Months of preparing and organizing canned goods paid off Nov. 19 when Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon opened its doors to families in need.
One of two locations for LINK's Holiday Baskets program, Trinity Presbyterian and volunteers on hand were busy most of the day. LINK is a non-profit, all volunteer, all denomination organization that assists residents in need year round.
After registering, families — most consisting of five or six members — were walked through a side room of the church where canned and baked goods filled the tables. Volunteers accompanied the residents to ensure they selected the proper amount of food for the number of the people in their family, as well as to preserve their dignity. After selecting the food — enough to last five days — the "shoppers" took their carts to the curb where additional volunteers helped load their cars. LINK will run its second Holiday Baskets program Saturday, Dec. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is still in need of volunteers. Call 703-437-1776 to volunteer or donate additional food or new, unwrapped toys for the holiday gift giving station where children can select one new toy this holiday season.