'Tis the season where many begin to look for ways to support their neighbors, so we’ve rounded up a list of giving opportunities right here in Fairfax County. This list will be updated as the holiday season progresses.
TOY DONATIONS
Santa’s Ride
Donate new unwrapped toys, games, books and gifts to be distributed to children at Fairfax Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center and to other children in the community who might not otherwise have a cheerful holiday season. New toy and gift donations can be brought to any Fairfax County police station or other select locations by Monday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m.
Toys for Tots
The Fire and Rescue Department is participating in the annual Toys for Tots campaign. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Fairfax County fire station through Sunday, Dec. 11, and also at the McLean Community Center through Saturday, Dec. 10.
COATS, CLOTHING AND WARM SUPPLIES
Belloni’s Braddock Winter Coat Drive
Eagle Scout Daniel Belloni is collecting adult-sized, gently used coats in support of ECHO. His goal is to collect 100 coats for the local nonprofit. You may drop donations off at the Braddock District Supervisor’s Office at the Kings Park Library, or email danieljbelloni@gmail.com for additional drop-off locations or to schedule a pickup.
Dranesville District Coat and Gift Card Drive
The Dranesville District Supervisor's Office is collecting new coats and gift cards for our Herndon area schools this holiday season. Donations could include coats in children’s sizes and adult small/medium sizes, as well as gift cards in $10 increments for Kohls, Giant, Target, FreshWorld or H-Mart. All donations should be dropped off by Tuesday, Dec. 13, at either the Dranesville McLean Office (Monday through Friday) at 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean, or at ArtSpace Herndon (open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at 750 Center St, Herndon.
Coats for Hutchison Kids
In lieu of the Park Authority’s traditional holiday gift drive, Hutchison Elementary School officials are requesting a donation of coats, rather than toys, for families that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Park Authority is coordinating a drive to make sure these requested coats get to the school. Donate new coats in children’s sizes, as well as adult small and medium sizes, by dropping them off at the Providence or Spring Hill RECenters.
Knitting Communities Together
Now in its fourth year, the annual Fairfax County Senior Centers’ Winter Warming Service Project collects new or handmade hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for adults and children. Donated items are given to local nonprofits Cornerstones, ShelterHouse and HumanKind Foster Care. These community partners distribute the items to the communities they serve, including adults and families experiencing homelessness. Donations of new or handmade items and yarn can be made now through Jan. 6 at any of the county’s senior centers (look for the donation box in the entry/lobby).
Mason District Pajama, Toy and Slipper Drive
The Mason District Police Station is collecting new, unwrapped toys, pajamas and slippers for children aged infant through teen. Donations can be dropped off at the Mason District Station, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, through Dec. 12.
Providence District Winter Gear Drive
From Monday, Dec. 19, until Thursday, Jan. 19, the Providence District Office is partnering with the Providence Community Center, Tysons Community Alliance and local HOAs to collect new and lightly used winter coats, hats and gloves of all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at the Providence Community Center.
Reston Winter Coat Closet
The Hunter Mill District Office and Cornerstones partner every year on a Winter Coat Closet to collect and distribute new or gently used and clean heavy winter coats, as well as new hats, scarves and gloves for neighbors in need. Drop off your donations at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Jan. 14.
Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church
Rising Hope is collecting gently used or new items for hypothermia. Men’s and women’s new undergarments and gently used (or new) socks, hygiene items and warm coats can be dropped off at Rising Hope Mission Church, 8220 Russell Rd, Alexandria, Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, email smiller@risinghopeumc.org.
FOOD DRIVES
Providence District Food Drive
The Providence District Office and Providence Community Center are partnering with local HOAs to collect food and household essentials to be donated to The Oakton Pantry and Falls Church High School Pantry. Donations can be dropped off through Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Providence Community Center or your HOA’s designated location. If your HOA is interested in helping collect donations, please email providence@fairfaxcounty.gov and we will be happy to coordinate with you.
GIFT CARD DRIVES
Survivors of Domestic Violence
Our Domestic and Sexual Violence Services office appreciates gift card donations in $25 increments to grocery stores, gas stations and big retail stores, as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards. Mail cards by Friday, Dec. 9, to Vanessa Cullers at the Domestic Violence Action Center, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702, Fairfax, VA 22030, or Gulira Alieva at Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 738, Fairfax, VA, 22035.
Victim Services
The Police Department’s Victim Services Division is collecting gift cards for child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence and children who lost loved ones due to homicide. Gift cards to places like Giant, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants and clothing stores allow parents to purchase gifts for their children and practical, needed items.
Drop off or send gift cards to Saly Fayez, Victim Services Section, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, 22035.
Help Adults in Need through New Hope Housing
Donations of gift cards to local department stores and grocery stores are welcome gifts for adults currently in homeless shelters. Gift cards allow each person in the shelter to get exactly what they want or need. $25 gift cards from Target, Walmart, Giant, Safeway and Aldi are preferred. Find more information here.
Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church
Rising Hope distributes a holiday meal and $20 Aldi gift card to our homeless and those in need of food over the holidays. Please drop off or mail cards to Rising Hope Mission Church, 8220 Russell Rd, Alexandria VA, 22309. Drop off hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, email hmarshall@risinghopeumc.org.
GIVE LIFE BY GIVING BLOOD
Take Part in a Blood Drive
Eagle Scout Daniel Belloni is organizing a blood drive at the Braddock District Supervisor’s Office on Dec. 17, but you can give blood and save a life any time throughout the season. Find a blood drive near you.
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