Local NoVA Charities to Get Involved in the New Year

If you are looking to improve yourself, connect with others, and increase the number of good deeds done over the year, what better way to do so than to get involved with local charities in Vienna and Great Falls? There are many national charities and international charities – check out this way to donate rice to the UN foodbank by answering trivia – but many great people in the area have launched initiatives to solve local problems and to tackle even bigger problems. 

You could donate to these charities, but you could also make some time to volunteer so that you too can be a part of moving forward. Give your life some purpose, make others’ lives better, and make new friends in the area by participating in these local charities. 

The Committee For Helping Others

Founded in 1969, the Committee for Helping Others (CHO) meets at the Vienna Presbyterian Church on Park Street and helps many in need with financial assistance, food, clothes, furniture, meals on wheels, and a Christmas store every December. You can donate food, clothes, furniture, or money to this organization which serves Vienna, Oakton, Dunn Loring, and Merrifield, or you can donate your time. CHO is always looking for people to help them drive trucks for furniture, sort clothes, and translate.  Sort through donations, organize the emergency food pantry, or meet people in the area in need and find out how you can help them.   

Rustic Love

Founded in Vienna, VA, in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rustic Love hosts pop-up build sessions where the team of volunteers creates signs to be shown in backyards, front yards, and around businesses. They have partnered with many local charities and businesses and have successfully raised more than $300,000 since its beginning. Money raised goes to local schools’ food pantries and reduced lunch programs, as well as organizations like the World Central Kitchen.  You can donate money, build signs, or donate your time in other ways.

StoryBook Treasures

StoryBook Treasures seeks to give books and reading materials to children of all ages in the area and around the country. It focuses on helping children and schools build libraries of books that can be easily accessed. Located in Ashburn, the program delivers books and materials to school classes from PK to third grade and evaluates the effectiveness of the program with parents and teachers every year. You can either donate to this organization or you can sign up to join the ranks of volunteers.

Our Minds Matter

In the battle for mental health, teenagers and middle schoolers seem to be hit the hardest. In 2009, in Fairfax, Our Minds Matter started in five local schools with the goal to end teen suicide. Students and teachers alike can start clubs, with materials and activities for guidance, within their schools and/or classes to raise more awareness for mental health and to erase the stigma that comes with struggles like depression and anxiety. You can volunteer or donate.

Second Story

Founded in 1972 in McLean, Second Story seeks to help homeless youth find the resources they need to start a home, as well as provide safe havens for young mothers who may be homeless and school programs to young people in different parts of Fairfax County. The many programs also provide clothing for those who need it and help those who have been victims of trafficking and assault. You can donate money, but you can also take part in providing shelter, necessities, and counseling to the many served by Second Story.