Local nonprofits serve critical roles in the community, and they need your help. 

A new survey by No Kid Hungry Virginia shows that more than three-quarters of Virginians (78%) say groceries have become harder to afford in the last year and 62% of families have had to decide between purchasing food and paying for another essential bill, such as rent, utilities, gas or home or car repairs. Also parents of K-12 students are more likely to sacrifice healthy foods in response to costs, with 55% buying less or no produce or 54% buying less or no protein. Nearly half of Virginians (42%) report at least one sign of food insecurity, such as not having enough to eat, eating low-quality food or eating a limited variety of food due to cost. Two-thirds (68%) of Virginians would worry about their ability to afford food if faced with an unexpected $1,500 expense. 

The need extends beyond hunger.

There are literally thousands of ways to give locally. Here are a few ideas. Please let us know what we have missed and any corrections. Send corrections or updates to mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com with “Give Locally” in the subject line.

* Alice's Kids (@alicewillhelp) aliceskids.org P.O. Box 60, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 When a child is raised in poverty they suffer both publicly and privately. When that same child can't afford to pay for the band field trip, a pair of glasses, a chorus outfit or a new pair of shoes, these are indignities that are evident to their classmates. Alice’s Kids pays for these relatively inexpensive items in the hopes of preserving the dignity of the child. https://aliceskids.org/

* Assistance League of Northern Virginia is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds, clothes and educates children in need. Assistance League’s philanthropic programs touch the lives of thousands of children at 11 Title I schools in Northern Virginia, serving children most in need at selected schools in Fairfax and Prince William counties and the City of Alexandria. To learn more about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact info@alnv.org or visit www.alnv.org

* A Place to Eat This supplemental food program serves families in Fairfax City, the Route 1 corridor and Mount Vernon High School. The Fairfax City portion distributes food and hygiene products at Katherine Johnson Middle School and Fairfax High School and also has a weekend food-bag program at Daniels Run Elementary. To learn how to help, contact Katy Malesky at Katy@aplacetostand.org. Donate via A Place to Stand at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C6QUFPKZBT8CG.

* Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Fairfax Area operates clubs in two of the neediest areas of the county, Culmore, Mount Vernon/ Route 1 corridor, and Chantilly/Herndon, focusing on character and academic success. https://www.bgcgw.org/club-page/fairfax-county-region-our-impact/

* Britepaths - Britepaths stabilizes families with supplemental food and financial assistance and helps them build resilience through financial education, workforce-development coaching and IT training. It also provides support for children via school backpack drives, weekend food packs and holiday meals for their families. For more information, go to https://britepaths.org/.

* Centreville Immigration Forum, a safe, organized center where residents and contractors can negotiate work arrangements with day laborers. Centreville Square Shopping Center, 5944 Centreville Crest Lane, Centreville, VA 20121. Phone: (703) 543-6272; website: www.centrevilleimmigrationforum.org and email contact@theCIFva.org.

* Closet Of The Greater Herndon Area is a nonprofit thrift shop in downtown Herndon. The Closet recently awarded over $20,000 in grants to seven local non-profit organizations: Cornerstones, Fellowship Square, Herndon-Reston FISH, Meridians Recovery, Mobile Hope of Loudoun, South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry, and Herndon Woman’s Club in support of Wreaths Across America. The Closet is a source of low-cost clothing and household necessities and also gives away clothing at no cost to truly needy individuals. 845 Station Street Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 437-7652. Email TheClosetInc@verizon.net Web: theclosetofgreaterherndon.org/

* Comfort for America's Uniformed Services (CAUSE) ensures that recuperating service members have opportunities for recreation and social interaction and receive concrete signs of appreciation for all that they have done. Mailing address: 4201 Wilson Blvd., #110-284, Arlington, VA 22203, CFC #33011, Phone 703-591-4965, cause-usa.org

* Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna, organized in 1969 by a group of churches and individuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Oakton, Vienna community to provide simple, loving charity to those in need. Coming up, holiday bike drive. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com

* Community Foundation of Northern Virginia www.cfnova.org The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia works to respond to critical need and seed innovation in our region. Your gift helps us make grants in our focus areas of interest while also bringing a spotlight on the benefits of community philanthropists www.cfnova.org/for-donors/donate-now

* Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555, www.cornerstonesva.org. 

Nonprofit providing support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other human services. Programs and services include the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia Prevention Program, Gifts for Kids and annual Coat Drive. www.cornerstonesva.org

* Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO), 703-569-9160. Open to receive donations at 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Provides food and financial assistance to those in short-term emergencies, and provides clothing and household goods to low income families. www.echo-inc.org.

* FACETS helps parents, their children and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in the Fairfax area, a partner in efforts to end homelessness in Fairfax County. FACETS is always in need of donations and volunteers, and offers a variety of one-time and ongoing opportunities. 

Contact Haylee Davis at hdavis@facetscares.org.

