The Fairfax NAACP announced yesterday (Thursday) that they will be distributing nearly $20,000 in COVID-19 relief funding to several different non-profit organizations in the community, including to Reston’s Shelter House and Cornerstones.Â
In a statement from the Fairfax NAACP, they explained that the pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color in multiple ways, from higher infection and death rates to housing and employment insecurity to distance learning inequities.Â
“This public health crisis has exposed and exasperated the inequities that already existed in our society,” said Sean Perryman, the director of the Fairfax NAACP. “We will get through this together.”
Healthcare-centered donations to Shelter House will fill gaps that the government and other non-profits aren’t able to fill by supporting their Quarantine/Protection/Isolation/Decompression sites, according to Joe Meyer, the CEO of Shelter House. The donations will further help people of color dealing with COVID-19 and homelessness.
Assistance towards Cornerstones will be directed to individuals facing eviction due to COVID-19. According to Greg White, the COO of Cornerstones, the NAACP’s contribution will help support low-income community members in rebuilding their economic, mental, and physical stability.Â
The Fairfax NAACP also distributed funds towards helping small businesses, as well as providing distanced learning technology for underserved students.Â
Image via Fairfax NAACP
Fairfax County is putting together a survey to direct funding for the Consolidated Community Funding Pool — which goes to help local nonprofits and organizations. The County is looking for public input on where the biggest needs are.
The goal of the fund is supplement the county’s ability to fill human services needs.
“To determine how these funds should be allocated, Fairfax County, with significant community input, establishes categories that are reflective of the needs residents feel are most important in their communities,” the County said in a press release. “In preparation for the next funding cycle, the county seeking your insight on our current category areas”
The categories are:
- Financial Stability
- Food and Nutrition
- Health
- Housing
- Literacy/Educational Development/Attainment
- Positive Behaviors and Healthy Relationships
- Support/Community/Social Networks
A survey for prioritizing needs is available online, and responses are welcome until Friday, Oct. 30. All responses will be kept anonymous.
Staff photo by Ashley Hopko
With more residents spending time at home, local and regional nonprofits are being a surge in drop-off donations.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, The Closet of Greater Herndon, a nonprofit organization in the Town of Herndon, has seen a spike in the number of cars arriving with items to donate to its store.
To meet growing demand in an efficient manner, The Closet has launched a new donation and drop-off center.
The center was constructed in collaboration with HomeAid Northern Virginia, which builds and renovates homeless shelters and supportive housing facilities.
“This is a different project than perhaps what is ‘typical’ for our work with HomeAid,” said Jack Gallagher, division president, Mid-Atlantic region, for Richmond American Homes. “But The Closet is a partner organization in need of construction support, and their general mission is well aligned with the same community we serve.”
Here’s more from The Closet on the project:
Led by HomeAid Northern Virginia, construction of the donation center was already fortuitously underway when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, closing the store and slowing the construction process. Through deliberative and creative coordination, HANV worked with its building partners to deploy small crews of essential construction workers at different time intervals to move the project forward. The opening of the new donation center was ultimately (if not intentionally) well-timed to “the great decluttering.”
The uptick in donated items expands the ability of The Closet to support local Northern Virginia nonprofits. Founded by local churches/faith-based organizations 25+ years ago, The Closet’s profits supports local organizations such as Shelter House, Cornerstones, Fellowship Square, and Helping Hungry Kids. The Closet also provide clothing and other household goods free to families and individuals referred from several Fairfax County public and private human service agencies, as well as awards annual scholarship grants to select students from five area schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties (South Lakes, Herndon, Oakton, Park View & Mountain View High Schools).
The architecture of the structure draws inspiration from the Town of Herndon’s railroad history and the Washington & Old Dominion railroad, which is just steps away from the facility.
Photos via The Closet
In the 10 years he has spent working on Reston non-profit Cornerstones’ annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, Nate King has never seen a year like this.
King, the donations and drives coordinator for Cornerstones, said the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has created an increase in demand for food for families in need — one that he hasn’t seen in the past decade of working for the non-profit.
“The downturn in the economy has increased the number of families coming in for assistance to the emergency food pantry,” King said.
Due to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, King said he anticipates about a 25 % increase in the number of families who will be receiving donations from stones during their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Typically, Cornerstones provides food for between 700 to 750 families in Fairfax County just before Thanksgiving, but this holiday season King anticipates that number to jump to about 1,050 families as more families have gone to the Cornerstones requesting help.
“This far out-stripes the numbers we have seen in the past years,” King said.
