It doesn’t take hundreds of hours of volunteering or donating staggering sums to make a meaningful impact in your community. Sometimes, the best things in life really are freebies.
Little Free Libraries, typically small wooden boxes where residents leave books for people to “rent,” are an excellent example. However, they are only the beginning of ways that NoVA residents use to give back to their community while providing critical assistance to those in need.
From artistic expression to food assistance to free movie rentals, here are some freebies you might not know about in NoVA.
Free Mug Exchange
In Fredericksburg, just outside Sophia Street Studios, there’s a new Free Mug Exchange where anyone can take a mug or leave a mug. The back of the box is adorned with the quote “Creativity takes courage” by Henri Matisse. There’s also a free art exchange on the porch of the art gallery. 1104 Sophia St., Fredericksburg
Native Seed Library
The Jim Scott Community Center in Fairfax now has a box with free seeds for native plants, thanks to the work of Girl Scout Isabel Buescher. 3001 Vaden Dr., Fairfax
Free Little Art Galleries
A Free Little Art Gallery, also known as FLAG, operates much like its free library cousin — on the honor system, where residents are encouraged to leave a piece if they take something from the box. These mini galleries encourage artistic pursuits, promote artists, and increase access to art spaces through community engagement. The FLAG Del Ray-Alexandria, for example, currently features some pieces from artists like Michelle Wee, Ray Hart, and Kimberly Cody.
Where You’ll Find Free Little Art Galleries:
- 12125 Pinecrest Rd., Reston
- Commonwealth and W. Caton avenues, Alexandria
- 912 Hillwood Ave., Falls Church
Little Free Pantries
According to Feed America, nearly 47 million people in the United States are currently experiencing food insecurity. A Little Free Pantry works collaboratively to supplement food banks by providing access to nutritious food at over 30 locations throughout Northern Virginia. Practicing radical trust is key to the Little Free Pantry mission, which is why pantry rules are “take what you need and give what you can.”
Where You’ll Find Free Little Little Free Pantries:
- 9019 Little River Tpk., Fairfax
- 850 Edwards Ferry Rd., Leesburg
- 15012 Dumfries Rd., Manassas
Free Blockbuster
Blockbuster movie rentals may be a thing of the past, but the namesake lives on with Free Blockbuster. This community-based initiative aims to combat the scarcity narrative by retrofitting old newspaper boxes to house free movies for residents to exchange and enjoy. Not only can you find hidden gems, but they’re also the perfect place to donate your dusty collection of old DVDs or VHS tapes.
Where You’ll Find Free Blockbuster Boxes:
- 2310 Columbia Pk., Arlington
- 1025 S. Arlington Ridge Rd., Arlington
- 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Free Little Art Gallery in the Woods