703-865-4251 or volunteer@facetscares.org. www.facetscares.org. 10640 Page Ave., Suite 300, Fairfax VA 22030

* Fairfax City Area FISH (For Immediate Sympathetic Help) FISH provides funds and volunteers to serve the needy and elderly in the greater Fairfax City area of Fairfax County. FISH responds to requests for life's necessities: food, clothing, financial assistance for delinquent rent, mortgage, utility bills, gasoline, and prescriptions. 703-222-0880 fairfaxfish.org/

* Fellowship Square provides housing, help, and hope to financially vulnerable older adults, many who struggle to make ends meet on just Social Security fixed-incomes that average just $10,000/year. Reston-based Fellowship Square provides affordable housing, services and wellness/social programs enabling 850+ low-income seniors to age in place safely, securely and with dignity in one of the nation’s most expensive regions. Financial donations help residents with healthcare and medication costs, groceries, transportation and other support, while donation of items from our detailed wish-list ensures residents have essentials for daily living such as batteries, blankets, pill organizers, reading glasses & more. Volunteer opportunities also abound. Learn more at www.fellowshipsquare.org or email info@fellowshipsquare.org

* Food For Neighbors is a local, grassroots nonprofit that focuses on engaging communities to support their local schools and address student hunger. More than 8,300 students are receiving food support at 47 area middle and high schools with Food For Neighbors!

At Food For Neighbors, we're helping students who struggle with hunger.  Through our Red Bag Program, we provide a platform for middle and high schools to engage volunteers from their local community to work together to collect and distribute food every week. Our program began in Herndon, VA, and has since expanded throughout Northern Virginia. Our mission is to reach even more students in more schools.

See more about FFN in this edition.

11710 Plaza America Dr #130 Reston, VA 20190 contact@foodforneighbors.org www.FoodForNeighbors.org 

* Food for Others Located at 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031, 703-207-9173. 2938 Prosperity Ave. info@foodforothers.org. Food for Others distributes food to more than 1,800 local families in need each week. Drop off food at our Merrifield Warehouse, 2938 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031. Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5pm. www.foodforothers.org

* Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Each year, nearly 5,000 pets, including cats, dogs, small mammals, reptiles and livestock, come to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter funds important needs throughout the Shelter such as behavioral training and dental or medical care beyond what the shelter’s budget can provide. generalinfo@ffcas.org 571-212-9858 www.ffcas.org/

* Friends of Guest House Northern Virginia offers structure, supervision, support and assistance to female ex-offenders who want to improve their lives and break the cycle of incarceration. Friends of Guest House offers the only program for women of its kind in Northern Virginia. One East Luray Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301-2025, 703-549-8072, info@friendsofguesthouse.org, friendsofguesthouse.org/

* Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia transforms the lives of lower-income families in need by providing affordable homeownership opportunities in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Falls Church. Learn more at www.habitatnova.org.

* Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help), 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, 703-391-0105 herndonrestonfish.org Herndon-Reston FISH has assisted local residents in short-term crises since 1969. 703-437-0600. 

* Homestretch, to empower homeless parents with children to attain permanent housing and self-sufficiency by giving them the skills, knowledge and hope they need to become productive participants in the community. Since 1990 Homestretch has helped over 2,000 families achieve permanent housing and self-sufficiency. 303 South Maple Ave, Suite 400, Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-237-2035 homestretchva.org

* Lamb Center, www.thelambcenter.org, a nonprofit, daytime drop-in center in Fairfax City. It offers meals, showers, clothing, laundry services, housing searches, plus recovery and employment counseling, to the poor and unhoused. 703-691-3178. 

* LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly, Loudoun and more. holiday@linkagainsthunger.org. 703-437-1776 www.linkagainsthunger.org.

* Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) provide low-income individuals, senior citizens, and families residing in Fort Belvoir, Lorton, Newington and other portions of southeast Fairfax County with access to basic needs and the opportunity to empower themselves. https://lortonaction.org/

* Mount Vernon At Home, 703-303-4060, www.mountvernonathome.org. Mount Vernon At Home membership helps connect senior members of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors with volunteer support is the power of Mount Vernon At Home. The group fundraises all year to make this possible and count on the generosity of the community.

* NAMI Northern Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness) works to raise awareness and provide education, advocacy, and support programs for people living with mental illness, families, students, educators, law enforcement, and the public throughout our neighborhoods. Many excellent programs. NAMI Northern Virginia serves Fairfax, Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, and Loudoun www.nami-northernvirginia.org/ HelpLine: (571)458.7310, Email: info@nami-nova.org

* National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia,  (571) 482-4770 . www.capitalareafoodbank.org

* Neighborhood Health, 6677 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306. Treats the whole person through medical, behavioral health and dental programs. It has 10 clinics throughout Arlington and Fairfax counties. Participating with all insurance including commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid, 703-535-5568, www.neighborhoodhealthva.org 

* New Hope Housing, ends homelessness in Northern Virginia by providing housing, offering hope, and building community. We currently offer various Housing Programs, and Support Services. 8407E Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309 www.newhopehousing.org/how-to-help/donate/

