First-aid kits collected for the needy

The Annandale Christian Community for Action is collecting first-aid kits for local families.

Members of the public are encouraged to assemble a first-aid kit or buy one already packed and drop it off at the ACCA Food Pantry, 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, between 10 and 2 p.m. on Sept. 17.

That’s the date of Fairfax County’s annual VolunteerFest, an event aimed at helping local nonprofits recruit volunteers for community projects. Another project listed on the VolunteerFest website involves refreshing the outdoor learning spaces at Belvedere Elementary School.

Examples of the items that could be included in a first-aid kit are gauze pads, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, latex gloves, saline wash, alcohol pads, eye wash, Q-tips, and sunscreen. The items can be packed in a large Ziploc bag or a plastic container with a lid.

In addition, the ACCA Food Pantry always needs donated items. Donations can be dropped off at the pantry Tuesday-Friday, 1:30-4 p.m.

ACCA is continually updating the list of most-needed food. For example, the items most in demand now include bar soap, cereal, beef stew, and cooking oil. The pantry doesn’t need canned beans, chicken noodle soup, or canned peas. See the full list here.