News

Hundreds of kids get free books at Washington Commanders event in Del Ray

By James Cullum
1/11

Hundreds of students at Mount Vernon Community School got free books and a surprise visit from the Washington Commanders.

Former Commanders cornerback Fred Smoot and wide receiver Josh Morgan (who played back when the team was still the Redskins) were joined at the event by Commanders cheerleaders and mascot Major Tuddy in energizing the kids, and handed out the books.

“Reading is more than just the words on the page,” Smoot told the kids. “It opens up possibilities.”

The event was sponsored by the Commanders Read program and Northwest Federal Credit Union. Kids received a goodie bag and a book.

“When you embrace your education, you embrace a certain type of power that nobody can take from you,” Morgan said. “the stronger you are, the more knowledgeable you are, the more power you have.”

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.