* Northern Virginia Family Service. The organization provides the essential building blocks for financial, emotional and physical well-being, serving as leaders and innovators for the Northern Virginia community. Every year, it empowers 35,000 individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. www.nvfs.org Northern Virginia Family Service, 10455 White Granite, Drive, Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124. 571-748-2500

* OAR rebuilds lives and breaks the cycle of crime with opportunities, alternatives, and resources for offenders and their families to create a safer community. 10640 Page Ave., Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-246-3033. OAR needs volunteers and financial donations. oarnova.org/donate

* Pathway Homes, providing non-time-limited housing and supportive services to adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities in Northern Virginia.Pathways currently manages over 500 properties and provides wrap around services in community-based homes in Northern Virginia. www.pathwayhomes.org

* Potomac Riverkeeper Network works to protect the public’s right to clean water in our rivers and streams; to stop pollution; to promote safe drinking water; to protect healthy river habitats; and to enhance public use and enjoyment. 

3070 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007. (202) 888-2037

www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org

* Potomac Conservancy, 962 Wayne Ave, Suite 540

Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301.608.1188; potomac.org, seeks to improve the Potomac River’s water quality by building an impassioned base of river advocates to impart change at the local level. www.potomac.org

* HopeLink Behavioral Health, “where hope meets help,” nonprofit providing mental health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. Seeking to change and save lives in our community by empowering hope, safety, recovery, wellness, independence and community integration. HopeLink provides crisis counseling and connection to supports, and answers hotline calls. CRISISLINK When crisis calls, we answer 24/7 Call: 988  Text: 988  https://prsinc.org/

* Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church (Rebuilding Together-AFF) makes critical repairs at no charge for low-income homeowners and nonprofit organizations. Volunteers make homes safe and healthy, and they help seniors age in place. Since 1988 Rebuilding Together has repaired thousands of homes and non-profit residential facilities in our area and mobilized more than 69,081 volunteers to do the work. 10723 Main Street, #135, Fairfax, VA 22030; Phone: 703-528-1999

https://rebuildingtogether-aff.org/

* Second Story — Second Story provides shelter and services for homeless, runaway or abused teenagers, unaccompanied youth, and young mothers and their children; Second Story for Teens in Crisis provides a short-term place to stay for youth in crisis, plus individual and family counseling. Second Story in the Community provides drop-in centers for families and after-school programs for youth who need more support outside their homes. Second-story.org

* SHARE of McLean is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff that has been helping for more than 50 years, supported by donations from local religious congregations, community organizations and individuals. Year round and seasonal programs include family emergency financial assistance, food pantry, used clothing room, recycled furniture, back-to-school supplies and refurbished laptop computers. During the holidays, we also provide our neighbors in need with grocery cards and gifts. 

Main Message Center: (703) 229-1414 info@shareofmclean.org 

www.shareofmclean.org 

* Shelter House provides crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services to promote self-sufficiency for homeless families and victims of domestic violence in Fairfax County. It is our mission to get families into stable housing in order to provide them the opportunity to continue their journey to self-sufficiency.  www.shelterhouse.org

* Shepherd’s Center of Oakton Vienna providing services, personal enrichment, volunteer opportunities for adults 50 and over. Currently serving 3,000-plus mature adults in the region. 703-281-0538, www.scov.org

* Tahirih Justice Center, 703-575-0070, www.tahirih.org, Legal services, public policy advocacy, and education for immigrant women and girls.

* TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor, Arlingotn, VA 22201, Call 24/7 800-959-TAPS (8277) The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors offers compassionate care and resources to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one. Make a donation to support surviving military families and loved ones. You can also make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one. www.taps.org/donate

* Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofit organization focused on how to enlighten, excite, and educate children about how they can experience the true joy that comes from helping those in need. www.touchingheart.com, 

* United Community, Mount Vernon, 703-768-7106, 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306 assists low-income families and individuals living along the Route 1 Corridor. The mission is to build thriving communities and create equitable opportunities by providing supportive services and advancing community driven solutions.

UC’s vision is to end multigenerational poverty. Make a Financial Contribution  7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria VA 22306. www.ucmagency.org. Donations of cash/checks and gift cards are also welcome. 

* Vietnam Veterans of America, Northern Virginia chapter. Donations are being accepted to assist the Chapter’s veteran outreach throughout the year for veterans in Northern Virginia, including nearly 100 veterans in the VASH program, which provides stable housing and veteran benefits for homeless veterans and their families. Also three wounded warrior families’ Santa Lists are adopted for the Holidays. Donations can be mailed to VVA Chapter 227, Attn: Chuck Harris, 44020 Pandora Ct. Ashburn, VA. 20147-3844. Check payable to VVA Chapter 227.

Chapter 227 offers veteran camaraderie and opportunities to assist veterans, active military personnel, and the community. Vietnam and Vietnam Era-veterans, and non-veterans can call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353 for additional information or visit the chapter webpage at www.vva227.org. 

* Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA 20151, offers client-choice food pantries in Centreville and Chantilly, as well as emergency rent and utilities assistance. Email Assistant Food Pantry Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Culbertson at volunteer @wfcmva.org wfcmva.org/.