As part of its 2012 Earth Day celebration, Ten Thousand Villages in Old Town Alexandria will donate 15% of the sales on Sunday, April 22, to Earth Force, a national nonprofit dedicated to engaging youth as active citizens in their communities and their environment, now and in the future. The fundraiser will benefit the local work the organization does in Alexandria and Arlington.

“Environmental sustainability is a key principle of fair trade,” said store manager Kate McMahon, “and the developing world, where all of our artisans live, has seen more than its share of environmental destruction, from overharvesting to industrial dumping.  Certainly, the future of environmental protection is in the hands of the younger generation, and we are very pleased to host this fundraiser for Earth Force Alexandria.”

Said Kurt Moser, Earth Force’s Senior Program Manager for Virginia/DC, “Our work focuses on empowering young people to become community leaders. We believe that civic engagement of young people is essential to a thriving democracy, and that incorporating youth voice in solving environmental problems is at the heart of sustainability. Right now,  Earth Force students are working locally to improve the condition of waterways like Four Mile Run and Holmes Run, and to ensure these vital resources are protected and appreciated." 

Representatives from Earth Force will be at the store from 1 to 5 pm on April 22, to answer questions and talk about their current projects.