Bring holiday cheer to local kids
For those of you who want to help the needy this holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities.
Gary Clause – The Mason Police District’s Gary Clause event, starring Det. Gary “Gary Clause” Moore, has been collecting toys for local children for nearly 20 years. There’s a collection box in the lobby of the Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Drop off new, unwrapped toys by Dec. 12.
Volunteers will participate in a 24/7 gift-wrapping operation Dec. 4-12 at the police station. Gary Clause and his helpers will distribute the gifts on Dec 14 in partnership with Second Story in Culmore and in partnership with FACETS at Fairmont Gardens.
PJs for kids – The Mason Police District is also collecting pajamas, socks, and slippers for babies, children, and teens up to age 17.
Drop off new, unwrapped items at a donation box in the lobby of the Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, by Jan. 1.
Don’t neglect the older kids. There’s usually a lack of items in large sizes.
Gift cards for the homeless – New Hope Housing, the organization that operates the Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing in Bailey’s Crossroads, is seeking 500 $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, and grocery stores to help residents purchase items they need.
Gift cards can be mailed through Jan. 20 to NHH Gift Cards, Attn: Michelle Hook, 8407-E Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309.
Trauma victims – The Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Division is collecting gift cards for children affected by domestic and sexual violence.
During the past year, the Victim Services Division worked on over 350 cases involving child and teen victims, including kids who were witnesses to violence and those who lost loved ones to homicide.
The office is collecting gift cards through Dec. 14 to such stores as Target, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, and Kohl’s, as well as grocery stores, local eateries, and clothing outlets. These gift cards will empower parents and guardians to select gifts and essential items that their children might otherwise go without.
Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to Saly Fayez, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Santa’s Ride – The Fairfax County Police Department’s annual Santa’s Ride has been bringing toys to children in hospitals since 1988. Every year, a motorcade featuring Santa on a motorcycle visits several schools across the county. The Virginia State Police and several other law enforcement agencies participate.
Toys can be dropped off at 33 locations across the county, including the Mason Government Center.
Check out the FCPD’s video about Santa’s Ride inspired by “The Office.”’
Coats – The office of Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez is collecting shoes and coats for adults at the Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing. Drop them off in the donation box in the Mason Government Center lobby. Contact Chris Delta, [email protected], for more information.
Laundry pods – Jimenez is also collecting laundry detergent pods for the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Seven Corners operated by Shelter House. Drop off the pods at the donation box at the Mason Government Center. You can also donate via the Patrick Henry Shelter’s Amazon wish list.
