It’s nearly that time of the year: Folks are ready to give back as the holidays approach. Even with the federal government shutdown ending after a final House vote last night (Wednesday), families need assistance more than ever in Northern Virginia.
Local organizations and Fairfax County supervisors alike are collaborating on ways to provide meals, cooking essentials and more during this tough season.
Here are some resources to find places to donate and ongoing food drives around the county.
Emergency Food Access
Fairfax County has a page to search places around the county for emergency food assistance. There are dozens of locations spanning from Herndon, Chantilly and Reston to Falls Church, Alexandria and Burke.
She Believes in Me drive
She Believes In Me (SBIM), a nonprofit started in Herndon by a local school counselor, teachers and social workers, is seeking volunteers and donations for its annual Thanksgiving drive ending on Nov. 21.
SBIM has a list of acceptable items and those interested can sign up to donate specific items that will be distributed to families in need on Nov. 22. Giant and Walmart gift cards are also acceptable. People can also “adopt a family” to provide an entire meal.
More information can be found at SBIM’s Sign Up Genius.
Providence District food drive
Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchick, in partnership with local organizations, is coordinating a food and items drive until this Saturday (Nov. 15). The drive will benefit the Merrifield-based nonprofit Food for Others and the Oakton High School, Woodson High School and Falls Church food pantries.
Highly requested items include cereal, granola bars, canned goods, juice boxes and instant noodles, among several others. A full list of acceptable items and drop-off locations can be found on the Providence District website.
Hybla Valley’s Mobile Market
The Hybla Valley Community Center (7950 Audubon Avenue) is hosting a Mobile Market in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank this Saturday. Mobile food distribution will be available, as well as connecting residents with food and services.
Volunteers are needed to help set up, distribute food and clean up the event, which starts at 11 a.m. Sign-ups can be found on Fairfax County’s volunteer page.
Reston Community Center
The Reston Community Center (RCC) is partnering with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and the local nonprofit Cornerstones to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in the area. RCC is accepting donations for non-perishable food items and essentials at 22 locations in Reston, Tysons and Herndon until Nov. 26.
Items can also be ordered online and shipped to the Reston Community Center. A full list of accepted items and drop-off locations can be found on RCC’s website.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones is organizing two major seasonal drives for the holidays.
The first is a Thanksgiving food drive, which ends on Nov. 27. Those interested can either make a financial contribution, shop an Amazon wish list or build a food box with a grocery store gift card. Drop-off for items will take place on Nov. 19 and 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Sterling.
Cornerstones is also hosting a drive for holiday gift cards, which ends Dec. 5. People can donate gift cards in-person at Cornerstones’ office in Reston (11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210), order on Amazon or make a direct financial contribution.
Franconia District food drive
Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk is organizing a food drive through Nov. 30, which will benefit ECHO, Koinonia and United Community. Lusk said acceptable items include non-perishable food items and household goods.
Donations can be dropped at the Franconia Governmental Center Lobby (6121 Franconia Road), which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mount Vernon District food drive
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck is hosting the district’s annual food drive, which ends on Dec. 5. Donated items will go to Mount Vernon High School students and their families ahead of the holidays.
Acceptable items include grocery store gift cards, canned goods, corn flour, healthy snacks and soup, to name a few. All items can be dropped at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane) in a designated bin.
The center is open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursdays, when it operates until 7 p.m.
McLean Community Center food drive
The McLean Community Center is collecting donations of food and other items, including hygiene products and new socks and underwear, for Share of McLean, a food pantry located at the McLean Baptist Church.
Donation boxes can be found in the community center’s lobby at 1234 Ingleside Avenue and at the Old Firehouse Center (1440 Chain Bridge Road) through Friday, Dec. 19.
More food drives:
- Weird Brothers Coffee (Two Herndon locations)
- Bards Alley, ending Nov. 21 (Vienna)
Fairfax County also has a dedicated human resources guide for those seeking assistance with links and contact information for various needs.
