Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

There are many local charities you may not know about that offer great opportunity to give back this holiday season (and year round).

Committee for Helping Others (CHO)

All volunteer based organization in Vienna, Oakton, Dunn Loring and Merrifield providing emergency financial assistance, food aid, clothing, furniture, meals on wheels and transportation.

For directions to drop off or to pick up, please visit their website.

Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters (BRAWS)

Bringing empowerment to women and girls living in shelters by providing new undergarments and menstrual supplies. There are several drop off locations around the area, but their office is in Vienna at 303 Maple Avenue in Suite F. You can drop off new bras (tags on), unopened boxes of tampons and pads, and unopened packages of underwear.

Second Story (FKA Alternative House)

Providing a safe haven for children, youth and their families. You can donate hygiene products, food, shoes, clothing, school supplies, office supplies and/or furniture. They have 2 places to donate:

• Administration Office: 8221 Old Courthouse Rd Suite 105, Vienna
• Teen Shelter: 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna
  Check website for donation hours

*They do accept lightly used goods, but won’t begin until January 2. Everything else must be new.

SHARE of McLean

Organization that provides emergency assistance in McLean and surrounding areas. They collect food, used clothing, furniture and help with transportation. They also provide computers and school supplies.

You can donate at their location at McLean Baptist Church (1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean) every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (except Saturdays before Federal Holiday Mondays). For a list of what they need now, click here.

Britepaths (Formerly Our Daily Bread)

Britepaths helps 800 Fairfax County families with Thanksgiving meals, December holiday meals and holiday gifts for their children. You can sponsor a family, donate funds or volunteer.