The Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) is looking for more volunteers to help with its Ways and Mean Homeless Prevention. The Ways & Means is a nonprofit organization that allows people in need to come to the Ways & Means store and pick up food, clothing and other necessities.
The WFMC has extended its store hours until 7 p.m. during the weekdays and until 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Due to recent layoffs, there are currently only four members on staff.
"We are in a much better standing than six months ago. We are quite happy with what we're doing," said WFCM Director Dorothy Fonow of Herndon. "We're teaching people how to fish — learning how to interview properly, budget money, life skills, and write a résumé."
Fonow says WFCM is in dire need of more volunteers to help them. So far they are receiving a lot of responses but they are still in need of more help.
"We are getting lots of responses. People interested in life skills can come help," said Fonow. "More people need one-on-one help. We need volunteers who really like to work with people."
So far they have received an anonymous donation of $25,000 from the T-Row Price program, which Fonow says they are grateful for. To raise more money they are hoping to host gospel choirs, a dance troupe performance in December, and a gold tournament in the spring.
What the Ways and Means program needs are backpacks for kids and they are teaming up with the another non-profit organization, Kids-R-First, to provide backpacks with school lunches.
Mary Ann Conrad, volunteer coordinator, says that she is grateful for the volunteers they have now. "I would like to thank the volunteers who donate their time generously at WFCM," said Conrad. "I would also like to invite the community to volunteer their time so that we can continue to serve our neighbors in need."
To volunteer at WFCM or donate money, contact Dorothy Fonow at 703-988-9656, ext. 104, or visit the Web site at www.waysmeans.org.
<sh>To Help
<lst>The Western Fairfax Christian Ministries need the following items:
* Peanut butter and jelly (most needed)
* pancake mix and syrup
* Juice (in concentrated cans)
* 2 lb. bags of white flour
* assorted canned meats (chicken, ham, tuna, salmon)
* canned beef stew or Spam
* canned corn and peas
* cooking oil
* spaghetti sauce
* pasta
* saltines
* tomato paste (canned tomato products)
* canned fruit
PERSONAL PRODUCTS
* shaving cream
* razors
* toothbrushes
* feminine products
* deodorant
* baby wipes
* shampoo
* conditioner
* toothpaste
BABY PRODUCTS
* nursing pads
* baby powder
* baby oil, lotion, shampoo
* diapers size 3, 4, 5, 6
CLEANING PRODUCTS
* laundry detergent
* dish washing liquid
* bleach
* scouring powder (Ajax or Comet)