With no end of the pandemic in sight, Cornerstone’s Food Drive will look a little different this year. King said Cornerstones will extend the Thanksgiving Food Drive to five days to give more time for those who wish to donate, to avoid crowding.
For the families receiving food, Cornerstones is combining their Thanksgiving Food Drive with their annual Gift for Kids Drive, which provides underprivileged kids with presents for the holidays. But this year, to cut down on crowding during the pandemic, Cornerstones is combining the events, giving families gift cards, instead of wrapped presents, along with a box of Thanksgiving food items.
King said Cornerstones will implement some social distancing measures this year by cutting down on the number of volunteers who will work at one time, requiring volunteers to wear masks and to undergo temperature checks and to do much of their work organizing food boxes outside.
This year, families will receive their food and gifts through a makeshift drive-through, where volunteers will drop the items off in cars, instead of having families go inside to collect them.
Food collection for the Cornerstones’ Thanksgiving Food Drive will take place on November 16 to 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Nov. 20, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston.
Those interested in donating to Cornerstones’ Thanksgiving Food Drive can find more information online.
Photo courtesy Cornerstones
Reston’s Giving Circle of HOPE has given out $45,000 to support three local organizations in its 2020 grant cycle.
The non-profit organization awarded the grants to support organizations that are meeting “critical community needs amidst the financial and operational challenges of a pandemic,” according to an announcement.
The following organizations received grants:
Food Pantry: Dulles South Food Pantry, providing nutritious food and personal supplies to those in need in the Dulles South and surrounding areas
Rental Assistance: Herndon-Reston FISH, providing help to Northern Virginians in short-term financial crisis with rental assistance, paying utilities, and other needs
Emerging Needs: Culmore Clinic, offering low-cost services to patients in the Culmore-Bailey’s Crossroads community who would not otherwise have access to any kind of medical care
Giving Circle of HOPE is a grassroots organization that started in 2004 to support volunteerism and philanthropy. So far, the organization has dispersed $1 million with 159 grants to 66 nonprofit organizations, according to a company release.
Photo courtesy of Giving Circle
Although the return to school will be atypical this year, a Reston-based nonprofit organization is seeking donations for its back-to-school drive.
Shelter House, which is located at 12310 Pinecrest Road, has created an Amazon-based wish list. All donations for the Shelter House should be directed to the Shelter House.
Items requested include headphones, face bandanas, gloves, printers, hand sanitizers, lunch boxes, tissue, rulers, binders, and pens.
Anyone who wishes to arrange more specific deliveries can contact [email protected]. Monetary donations are also accepted online.
Founded in 1981, Shelter House is a nonprofit organization that offers crisis intervention, housing, and supportive services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence in the community.
Photo by Tim Guow/Unsplash
Big Contract for Reston Company — “The General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Reston-based government technology company Octo Consulting Group an $11.8 million contract to provide framework and architecture services for the GSA’s System for Award Management (SAM).” [Virginia Business Monthly]
Public Art Reston to Host Virtual Talk Today — DeWitt Godfrey will discuss his latest work at Valley & Park, a new townhouse development in Reston. His sculpture is titled ‘Simon,’ and is expected to be installed this month. [Public Art Reston]
Collects for Kids Campaign –The Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools is collecting donations for school supplies. Donations can be made online. [FCPS Foundation]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Tomorrow (June 9), a Reston Chick-Fil-A and the CORE Foundation are partnering to collect food and shoes for people in need.
The drive, which is one of several set to take place in the area, will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chick-Fil-AÂ (1494 Northpoint Village Center) and those who donate will receive a special offer from the eatery, according to the Facebook page.
For those who are unable to make the specific hours, people can still drop donations outside in a bag on a designated table or at the drive-through, according to the post.
“Your donation of canned goods and pantry items as well as gently used shoes will be delivered to Supporting Seniors in Place, Helping Hungry Kids and other food pantries,” the Facebook page.
The CORE Foundation, an organization based in Reston, helps small entrepreneurs reach their goals, according to its website, but also runs other fundraisers and support efforts.
Next week, the drive will be held at Glory Days in Reston, according to Mark Moody, a CORE Volunteer.
“If successful, we will continue this year-round to help keep our pantries stocked,” he said.
Photo via Chick-Fil-A/Facebook
After Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon lost income from visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a fundraiser is working to provide care for the animals.
The park, known around the community as a public, livestock-friendly facility, offers classes and camps for kids, has an on-site equestrian center and hosts field trips and similar events, according to Fairfax County.
But since the annual Farm Day, which was scheduled to take place (May 2), was canceled, people are rallying to make up for this significant source of income, according to the fundraiser page.
