Good Mojo is a ForKids thrift store that creates a self-sustaining foundation for the mission-driven distribution of necessary household supplies to families in need. ForKids also has a Regional Housing Crisis Hotline acting as a main point of contact for all persons experiencing a housing crisis in the Greater Hampton Roads area.

“Through Good Mojo, ForKids provides household and school supplies, Thanksgiving and Christmas support to current and former ForKids families, as well as families from shelters across the region,” said Vicki Josue, Good Mojo’s volunteer engagement manager. “This support maintains our connection and promotes the long-term stability of our families.”

ForKids families earn ‘Mojo Bucks’ by meeting program goals and can shop for household goods that they need. To understand how much of an impact this program has, Josue said Good Mojo has distributed essential household goods and supplies to more than 950 families and ForKids provided housing services to 360 families equating down to 1,200 individuals with 750 children.

In order to accomplish their goals in helping families, volunteers are essential in helping the store operate. Currently, Good Mojo has a staff of only four employees and relies on more than 80 hours of volunteer work a week.

Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Naomi Ball, from Puerto Rico, said part of the volunteers’ main tasks are sorting through clothing, price tagging items and stocking items that are donated daily.

“It’s such a simple act to us, but for so many others, it means a fresh start,” said Ball. “It’s like being part of a behind-the-scenes blessing. This COMREL is great for Sailors that want to get involved with the community and aren’t sure where to start.”

Sailors in attendance felt the effects of how it feels to volunteer, even if for only a small portion of their day.

“I feel great knowing I helped an organization manage and set forth the day through the simple act of volunteering,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Guillermo Romero, from Fresno, California, assigned to Ford’s weapons department. “Even though it’s only for a few hours, it’s still enough to see where and how people are giving back.”

Gerald R. Ford is a first-in-class aircraft carrier and the first new aircraft carrier designed in more than 40 years. Ford is currently undergoing its post-shakedown availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding.

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For more news from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit www.navy.mil/.