Nonprofits Britepaths and The Lamb Center serve different populations in Fairfax County and Fairfax City, but both fill critical needs in the lives of the people they help. However, in order to carry out their work, they need a helping hand from local residents and businesses. And with Thanksgiving, Christmas and colder weather coming up, the community’s aid is especially crucial. 

Britepaths

Britepaths is dedicated to building resilience and financial stability for individuals and families in need. It’s currently seeking donations to provide holiday meals, plus gifts for children in needy families. These things will bring warmth and joy to people facing financial hardship.

Through its holiday program, Britepaths connects local donors with clients needing assistance to celebrate the holidays. Community members are encouraged to participate by sponsoring families through financial contributions which enable Britepaths to purchase and distribute $50 Walmart gift cards, per child, to client families. These gift cards allow families to purchase essentials, groceries and gifts for their loved ones.

“In a season that can be especially challenging for the families we serve, our holiday program offers a meaningful way for the community to come together and make a positive impact,” said Britepaths Executive Director Abra Kurt. “With the continued support of our donors, volunteers and partners, we’re able to provide a brighter holiday season for local children and their families.”

This year, Britepaths aims to reach more families than ever. Last year’s holiday program helped 265 children. This year – with rising costs of living impacting even more households – Britepaths plans to meet this growing need by serving at least 340 local children.

Contributions made to the holiday program let Britepaths’ clients enjoy the holidays with dignity and warmth. Mail checks or gift cards to Britepaths at 3959 Pender Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please write “HP24” on the memo line. 

Britepaths welcomes local businesses, schools and community groups to join the program by making a donation or hosting a holiday giving drive. For more information, go to britepaths.org/holiday24 or contact Britepaths at 703-273-8829 or events@britepaths.org.

The Lamb Center

The Lamb Center, a daytime drop-in shelter for the homeless, is now accepting lightly used winter clothes such as coats, thermal underwear (long johns) and hoodies for its guests. Male or unisex items are best (no children’s clothing). For more information, contact Katie Glick, katieglick@thelambcenter.org. Donation hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Bring items to 3160 Campbell Drive in Fairfax City.

* The Lamb Center is also seeking $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, Giant, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A. For Walmart and Giant, it’s best to purchase them in the store and request that they’re “restricted” so they can’t be used to purchase non-grocery items like alcohol. For more information, contact Marisa Alonso at marisayalonso@thelambcenter.org.

* In addition, The Lamb Center needs particular supplies for its guests: Coffee cups (no Styrofoam), sturdy 9-inch paper plates and strong 16-ounce bowls (no Styrofoam), lemonade powder and iced-tea mix (both in large canisters), family-sized boxes of cereal, 13-gallon trash bags with drawstrings (unscented only - used for laundry), small waterproof tents, men’s white undershirts (all sizes, new only) and socks (black or white).