Alexandria Community Leader's Book Helps Children With Social Anxiety

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Without community leaders, Alexandria wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Cindy Palmerino, an Alexandria reader who nominated Lily Palmerino.

How do you know this community leader?

Daughter

What does this community leader do?

She wrote a book called "Chasing Butterflies" for children ages 4-8 y/o and has done readings at schools, libraries and young Girl Scout troops to help children deal with social anxiety. It is a non-profit project and all proceeds on book sales go to purchasing more books to donate to schools, libraries and women shelters with families. Through girl scouts she has volunteered over 200+ hours (park clean-ups, advocate for bills in Congress, senior centers, leading young girl scouts at camp, etc). She helped her troop organize a walk to collect donated shoes for the homeless. In addition, she put together bags for military children whose parents are on deployment to help those families deal with separation. She is an amazing leader in her community and gives selflessly for the betterment of others.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

She continuously works to help those that are in need of help and looks for solutions to make their life better.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Lily continuously strives to improve the lives of people in her community and beyond through her words and actions.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.