated 1,700 baskets of food this holiday season. “Sallie Mae helps students nationwide achieve their dream of going to college,” said Kerrie Wilson, CEO of Reston Interfaith. “Here at home they help children prepare for that dream as our Reading is Fundamental program sponsor for children at Laurel Learning Center. They also help struggling families with food and financial assistance, providing nearly 3,000 Thanksgiving meals since 2004. We are so grateful for their support of our families.”

“With approximately 700 employees here in Reston, this year’s Thanksgiving drive resulted in more than one basket given per staff member,” said Erin Korsvall, director of community outreach at Sallie Mae. “We are proud of our employees’ strong tradition of giving back to the community, not only to education, but locally to help families in need during this season.”

Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people meet emergencies and short-term needs. It responds to requests for rent, transportation to medical appointments, furniture, utilities, medical items and other short term emergency needs, and through its call service connects residents to sources of assistance. FISH has assisted Herndon-Reston residents for over 38 years.

Reston Interfaith is a nonprofit organization serving Northern Virginia that promotes self sufficiency through support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other services. Founded in 1970 by area religious organizations, Reston Interfaith offered comprehensive programs for more than 13,000 individuals and families in Reston, Herndon, and the surrounding area last year.

Dianna Spring is one of the Sallie Mae employees who participated in the drive. “I am proud to be part of an organization like Salle Mae that gives so much back to its community,” she said. “Whether it’s charitable contributions or volunteering your own personal time, Sallie Mae encourages all of its employees to give something back and continually provides us with opportunities to do so.”

For more information contact:
Patricia Nash Christel (703) 984-5382