At Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) in Chantilly, last week, employees were busy setting up a section with baby equipment. They were also creating furniture arrangements, organizing household items and electronics and planning to add more shelving for food.

That’s because this group that helps out local residents in need is expanding its physical space by 6,000 square feet. The existing building at 13981 Metrotech Drive is just 4,850 square feet, but the expansion into the adjacent storefront will provide 10,500 square feet total.

"The purpose is twofold — to serve more clients because the demand is so huge, and to generate additional revenue to support the food pantry and other assistance we give," said WCM Executive Director Melissa Jansen. "First, we’ll expand our thrift store and then we’ll expand the food pantry."

The more income WFCM receives, she explained, the more programs and services it can offer for those in need in western Fairfax County — Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax Station and Fair Oaks. And in these tough, economic times, an increasing number of people are seeking help.

Jansen said the demand for food has skyrocketed 64 percent since last year at this time, and proceeds from the thrift store help keep the food pantry afloat and allow WFCM to keep providing clothing, plus financial aid for rent and utilities. The additional space will also enable WFCM to offer its 13-week, budgeting classes on site, instead of at Ox Hill Baptist Church where they’re held now.

"The food pantry will double in size, affording us more space for shoppers and volunteers, as well as food storage," said Jansen. "Now, part of it’s stored off-site, which we pay for."

The thrift store is currently open 39 hours/week, with varying hours. But the revamped, enlarged one will be open six days a week, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. And donations will be accepted every day, not just certain days and hours, as is the case now.

"The store will have a new look, with all new merchandise and some higher-end items, too," said Jansen. "There’ll be furniture, electronics, household goods, china, silver and premium clothing — including never-worn, designer clothing, still tagged."

FOOD-PANTRY customers must be referred by county agencies, but the thrift shop is open to everyone. And with the downturn in the economy, Jansen believes "it’s a perfect time to have a larger thrift store because more people are shopping in [them] now. The perception of the thrift store is that it’s only open to serve needy clients. But that’s not true; we’re here to help people, no matter their socio-economic status."

No demolition was involved, but the project included painting, carpeting, electrical work and lots of "elbow grease" from the volunteers, moving merchandise into the new space. Quality of Life Remodeling, owned by WFCM board member Dan Whitaker, did the remodeling of the previously vacant storefront. There’s even a new sign outside, and WFCM expects the freshly refurbished and restocked thrift shop to be open for business by this Friday, May 1.

"Because of the generosity of our landlord, Beatty Management, we were able to negotiate the additional space," said Jansen. "They’re making it possible for us to better serve more clients in western Fairfax, and this is their way of giving back to the community, too."

The existing building will then be used only for the food pantry and WFCM offices, but it’ll be redesigned to make it more efficient for shoppers. And Jansen expects it to be busier than ever.

"In all of 2008, we served 2,400 families with food and assistance," she said. "We gave out more than 24,000 bags of food, and we had 4,000 client appointments for help." But this year’s numbers are outpacing last year’s, at this time.

From January through March 2008, WFCM served 581 families with food and financial assistance and gave out 5,903 bags of food. From January through March 2009, WFCM assisted 882 families and gave out 9,068 bags of food.

"The demand is higher because more people are in need," said Jansen. "They’re losing jobs or homes, are on the verge of foreclosure and aren’t able to pay their monthly rent, mortgage or utility bills."

IN ADDITION, she said, "The fact that we’re able to offer our thrift store clothing and other items below market price, and at or below other area thrift stores, should be more attractive to new shoppers looking for a bargain. And now, donors will have a large, local charity to which they may donate their larger furniture and household items."

Regarding WFCM’s larger, improved digs, Jansen said, "We’re elated; it’s really exciting for us. We feel like the timing and the new opportunity for space is perfect to let us better carry out our mission. Our store manager and volunteers have moved everything into the new store and did the decorating and pricing. Our volunteers are wonderful — they’re the backbone of WFCM."