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 Toys for Tots Campaign. Toys for Tots collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to children. Collection boxes are located at every fire station in Fairfax County. You can swing by your local fire station anytime now through Friday, Dec. 12.
Santa’s Ride, organized by members from local police and sheriff’s offices, also returns for 2024. Donate new, unwrapped toys, games, books and gifts to be distributed to children at Fairfax Inova Hospital and Inova Life with Cancer, as well as other children in the community who might not otherwise have a cheerful holiday season. Drop off items at any Fairfax County Police Station or in the lobby of the Pennino, Herrity and Government Center Buildings no later than Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m. Don’t have a gift? Donate online.
The McLean Community Center (MCC), in partnership with Art in Motion Dance Company, will hold a Toys for Tots collection Monday, Dec. 8 through Wednesday, Dec. 10. Donations may be dropped into the collection box in the lobby during MCC operating hours. For more detailed information, call 703-790-01231.
Winter Gear
The Providence District Office is hosting its annual Winter Gear Drive with several community partners. Donate new or gently used coats, beanies, gloves, earmuffs and other winter gear between Dec. 1 and Jan. 16 to help keep our neighbors warm this winter. Donations can be dropped off at several locations listed on the Providence District website and will be received by Second Story, Committee for Helping Others, The Lamb Center and Northern Virginia Family Services.
The Hunter Mill District Office is sponsoring a children's coat drive in partnership with the Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston. Those interested are asked to donate new or gently used, clean winter coats for kids. Coats and jackets in all children’s sizes are needed from newborns to teens, but there’s also a high
demand for coats for elementary and middle school children. The office is also seeking accompanying donations of children’s-sized plastic coat hangers and reusable shopping bags and totes that will be used to transport and distribute coats. Donations can be made now through February 2026, and should be dropped off at the Hunter Mill District Office at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, on Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
Provide Holiday Cheer with a Gift Card Donation
The Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Advocacy team seeks gift card donations (in $25 increments) for big-box and grocery stores to support families impacted by interpersonal violence throughout the holidays. To ensure families have enough time to do their holiday shopping, gift cards will be collected until Friday, Dec. 5. Gift cards should be dropped off (or mailed) to Domestic Violence Action Center, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 2702, Fairfax, VA 22030.
The Police Department’s Victim Services Division is also hosting an 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 Friday, Dec. 19, 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.
Food Donations
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and School Board Member Mateo Dunne are collecting grocery store gift cards and healthy food donations for Mount Vernon High School. Donations are being accepted until Friday, Dec. 5, and go to students and their families in need. Requested items include gift cards (Walmart and Target), canned meat, soup, rice and healthy snacks in quantities to feed a family of four. Keep in mind that donating items that are high fiber, low sugar and low sodium not only feed people experiencing food insecurity but also contribute to their overall health and wellness. Donations can be dropped off in the food collection box at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane in Mount Vernon.
The McLean Community Center is collecting nonperishable food for SHARE of McLean through Friday, Dec. 19. Donations are accepted in marked boxes at both the MCC lobby and The Old Firehouse Center during regular hours. SHARE’s most-needed list includes canned protein, canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, cereal and much more. If you are able, please consider helping our neighbors in need together.
Adopt or Support Neighbors in Need
The Department of Family Services’ Adopt-a-Family Holiday program is taking donations through Friday, Dec. 12 for families who need help during the holiday season. This year, we are working with a partner, Roonga, a live online platform, to simplify connecting donors with children and families in need. Most individual families have already been adopted, but if you would still like to help, the program is accepting new baby items (infant or toddler car seats, stationary and portable cribs, diapers and wipes, highchairs). Monetary donations are also welcome. To find out how you can help this holiday season and throughout the year, contact us via email or call 703-324-7720. Adopt-A-Family for the holidays or check out our Amazon wish list to help meet the basic needs of local families.
This year, you can help bring comfort and care to older adults and adults with disabilities in our community who are facing daily challenges just to access basic necessities. The Adult and Aging Division of Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services is hosting a Holiday Care Package Drive to support individuals in our community. Check out our Amazon Wishlist for a list of needed items. All donations must arrive by Friday, Nov. 21. Learn more or call 703-324-6898 with questions.
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