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A Henrico man is one of 20 people in the Central Virginia region honored by the law firm of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen as part of its 2018 Allen & Allen Hometown Heroes Award. The award celebrates acts of kindness and heroism throughout the region.
Hassan Fountain was recognized as a champion for literacy who has provided more than 46,000 books to children in Richmond’s underserved neighborhoods since 2016. Fountain always had books in his home growing up because his mother worked as a librarian, and he learned at a very young age that reading was an essential tool to building a better life.
When he discovered that almost none of the children in Gilpin Court had books at home, he started his first free library in the neighborhood. His organization, Fountain for Youth, has since established eleven free libraries that he and other volunteers regularly maintain.
“Literacy lasts forever—it’s the skill that builds all others," Fountain said.
Fountain and the other recipients of the award were selected from nominations received from the community.
This year’s Allen & Allen Hometown Heroes will be honored at a series of award events in Richmond and Charlottesville.
“We’re honored to recognize the special people in our communities who are making a difference on an individual basis,” said Edward Allen, president of Allen & Allen. “For over 100 years Allen & Allen has been inspired by the people we have helped. Today, we recognize the heroes around us – those you might not hear about. These are everyday people who devote their time, energy, and talents to improving our communities.”
