It’s the holidays — and also the season of giving. In fact, it might be one of the most important ones ever. Why not do some good? Here’s an ongoing guide to volunteering, donating, and making a difference in Loudoun County.
Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun
About 1 in 4 school children in Loudoun County are uncertain where their next meal will come from. A donation of $100 feeds nearly 20 children– or 120 meals over a weekend.
Backpack Buddy program participants receive bags of food to take home for the weekend (and long school holidays) that include meals, milk and snacks.
The number of people who don’t have enough to eat has hit an all-time high since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Loudoun Hunger Relief, one of the group’s partners, recently reported that they provided food aid to 887 households in a week. That’s about three times the normal amount.
Mobile Hope is a local nonprofit that helps homeless and at-risk youth.
On Saturday, December 12, 5 PM-8 PM, Mobile Hope will transform its facility into a Christmas village for a COVID-safe, drive-thru Christmas event at 741 Miller Drive in Leesburg for pre-registered families in need.
If you’d like to sign up to decorate, wrap, or volunteer at the event, email GetInvolved@mobilehopeloudoun.org.
This year, Mobile Hope says it will serve nearly 1,000 kids with toys, which is twice the amount of kids as in 2019. Mobile Hope is one of only 4 local organizations selected by Toys for Tots to distribute toys to vulnerable families during the holidays. Fresh food and diapers will also be provided.
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Toy Drive for Cole’s Closet
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has partnered with Cole’s Closet, a non-profit organization, to help fill closets with toys for children while they’re at the hospital.
New toys for children age infant to 17-years-old are being accepted from now through December 14. The toys should be unwrapped and dropped off at any LCSO location, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. You can also make a donation directly to Cole’s Closet here: https://www.colescloset.org/programs.
To learn more about Cole’s Closet, visit www.colescloset.org.
This article will updated throughout December to support ongoing needs.
