Cornerstones seeks donations for annual food drives

Cornerstones‘ annual drive to provide gifts for children during the holiday season is coming up.

The annual Gifts for Kids Drive will return with a similar look to last year’s drive by asking donors to purchase gift cards from to be given to families. Cornerstones is requesting gift cards in $25, $50 or $75 increments from locations such as Target, Walmart, T.J. Maxx, Kohls, Amazon or similar stores. No toys will be accepted for donation.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the drive will run concurrently with Thanksgiving Food Drive in order to reduce the number of interactions among volunteers, donors, staff and donation recipients, and to offer families ample time to purchase gifts for their children with the gift cards that will be distributed to them.

“The Gifts for Kids is one of Cornerstones’ most highly anticipated community drives,” Nate King, Coordinator of In-kind Donations and Drives, said in a press release.

“We have more than 800 wish lists from children to fulfill this year. Every donation is critical to helping us meet this ambitious goal. Our Gifts for Kids drive is a rewarding and meaningful opportunity for donors and volunteers to help ensure our youngest neighbors celebrate a meaningful and memorable holiday with their families.”

The public is encouraged to register as a Gifts For Kids donor through Nov. 12 online. Gift cards should be delivered to Cornerstones on Nov. 15 through the 17, and between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, located at 11900 Lawyers Road in Reston.

Additionally, donors may coordinate with Cornerstones’ team in order to provide gift cards in an amount that would cover a specific request from a child’s wish list.

Donations for the Thanksgiving Food Drive will also be accepted Nov. 15 through Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, as well as from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 19. Cornerstones has a recommended list of food or gift cards to be donated for this drive on its site.

Cornerstones has also partnered with Giant at North Point for anyone interested in purchasing a set $50 box of food and gift card that will be prepared by Giant for delivery to Cornerstones. For anyone interested, you may visit the customer service desk at the store to make the purchase. This option will be available through Nov. 12.

For any additional information or inquires about Cornerstones’ drives, you may contact King at 571-323-9569, or visit cornerstonesva.org.