Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
I am wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether you’re spending it with friends, family or otherwise, I hope the day is full of reflection, gratitude and kids who eat more than a bread roll. As I usually do, I’d like to remind you of some local organizations with opportunities to volunteer your time and/or resources this holiday season.
Please check out some of the organizations and their needs at this time of year:
SHARE of McLean
Share has a Holiday Celebration which is their biggest event of the year. They need volunteers, as well as donations. You can also sign up to host a food drive to help stock their pantry which they use to give food and gift cards to families in need. They have in person volunteer hours which may include moving furniture, sorting clothing, or restocking the shelves. If you want a more hands-on interaction, you can also greet and register the clients.
Women Giving Back (Sterling, Virginia)
WGB is an organization that supports women and children with the basics to get back on their feet. They are collecting new, unwrapped toys for their children to be donated by December 13. You can drop them off locally at First Excel Title just outside of Oakton at 3201 Jermantown Road Suite 350, Fairfax, VA 22030. The store throughout the rest of the year needs clothing, accessories, shoes and kids clothes. Learn more.
Capital Area Food Bank
Volunteers as young as 12 (with an adult) can volunteer at their D.C. location to pack and sort donations or help deliver groceries. Sign up for a shift here.
Food for Others
You can host a food drive, pack Power Packs, transport food, or volunteer at the warehouse for kids ages 12 and over. Sign up here.
You can also search more volunteer opportunities throughout Fairfax at Volunteer Fairfax.

Recent Stories

Art House 7 warmly welcomes you to our upcoming Fall 2 session of classes starting on October 30th. We’re thrilled to offer a diverse range of mediums and flexible class lengths, catering to a wide age range, starting from as young as 2, and, of course, providing a multitude of engaging options for adults!
Our classes cover an exciting spectrum of creative mediums, including fiber arts such as knitting, modern embroidery, crochet, and sewing. We also offer classes in ceramics on the wheel, drawing, watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, still-life painting, and captivating Japanese Suminagashi and printmaking. One of the highlights of this session is the highly anticipated 5-week “Painting the Portrait and Figure” workshop, led by the renowned local artist, Danni Dawson.
For our younger artists, we have specially designed classes like “Art Exploration through Impressionism” for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, an engaging “Art Together” parent-child class designed for 2–4-year-olds, and a “Teen Taught Art Club” tailored for kindergarteners through 4th graders.
Winter Wonderland Fundraiser
Proceeds benefit Fellowship Square, improving the lives of 800+ older adults with very limited income and resources by providing affordable housing and supportive services.
Experience a festive holiday fundraiser complete with savory wines & craft beers, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, exciting
German Christmasmarket
Join us for a festive and joyful event hosted by the German military at 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia, USA! Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market, right here in the heart of Reston. Immerse yourself in