Last year, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) provided more than 1,300 holiday food baskets to families in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fairfax Station. This year, because of the deepening economic crisis, the demand is expected to be even higher, so help from local residents is needed more than ever.

"Last year, it was touch and go," said WFCM’s Director of Development Pam Ryan, coordinating the food-basket program. "This time, I really don’t know if we will be able to provide for 100 percent of those requesting assistance."

All families requesting holiday aid, food or gifts are referred to Our Daily Bread by either a Fairfax County social worker or the schools. The families’ names and contact information are then given to Ryan — who has to try to find sponsors for all of them.

"First, I go to our 31 member churches and, depending on the size of the congregation, they’ll each take some families," she said. "The Clifton Lions are also huge supporters of ours and, every Thanksgiving and Christmas, they adopt a large number of families. But, just like last year — because of the demand — there’s no possible way we could meet all the need without help from the local community and businesses."

Ryan expects last year’s 1,300 Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to increase by about 20 percent, this holiday season. "Our Daily Bread says the referrals are pouring in," she said. "Because of the economic situation, so many people find themselves in hard times and need help. In addition, many who were donors in the past are unable to do that this year — and even need help, themselves, because of their own financial circumstances."

If someone can sponsor a family with a food basket, Ryan will match them up. If the donor wants to shop for the items for a holiday meal and put together the basket(s) themselves, she’ll give them a list of suggested items to include.

"They can even call the family to find out their favorite foods — such as turkey or ham, what vegetables they like, what type of pie, etc.," said Ryan. "They’ll also get delivery information so they’ll get to actually meet the family they’re sponsoring, and that’s always heartwarming and really personalizes it."

But if the cost of providing a whole basket full of food is too much to take on, there’s another way to lend a hand. "We’d be just as grateful to get supermarket gift cards, in any denominations, at all," said Ryan. "Even a $10 gift card would help us meet the need; no amount is too small."

Gift cards may be dropped off at the WFCM food pantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (near Backyard Grill and Bar). For more information or to sponsor a family, contact Ryan at 703-988-9656, ext. 3, or via development@wfcmva.org.

To mail gift cards or send donations by check, add a note saying "food basket program" and send them to: WFCM, P.O. Box 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153. Checks should be made payable to WFCM.

"Poverty and homelessness can be so invisible in this part of the county, so this can also be a learning experience for children and adults, as well," said Ryan. "Children realize what they have and see that everyone isn’t as fortunate as they are. They also learn the importance of giving back and sharing with others."