There are many ways to support your neighbors and community this holiday season. We’ve rounded up a list of giving opportunities right here in Fairfax County.
Toy Donations
Our Fire and Rescue Department is participating in the 2023 Toys for Tots Campaign. Toys for Tots collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children. Collection boxes are located at every fire station in Fairfax County. You can swing by your local fire station anytime now through Dec. 17.
Since 1988, Santa’s Ride has been collecting toys & donating them to area hospitals & local charities. Help us spread joy by donating new & unwrapped toys, books, or games, now through Monday, Dec 11. Your generosity makes the season brighter! Learn more: https://t.co/ytJhg0RBDM
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) November 23, 2023
Winter Gear Donations
To prepare for the winter season, the Providence District Office is hosting a Winter Gear Donation Drive and you're invited to be a part of this heartwarming effort. With the cold weather settling in, there are many in our community in need of warm winter gear. The collected items will benefit the Committee for Helping Others, Fairfax F.I.S.H., Second Story and Lamb Center. Donations can be dropped off at the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax).
Interested in helping collect donations? Email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov to coordinate.
Annandale United Methodist Church is accepting children’s winter gear for donation. The Mission Center is currently distributing children’s hats, gloves and coats. You can drop off new or gently used items at the Mission Center, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Visit the church’s website to learn about other donation and volunteering opportunities.
Wrap someone in the warmth of a new throw or lap blanket and remind them others care. The Adult and Aging Division of Fairfax County's Department of Family Services is seeking new throw/lap blankets to give clients for this year's holiday project. Register online if you are able to donate. A confirmation email will be sent to you with additional instructions about coordinating delivery/drop off of new blankets to your local Agency on Aging. Your donation will bring joy to older adults and adults with disabilities.
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Help Bring Holiday Cheer with a Gift Card Donation
The Police Department’s Victim Services Division hosts its 10th annual gift card drive to help child victims. Many of these children are unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations due to the financial strain on their family resulting from being victims of crime. From now until Saturday, Dec. 16, you can donate gift cards to help bring a little joy.
Gift cards should be dropped off (or mailed) to:
Victim Services Division
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Attention: Sally Fayez
Our Department of Family Services is also collecting gift cards for domestic violence survivors. Domestic violence leaves families and individuals in need of assistance as they rebuild their lives. Gift cards can be a valuable resource helping empower survivors to regain their independence. They provide survivors with the flexibility to meet their specific needs and purchase essential items such as groceries, clothing, personal care products and household supplies.
Gift cards should be dropped off (or mailed) to:
Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)
4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702
Fairfax, VA 22030
Visit Family Services' donations webpage for more information on other ways to give to families in need.
Food Donations
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders and TEAM MVD are collecting healthy food donations for Bucknell Elementary School. Donations are being accepted until Thursday, Dec. 7, and go to students and their families in need. Requested items include cereal, soup, canned tuna and healthy snacks. See a complete list here. Donations can be dropped off in the food collection box at 2511 Parkers Lane in Mount Vernon.
The Department of Family Services’ Adopt-a-Family Holiday program is taking donations through Friday, Dec. 8, for families in the Annandale and South County areas who need help during the holiday season. Most individual families have already been adopted, but if you would still like to help, the program is accepting gift cards and new baby items (infant or toddler car seats, stationary or portable cribs, diapers, wipes and highchairs). Monetary donations are also welcome. To find out how you can help this holiday season and throughout the year, contact Samantha Carrico, 571-536-8192. Sign up online to help.
Support Women in Need
Help make a difference by donating essential menstrual supplies. The Providence District Office is hosting a Tampon Tree to collect unopened boxes of pads and tampons to support BRAWS: Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters. Donations can be dropped off at 3001 Vaden Drive through Dec. 29.
Support Partners of the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
A community of Fairfax County nonprofit partners host various drives and fundraising events to support unhoused people. These organizations address homelessness in the Fairfax-Falls Church community. Your contribution can make a significant impact.
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