The Inova Blood Donor Center in the Centremed I Building on Route 29 in Centreville (across from the Centreville Multiplex Cinemas) is still in urgent need of blood donations — especially O positive or negative, as well as A and B. They are accepted Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, noon-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
To make an appointment to give blood, call (703) 322-1970, or just drop in at your own convenience. According to the Inova Health System, it only takes an hour to donate blood, and each donation can save the lives of three people.
CPR is being offered at the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department on Old Centreville Road. It is being offered on the fourth Saturday every month. The course includes the Heimlich Maneuver for choking and CPR techniques for infants, children and adults. This course is not for those who need the Healthcare Provider level. A donation of $25 is requested. Call 703-830-1479 and leave your name and phone number in the CPR mailbox.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a support group dedicated to sensible weight loss and the maintenance of proper weight. The group meets Thursday evenings with weigh-in from 6:15-7 p.m. and a meeting at 7:10 p.m. Meets in Room 7B at Centreville Presbyterian Church. Call Susan at 703-798-9461. Information is also available at www.TOPS.org.
Donate blood at the CentreMed Blood Donor Center, 6201 Centreville Rd. (Route 28) Centreville. Hours are: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 703-322-1970.
A Caregiver Support Group for Alzheimer's meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Centreville Road. Facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit. Call the Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area before attending for verification of times and locations. Call toll free: 866-259-0042.
A new Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group meets every second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library, (4000 Stringfellow Rd.) The group is facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit. Call Jill Boddie at 703-449-0755.
Local abused and neglected children need foster parents. Help is needed in both full-time and short-term programs. Training, support and financial compensation is provided. Explore the possibilities of putting the pieces back together in a child’s life. African American parents are needed particularly. Orientations are taking place in the area. Contact Sabrena McAllister with Northern Virginia Family Service at 703-533-2594. For more information about Northern Virginia Family Service, call 703-533-9727 or smcallister@nvfs.org.
An Eating Disorders Support Group for family and friends will be held at Centreville High School's faculty dining room on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Free. The group will deal with coping with stress, sharing experiences and focus topics. Call Beryl Dandridge at 703-904-1876 or Maggie Cissel at 703-335-6324 for directions.
A Parkinson's disease support group meets the fourth Saturday of each month in the Sully Senior Center at Centreville Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m.-noon. The program is free. The church is at 5690 Sully Road, in Centreville. Call 703-378-9213.
Birth Mother's Support Group: This group will meet weekly in Northern Virginia. It is for any woman who has ever placed a child in adoption and would like to meet with others who have done the same. The group will be led by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a National Certified Counselor. Call Pat Cunningham or Stephanie Hayden at Catholic Charities at 703-425-0100. There will be a modest fee based upon income.
Amputee Support Group of Northern Virginia is a support group for amputees, their families and friends. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Dept. of Rehabilitation Gym Area, Women & Children's Center, First Floor, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. There is no cost to participants and parking is provided free in the garage for cars displaying handicapped placards or license plates. Contact Irvin Axelrod at 703-222-7120 or email asgnva@earthlink.net.
Persons 50 or over looking for permanent work in Northern Virginia are invited to seek help from Senior Employment Resources. Since 1983, SER has placed more than 7,700 seniors in area jobs, and many employers need their skills and experience. SER provides job counseling, resume review and fast referral to companies offering immediate employment. To schedule an interview with a job counselor, call SER Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at 703-750-1936.
The Women's Club of Chantilly is offering an opportunity to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For a $50 coupon, receive a 1/2 hour massage, 1/2 hour facial, 1/2 hour with a personal trainer and a manicure. All proceeds will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and is tax deductible. The Women's Club is located at 14175 Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly. Call 703-817-0700 for details.