(Oakton, Va., November 11, 2014) With close to 34,000 clients served each year, NVFS reaches the most vulnerable populations in our community. From residents of our homeless shelter and recipients of our emergency assistance food to children in our Head Start classes and foster care program, hundreds of families will have a brighter holiday thanks to the generosity of NVFS donors and volunteers. The following opportunities are open to individuals, families and groups (e.g., congregations, service clubs and corporate volunteer teams) and include organizing drives, donating holiday toys and gift cards, and direct service:
Operation Turkey provides Thanksgiving meals to more than 800 families in the Greater Prince William area. Food donations will be accepted Thursday and Friday, Nov. 13-14 at the Manassas Adventist Prep School Gymnasium (8225 Barrett Drive, Manassas), from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Suggested items include: canned vegetables, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, Bisquick, rice, soup, boxed desserts, pasta and sauces. For a complete list, visit www.nvfs.org/operationturkey.
Gifting for Families brightens the holidays for 1,700 of our neediest clients by providing gift cards for parents to shop for necessities and toys for infants to teens. Donations will be accepted December 12, 15 and 16 at 13926 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. For a complete list of suggested toys and gift cards, donation hours and volunteer information, please visit www.nvfs.org/gifting. Please contact Navara Cannon with questions.
NVFS and the SERVE Campus in Manassas are currently collecting winter coats and accessories (hats, gloves, mittens and scarves) to be distributed to clients and families. Donations can be dropped off at NVFS administrative offices at 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100, in Oakton, during normal business hours, or at the SERVE Campus, 10056 Dean Drive in Manassas. The Emergency Assistance Center has extended hours on Wednesdays until 7:30 p.m.
As families transition from our homeless shelter to permanent housing, generous donors have provided “Welcome Home” baskets to help clients set up their new households. Requested items include cleaning products, linens, paper products, household goods, towels, shower curtains, small appliances, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, basic tools and more. Items can be delivered to the SERVE Family shelter at 10056 Dean Drive, Manassas.
For retro and bargain shopping for the holidays, you can reduce, reuse and recycle by supporting NVFS Thrift Shops. Visit our Clock Tower locations in Falls Church and Centreville, and Save ‘N’ Serve in Manassas. The thrift shops generate revenue that is invested back into programs to help clients. Shoppers, donors and volunteers welcome. For more information, visit www.nvfs.org/thriftshops.
NVFS is known for its transformational programs that help clients change the trajectory of their lives. These holiday initiatives give the public an opportunity to be part of the solution in helping our neighbors stay safe and warm, settle into new housing, and enjoy the holiday season. NVFS wishes to thank all donors and volunteers who support local families in need now and all year round.
###
