Countywide

Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus food drive to restock local food pantries will return to sites across the county on Saturday (March 14).

Eight grocery store parking lots will serve as collection points from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each site will benefit a different local food pantry. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food or gift cards at the collection sites.


Around Town

Fairfax City’s annual Chocolate Lovers Festival is returning for its 34th year later this week, assuming the weather is more cooperative than it was for the McLean Chocolate Festival.

Kicking off with a free concert on Friday (Feb. 6) and continuing through Sunday (Feb. 8), the festival will feature a variety of tasting opportunities, culinary crafts, entertainment and — in a new addition for this year — a 1-mile run for charity.


News

A former professional football player is giving back to his hometown of Reston this Christmas.

Zac Parker, who played for the South Lakes Seahawks before graduating in 2013, has been collecting donated food, toys, clothes and other items that he plans to distribute tomorrow (Tuesday) to people in need, including kids and people experiencing homelessness.


Countywide

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night (Dec. 9) to raise the maximum base charge for trespass towing by 40% to the new state maximum of $210.

Maximum allowable fees for the drop charge, storage and administration also would increase. The new fees went into effect immediately.


News

Vending machines that encourage charitable giving are returning to Tysons Corner Center just in time for the holidays.

The Light the World Giving Machines, which are sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, will be unveiled outside the AMC Theatres (7850 Tysons Corner Center) at noon tomorrow (Saturday) and continue operations through Jan. 4.


News

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.


News

It all started with a picture of a kitten sitting on an empty shelf.

On Nov. 3, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter posted a plea for donations to its pet pantry, citing an uptick in requests for supplies due to the federal government shutdown.


Countywide

Nonprofits in Northern Virginia drive over $1.6 billion in economic activity, yet a new report warns that they face increasing threats from funding cuts, declining donations and growing demand.

Titled “The State of Nonprofits in Northern Virginia,” the Sept. 22 report from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s research arm, Insight Region, says these risks could lead to program closures and reduced access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education.


Around Town

Fairfax County’s very own film festival is returning this month with a lineup that ranges from “Shrek” to ruminations on women’s rights in Iran and European attitudes toward refugees.

Now in its 14th year, the Washington West Film Festival will kick off this Friday (Oct. 3) at Reston Town Center with a 25th-anniversary screening of “Shrek,” organized in conjunction with the town center’s inaugural Rocktoberfest. More than a dozen other movies will follow from Oct. 9-13.


Around Town

After a week of freezing temperatures, jumping into a body of cold water might not sound like the most enticing Saturday activity, but that’s exactly what dozens of Fairfax County residents are expected to do at two upcoming charitable events.

First, Special Olympics Virginia will bring its annual Polar Plunge to the Mosaic District in Merrifield tomorrow (Saturday) from noon to 2 p.m.


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