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WFCM Newsletter - November 2013 Edition

Our Mission 
"As an expression of God's love and an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provides life essential support to those needing our assistance." 
Shopped at the new WFCM Thrift Store location? PRINT the coupon below & save on constantly changing treasures!
 
CONTACT  US
 
Mailing Address 
PO Box 220802 
Chantilly, VA 20153

Client Services & Food Pantry
13888 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

Tel: (703) 988-9656 
Fax: (703) 988-9655

WFCM Thrift Store 
13939 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

Tel: (703) 956-6955

 

 


Your personal information will not be shared with anyone
.
 
Help WFCM Sort 50,000 Pounds of FOOD to Feed Struggling Neighbors through the Winter!   

 

Workers of all ages are needed THIS SATURDAY for the annual Scouting for Food collection. As BSA Scouts from Sully District bring in donations gathered from neighborhoods, volunteers will sort, crate, and move these items to WFCM's food pantry storage. Contact Annette Bosley at [email protected] OR JUST SHOW UP for a shift. Student Community Service credit is offered! Check in at the volunteer table. 

 

Saturday, November 9  

 

Time: 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. 

 

Location:

14280 Park Meadow Drive, Chantilly, VA  20151

 

From 28 North, exit at Westfields Blvd. East. Take first right at Park Meadow Drive, then left at the Mantech Building. The sorting site is the parking garage in the back. Dress in layers for warmth.

 

   
 
Client Statistics 

 

For the period of 9/1 - 9/30      

 74 people issued clothing vouchers 

 

41 households certified for food pantry appointments

 

24 helped with monthly rent

 

16 helped with electric bills

 

6 given gasoline cards

   

Have You Heard?
 

WFCM is thankful to small groups who come help the two-person Thrift Store staff with projects, such as processing donations and organizing the displays. 

  

More than 40 people gave in excess of 100 hours of time in three weekends of October!

 

10/4 - Flint Hill School

 

10/5 - Fairfax Christian Fellowship Church

 

10/12 - Chantilly Interact Club  

10/12 - Grace Covenant Church

 

10/19 - The Bereans Community Group of Centreville Baptist Church

 

Are you part of a Bible study, school club, sports team, office staff, or large family looking for a way to serve together? WFCM can use your energy most any Saturday in the Thrift Store,

5 to 15 per group, ages 12 and above, for 3-5 hour shifts. Please contact [email protected]

 

 
Most Needed  
Food Pantry Items

 

Cold cereal, fruit juice, cooking oil, canned fruit, canned meat and tuna, canned greens (spinach, collards), sugar, flour.

 

Toiletries such as baby wipes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo.

 

CLICK to see needs posted on our website.   

   

Check  HERE  for printable

shopping lists!

   

Contact us if you are able to coordinate a FOOD DRIVE. 

 

Food Pantry Donation Hours:

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., M to F

 

 
Volunteer Needs
 

Food Pantry

 

* Wednesday:  Shelf Stocker 9 am - 11 am

 

* Thursday:  Front Desk Admin. Asst. 4 pm - 7 pm

 

Thrift Store

 

* Urgent need for weekly
2- to 4-hour shift help on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and 6 pm and Saturdays between 9 am
and
5 pm
   
Contact: 
Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley, 703-988-9656, ext. 110 or [email protected]

 

 
Latest from Our Thrift Store  
 

 13939 Metrotech Dr.

Chantilly, VA 20151

 

DONATION NEEDS:

 

  • COATS, all sizes
  • Warm winter clothing
  • NEW underwear, bras & socks for adults and children
  • Bibles to give away (English or Spanish) 

    

Come see our many books, housewares, and accessories!

PRINT COUPON BELOW 

  

DONATION HOURS:

Tuesday through Saturday 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

See our Donor guidelines for what we can and cannot accept  

HERE

   





Director's Corner 

It's officially fall! I love this time of year in Virginia, with the change in colors and cooler air. Fall is our busiest season at Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Several Help the Homeless walks are wrapping up, and we just held our Sixth Annual Fellowship Dinner, our largest fundraiser event. On October 18th, 235 people joined us at the Fair Oaks Marriott for good food, friendly conversation, and inspiring speakers. Two single-parent clients shared their stories of struggle and hope through WFCM's care. Generous supporters gave $82,217 in gifts and pledges and our new silent auction of donated goods and services, netted over $2,300.

 

 

 

Thank you to all who were able to come and to those who made financial pledges. It's not too late to support the work of WFCM . . . if you desire to be a partner, there are a number of ways. More information can be found on our website, www.wfcmva.org, under "GIVING."