Roughly 100 animals live on the property, according to Yvonne Johnson, the manager of Frying Pan Farm Park.
Community members have donated $27,062 of the $30,000 that is required yearly to feed the animals living on the property, the page said, adding that the budget to feed the animals doesn’t come from Fairfax County. Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park is hosting the fundraiser.
“The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park own the farm animals and contribute significantly to the cost of their feed and care,” the fundraising page said. “The Park Authority operates and staffs Frying Pan Farm Park.”
The $30,000 includes things like vet bills, equipment to grow food and other necessities, according to Johnson.
Despite the revenue loss, the animals are still well cared for and “having babies left and right,” Johnson said, but added that the animals and the staff are missing the typical interaction from guests.
Since Northern Virginia started the first reopening phase that is easing COVID-19 restrictions, Johnson said that the parking lots and trails are open for visitors who want to view the animals from the “peripheral fields.”
On the donation page, one contributor commented: “Visited there many times when my son was growing up. It is a part of our community. Love the 4-H Fair and the concerts.” A kids’ book has even been written about the center and its relation to the area’s history.
As of today, 322 people have contributed to the fundraiser. It will run for another 30 days in case anyone would still like to donate.
Please help our beautiful farm animals! The farm has lost income due to #COVID19. The Friends group that owns the animals is asking for $7.5K to help feed & care for the animals for one year. If you or your organization can help, please donate here today: https://t.co/PGdketjdr7 pic.twitter.com/8YYVDxuHcw
— FriendsofFryingPan (@FriendsOfFPFP) May 29, 2020
Photo via Friends of Frying Pan Park/Facebook
Local food trucks and food vendors celebrated public works crews (Wednesday) by offering 1,400 free meals throughout the county, including the Town of Herndon.
The initiative, which was made possible by funding coordinated by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, honored public works crews who have quietly continued to perform essential services like water management and trash collection despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
County officials said the program, which was in time for National Public Works Week this week, was a win-win for local businesses and public works employees. Curbside Kitchen and Cureate, two companies that work with local food trucks and vendors coordinated services with FCEDA, which secured funding from a philanthropic couple. Meals were given from 11:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday).
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted local and county departments to change their operations and modes of service delivery. The Town of Herndon, for example, has shifted to more online services, including accepting engineering drawings online.
In the public works department, crews are more spread out, with one person riding a vehicle instead of two or three individuals. Shifts are now also staggered in some cases, according to Scott Robinson, the Town of Herndon’s public works director.
Robinson says he expects that some changes in how services are provided will continue in a post-COVID-19 world.
For example, the town may consider offering more online services, in addition to in-person services.
“Our town manager said it best. We want to serve customers the way they want to be served,” Robinson said.
So far, he is incredibly proud of how public works’ employees have handled their jobs amid concerns about safety and health. “These folks are literally out there keep the town running and they’ve done it happily and without complaining,” he said. “I’m really proud of the work the department has been doing.”
Photo via Town of Herndon
Virginia State Police Issue Alert for Missing Reston Resident — The state’s police department issued an alert for missing Reston resident Michael Delaney, 75, who was last seen leaving Reston Hospital Center on May 10. Local police have suspended an active search for the Reston resident, who suffers from a cognitive impairment. [Virginia State Police]
Good Deed Alert: Stuff the Bus is Today — Fastran buses will be parked at locations throughout the county for donations. The Reston location is at the Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s Office, which is located at 1801 Cameron Glen Drive. Donations from that location will go directly Cornerstones. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Man Charged with Second DWI — “A man was arrested in Ashburn May 14 after reportedly causing a vehicle collision while impaired, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the 44000 block of Allderwood Terrace around 9:24 a.m. and reportedly found the striking driver to be under the influence of alcohol. Julio F. Aragon, 30, of Reston, was charged with driving while intoxicated — his second offense.” [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Fairfax County recently created a map pinpointing local groups looking for donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The map allows users to find nonprofits and organizations within a specific region of Fairfax County so they can help people within their own communities.
Users can search for charities by the proximity to an address or by clicking on one from the general geographic overview.
The charities listed on the website are accepting items including personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, baby products and paper items, the page said. Throughout the county, 22,620 households are at or below the poverty level, according to the website.
Charities collecting monetary donations can be found on the webpage as well.
People can learn more about a charity by reading an overview from Volunteer Fairfax.
County-wide:
- The Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church
- American Red Cross in the National Capital Region
- Blood Donor Services, Inova Health System
- Britepaths
Reston:
Herndon:
Image via Fairfax County
Local Company Tapped for Contact Tracing — The Indiana State Health department has hired Maximus Inc., a Reston-based company, to begin contact tracing for its 92 counties. The company will begin the laborious process of reaching out to people who have tested positive and determining who they have been in contact with over the last two weeks. [Indiana Business Journal]
Herndon Cares Seeks More Support — The initiative has provided more than 1,000 community members with takeout dinners fro local restaurants. The four-week-old program is made possible with partnerships with local faith communities. [Reston Patch]
Local Restaurant Offers Food for Front Line Fighters — Pica Deli, a Reston-based restaurant, raised $2,600 to help fund costs to donate deli sandwiches to frontline hospital medical staff and first responders. [The Connection]
Reminder: County Small Business Loans — Small businesses based in Fairfax County are eligible for up to $20,000 at zero percent interest through the county’s recently established Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Association Annual Meeting is Today — The annual meeting is set for 7 pm. today and will be held via Zoom. The meeting will also be streamed online via YouTube. [Reston Association]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Local congregations are banding together to provide takeout meals from local restaurants to those in need of food.
Since the second week of its launch, the program, Herndon Cares, has fed more than 400 people. More congregations and businesses are joining the effort, including Christ Fellowship Church, Herndon United Methodist Church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, St. John Neumann Catholic Community, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Washington Plaza Baptist Church.
The First Baptist Church of Herndon spearheaded the effort after Pastor Sean Roberds pitched the idea of raising funds for meals in an effort to support local businesses and local residents.
Within a week of suggesting the idea, the church’s community outreach coordinator launched the effort and recruited volunteers, including Renee Maxwell from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon.
“I’m thrilled that more and more faith congregations are patterning in this effort and that businesses are very enthusiastic,” Maxwell said.
Restaurants that are within the zip code areas of 20170, 20171, 20190, and 20194 can participate by pitching dinner for $10/person or less. Some local participants include:
- Amphora’s Diner Deluxe
- Apple Spice
- A Taste of the World Restaurant
- Charcoal Kabab
- Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant
- Great Harvest Bread Company
- Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
- Mellow Mushroom
- Mr. Pepperoni
- Virginia Kitchen
- Willard’s BBQ
- 100 Bowls
The organization is accepting donations online. So far, Herndon Cares has raised $7,185 of its ambitious $100,000 goal. Meals can be requested on the program’s website.
Photo via Herndon Cares
Instead of our typical Friday roundup of events, we’ve included ways that you can give from the comfort of your home or vehicle as the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold in the county, country and around the world.
Below is a list of a few local initiatives and organizations that are seeking funds and donations. If you have other suggestions, feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected].
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has launched a COVID-19 fund that aims to provide “flexible funding resources” for nonprofit organizations and other programs in the area. The fund primarily helps those impacted by the virus and its economic consequences.
In addition to funds, Cornerstones, a local nonprofit organization, has an Amazon wishlist for its Reston food pantry. The list is available online. If items are not available for shipment, Cornerstones encourages residents to find another distributed to get the items to the organization. Residents can also drop-off donations at 11484 Washington Plaza-W, Suite 120. Items that are needed include gift cards for grocery stores, gas station, and fast food restaurants; rice; beans; lentils; cooking oil; oatmeal; eggs; milk; Clorox wipes; disinfectants; spray bottles; and paper towels.
The Embry Rucker Community Shelter is also looking for essential items like underwear, shampoo and clothing online.
With school buildings closed, the South Lakes High School Pantry is also seeking donations online. The pantry is seeking items like pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, pasta, dry rice, beans, cereal, oil, granola bars, bar soap, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste and maxi pads.
Fellowship Square is looking for volunteers to help with food delivery to low-income seniors at Lake Anne and Hunters Woods Fellowship Houses. Guidelines, which are in accordance with State Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home-order are available online.
Herndon-Reston FISH, which stands for Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help, is also collecting donations. The Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center (1086 Elden Street) and Connections for Hope Partnership (1141 Elden Street) are looking for cleaning products like bleach, Clorox wipes, spray bottles and paper towels. Both programs are operated under Cornerstones.
At Reston Hospital Center, residents can donate blood through the American Red Cross or make a financial contribution to HCA’s Hope Fund. The hospital is not currently accepting homemade masks.
Residents can also check in with the county’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program to help neighbors with services like grocery deliveries and check-in phone calls.
LINK, a volunteer-based Christian organization that offers emergency food to families in Reston, Herndon and Ashburn, is also seeking items via an Amazon wishlist.
Photo via SLHS Food Pantry/Facebook