• E-Newsletter

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) staff members proudly donated canned and other non-perishable food items through an annual food drive to Food for Others. This year, the FCEDA donated 2,335 pounds of food, and from 2021, staff members have donated 4,930 pounds to Food for Others.

Launched in 1995, Food for Others is one of the largest distributors of free groceries in Northern Virginia, providing the assistance vitally needed by our unemployed and low-income neighbors. The organization provides a much-needed safety net for those who suddenly face unforeseen emergencies. Food for Others feeds over 3,000 families and 3,900 school children each week.

Food for Others obtains much of its food through food rescue operations and food drives. Staff and volunteers pick up good food that would have been discarded by local grocery stores and other retail food establishments. The food is brought to the warehouse for temporary storage, including refrigeration as appropriate. Food drives provide the majority of our non-perishable food.

Local merchants, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food drives, and crop harvests provide the food; volunteers and staff provide the hands; and charitable contributions and fundraising events provide the funds. Charitable contributions are a major part of Food for Others’ budget. Click here to find out how to make charitable contributions and/or donate food to Food for Others.

Food for Others provides emergency food assistance in 3 ways:

1. USDA– USDA Program is twice a month. Families qualify based on income.
2. Emergency Referral – To receive food through our emergency referral program, recipients need a referral from a social worker or community health worker. This program is different from USDA as it provides some additional food.
3. Neighborhood Sites – Neighborhood sites provide supplementary food. If someone is in need of food, one of the ways that they can receive food is through Food for Others’ neighborhood sites.

Interested in volunteering? More than 42 percent of work done at Food for Others in FY23 was performed by volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are available for groups, including companies and organizations; individuals; youth and families; students; and court-related. Click here for more information.

• Click here to view Food for Others’ Year-End Giving Report.

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Fairfax County 2024 Holiday Giving Guide

There are many ways to support your neighbors and community this holiday season. Fairfax County government 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 through Sunday, Dec. 15.

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 Monday, Dec. 9, 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. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 12. 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 Donations

To prepare for the winter season, the Providence District Office is hosting a Winter Gear Donation Drive. The collected items will benefit the Committee for Helping Others, Fairfax F.I.S.H., Northern VA Family Services, Second Story and The Lamb Center. Donations can be dropped off at the Jim Scott Community Center, The PARC at Tysons and Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue by Tuesday, Dec. 31. Interested in helping collect donations? Email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov to coordinate.

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. 13. 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. 13, 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 healthy food donations for Gunston Elementary School. Donations are being accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 4, and go to students and their families in need. Requested items include 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.

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Find Opportunities through Volunteer Fairfax

Are you interested in volunteering this holiday season and/or throughout the year? Opportunities are available for individuals, families, and company or organization teams. For nearly 49 years, Volunteer Fairfax has been amplifying community impact and building strong communities through volunteerism in the Greater Washington area. Volunteer Fairfax builds its programs around the needs of nonprofit and public agencies and individuals throughout Fairfax County in ways that are flexible and accessible to anyone who wants to get involved. There’s something for everyone here! Whether you’re a nonprofit employee or a volunteer novice, there is a program for you. Click here to learn more.

Click here to start your volunteer journey.