 

Next on our schedule is the annual Boy Scout Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 9. Hundreds of volunteers come out to move and sort more than 50,000 pounds of food collected by our wonderful Sully District Cub & Boy Scouts. If you are able to participate, we have a worker slot for you! See the sidebar at left, or contact Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley at [email protected].  


Finally, we are also gearing up for our Holiday Assistance Program. WFCM, working with our generous community partners, provides holiday food for over 500 families each year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Clients collect the donated fixings for a meal at our pantry, or local volunteers deliver it to them. Won't you get involved with this effort? Email Jennie Bush, at [email protected].  

 

Blessings,

melissa  

Melissa Jansen

Executive Director

Bring Holiday Joy to Others 
 

Even in Fairfax County, one of the wealthiest areas in the USA, some families can't afford a special holiday meal. WFCM matches those in need with local individuals, businesses, churches, anyone willing to "adopt" their neighbors for the holidays. Nearly 1,000 meals are requested for this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sponsoring one or more households is a great activity for families, youth, and small groups to do together. Please check THIS LINK for information about being matched and putting together meal items. Gift cards for grocery outlets can also be brought or mailed to the WFCM Food Pantry.

  

  
Photo Collage: WFCM's 6th Annual Fellowship Dinner 

October 18, 2013
Add this event to YOUR calendar next fall!

 
WFCM was grateful for a turnout of 235 guests at the Fairfax Marriott, Fair Oaks. More than one third were first-timers to a WFCM dinner. 

Twenty-nine enticing auction packages started off the evening as guests arrived and mingled. This was a new feature for 2013, bringing in $2,380. Buyers took home items including auto & home services, restaurant gift cards, jewelry, a beach vacation, DC United tickets, fitness membership, kitchen items, and tasty food baskets. THANK YOU to the 60-plus donors who contributed items!


Featured speaker and syndicated columnist Star Parker (left) and WFCM client Jacinta each shared their journeys of finding hope and help and climbing out of poverty.

A table of donors and volunteers from Southview Community Church and McLean Bible Church, who learned of WFCM during 2013, get acquainted and listen to speakers and music during the delicious meal.  
Giant Helps WFCM Stock Food
 

Giant Food at South Riding Plaza, Chantilly, selected WFCM for a generous donation of $2,500 that was awarded during a grand re-opening celebration on September 20. The public event was designed to showcase numerous remodel changes in the store, including expanded produce, floral and bakery departments. The monetary gift to WFCM will be used by food pantry staff to purchase high-demand and perishable foods that will be appreciated by low-income families in the community. Our thanks go to this local business!

 

 

Giant Store manager Phil Donald is seen presenting a certificate about the donation to WFCM Executive Director Melissa Jansen (front) and Pantry Manager Terri Kelly.

 

Hope Stirred by Care of WFCM  

 

Sheila, John, and their six children live in Chantilly and benefit from WFCM's services as they struggle with health and employment needs.Two years ago Sheila had brain surgery. She continues to need physical therapy and is unable to work outside the home. Food and clothing from WFCM help to stretch the family's dollars, especially since John's seasonal job ends in November for four months. Sheila says, "Thank God you are here for us.  All the loving staff and volunteers give us hope that someone is out there paying attention to our situation."

 

* * *

Billy, a homeless man, was referred by a WFCM supporting church during September. He had lost his full-time job and was only able to find part-time evening work. When his paychecks came in, Billy stayed in a hotel until funds were depleted. WFCM counselors helped Billy with food and gasoline cards, and suggested a visit with Fairfax County Department of Family Services to apply for food assistance. This will help him stretch his limited income further. Billy was also given guidance regarding locations where homeless services are offered.

Praises
       
*  For a well-attended, positive annual dinner.
*  For increasing thrift store sales.
*  For the progress of our 10 Pathways to Success families.
*  For provision of three new volunteer board members!

Prayers
        
*  For God's continued financial provision to meet monthly
   operating costs.
*  For good health for WFCM staff, board and volunteers.
*  For physical and emotional healing for hurting clients.
*  For a safe and fruitful Scouting for Food collection on Nov. 9.

 

          

fannie mae homeless

Save 30%
ON ENTIRE WFCM THRIFT STORE PURCHASE!

* New & Gently Used Clothing * Shoes * Purses * Music
* Housewares * Collectibles * Furniture * Books for all ages
and much more!

Coupon must be printed and presented at the WFCM Thrift Store checkout counter.
                       Located at 13939 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly, next to LOTTE.
Offer Expires: November 30, 2013