Centreville — Help WFCM Collect Backpacks
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) is collecting backpacks for students attending 23 elementary, middle and high schools in Centreville, Chantilly and Clifton. They go to children whose parents can’t afford to buy them and, this year, the schools need 1,550 backpacks. WFCM is collecting them through Aug. 17 and is counting on local residents to help meet the huge demand.
Elementary schools have requested midsize backpacks for grades K-three, and standard 17-inch backpacks for grades four, five and six. Middle-school students need the 17-inch or larger backpacks with compartments, and high- school students need the larger 18-inch backpacks, also with compartments. Backpacks should be new and without wheels.
They may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., at the WFCM food pantry/thrift store, 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (near Backyard Grill and Bar). Backpack donations are tax-deductible, and WFCM will give receipts to contributors. For more information, contact Bush at jbush@wfcmva.org.
Centreville Immigration Forum
The Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) will meet Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m., at the Centreville Labor Resource Center, 5956 Centreville Crest Lane in Centreville.
WFCCA Land-Use Meeting
The next meeting of the West Fairfax County Citizens Association (WFCCA) Land-Use Committee is slated for Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. It’ll be held in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., in Chantilly.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Aug. 23, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed. However, because of time constraints, only the first 35 vehicles arriving on each date will be inspected. That way, inspectors may have enough time to properly instruct the caregiver on the correct use of the child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.
Recycle During Electric Sunday
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/recycling/event-electric-2010.pdf Residents may recycle old TVs, computers, peripheral electronic devices – such as keyboards, speakers, printers and scanners, as well as household hazardous wastes – including fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, for free, during Fairfax County’s “Electric Sunday” events. The next one is slated for Sunday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, in Fairfax. For more information, call 703-324-5052.
Women's Self Defense Program
The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.
The program is a two-day class that will meet on consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:30 p.m. It’s currently offered free and all class materials are included. Program funding is provided through the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.
The course is offered to females, age 13 and older. A female guardian must accompany girls 13-18. No men other than the instructors are permitted to be present during a class. For more information, call 703-246-7806, e-mail WSD@fairfaxfoundation.org or go to www.fairfaxfoundation.org.
WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry urgently needs donations of oil (48 oz. or smaller); flour (2-5 lb. bag); sugar (2-5 lb. bag); rice (2 lb. bags); canned meats; salad dressing, jelly; jam; peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Ramen Noodles, canned fruit; canned peas, beets and mixed vegetables; canned soup and baked beans; dry pasta and beans; ketchup, mustard, pancake mix and syrup; hot and cold cereal and coffee. In addition, the Food Pantry would appreciate fresh produce from local gardens.
Also needed are laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper and baby wipes. WFCM clients are also in great need of gasoline cards.
Bring all items to WFCM’S food pantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive (near Backyard Grill and Bar) in Chantilly. Volunteers are also needed:
Thrift store: Volunteers are needed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., to receive donations. Contact Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656.
Food pantry: Volunteers are needed Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., to bag/stock groceries. A regular, weekly volunteer is also needed on Wednesdays to pick up donations from Food Lion, from now through August.
Furniture ministry: One person is needed to help move furniture that will be given to clients in need.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Fairfax County needs Meals on Wheels drivers in Chantilly and group Meals on Wheels coordinators in both Chantilly and Fairfax. Contact Volunteer Solutions at 703-324-5406, TTY 711, VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm.