How to help Northern Virginians during the coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally. As official reports confirm cases in Northern Virginia and the DMV region, we have created this page to inform residents on ways they can help the local community during this difficult time. See the below links for more information.

High-Priority Needs:

Currently, PPE (personal protective equipment) and food donations are top needs in the community.

Fairfax County Health Department is in need of any PPE (personal protective equipment) that individuals or businesses may have on-hand in their inventories. Specific items needed include:

• • N95 masks: Original box/packaging for donation acceptance is preferred.
  • Medical gowns
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Gloves

Donations can be dropped off at the American Legion, located at 3939 Oak St., Fairfax from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also fill out a donation form here.

Donate Blood

Blood supplies in the region are running low, and it is still safe to give blood. Inova and the American Red Cross are asking healthy individuals to donate. Schedule an appointment through the below links:

• American Red Cross
• Inova

Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William

The Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William has created a disaster relief fund to help those in our community in Prince William County, the city of Manassas and the city of Manassas Park impacted by COVID-19. Learn more here.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program

The Fairfax County Neighbor-to-Neighbor program helps organize volunteer opportunities. Find out how your neighborhood community, HOA or civic association can get involved. Learn more here.

Help Local Restaurants

Alexandria Restaurant Partners

When word spread that Alexandria Restaurant Partners, and all restaurants in the state, would have to close their restaurants, their first thought was how to provide for employees and their families. ARP sprang into action, creating the ARP Employee Relief Fund with 50% of the proceeds from gift card purchases going toward assisting their employees during this difficult time. To date, the program has raised almost $50,000—halfway to the $100,000 goal! As a thank you for those who support ARP during this time, a 20% bonus card will be given with every gift card purchase over $25. For more ways to help, click here.

Real Food for Kids: Chefs Feeding Families

Real Food for Kids: Chefs Feeding Families is a joint project with Washington, DC metro-area restaurants to provide healthy meals to children and their families during the school shutdown. School meals are a vital resource to low-income families, and are critical to preventing hunger and malnutrition with reliable daily offerings of balanced nutrition. School closings and job losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have escalated the need for healthy meal options for vulnerable children and families in our communities. To donate, click here.

ThinkFoodGroup

In response to the coronavirus, ThinkFoodGroup, José Andrés’ award-winning group of restaurants, has temporarily closed all restaurants in the Washington, DC area and New York City, as of March 15. All restaurants have been repurposed as community kitchens, offering affordable plates available for takeout.

Donate to a Nonprofit Organization

Through the COVID-19 crisis, many organizations are supporting our community through direct services that cover rent and utility assistance, providing vulnerable populations food and shelter, mental health support and so much more. Find details on many local organizations, below.

• American Red Cross in the National Capital Region
• Annandale United Methodist Mission Center – Community Food Program
• Britepaths
• Centreville United Methodist Church- Food Distribution
• Cornerstones
• CRi (Choice. Respect. independence.)
• ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others)
• FACETS Cares Inc.
• Fairfax County Health & Human Service Guide
• Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Foundation
• Food For Others
• Good Shepherd Housing
• HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
• Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center
• Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc.
• House of Mercy Food Pantry
• LDRTC, Lysosomal & Rare Disorders Research & Treatment Center
• LINK, Inc.
• Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC)
• Manassas Food Warehouse – St. Lucy Project
• New Hope Housing
• Neighborhood Health VA
• Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, Inc.
• Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS)
• Second Story
• Share Inc.
• Shelter House, Inc.
• The Arc of Northern Virginia
• The Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church
• Traveling Players Ensemble
• United Community
• Workhouse Arts Center

Have something to add? Contact us.