Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA)
Annandale Christian Community for Action
Above: Children at the ACCA Child Development Center created Valentines for their families and friends.
In its 54th year, ACCA continues to provide high quality child care and serves as a principal source of emergency assistance, including food, furniture and financial support, for our vulnerable neighbors.
New Leadership

ACCA would like to express our appreciation to Debra Schrag for her years of service as president of ACCA and to Dave and Pat Donahue for their service on the board for many years.

We are grateful to our new President, Sue Mairena and Vice President, Bonnie Lefbom for steering the ship of ACCA for the next year. Welcome and thank you!
How ACCA Helps Our Neighbors


Family Emergency Assistance

The Family Emergency Assistance ministry provided financial assistance of $25,000 to 19 households totaling 65 individuals (family members) in January. Most of the assistance was used for rent or security deposits, utilities, prescription drugs, and medical or dental needs.

Food and Hygiene Ministry

ACCA’s Nutrition/Hygiene ministry provides nutritious food and other essentials to families and individuals in need in our community. Food is taken into the pantry where it is assembled and delivered to needy families. Following is a summary of assistance provided:

In January 2022, the pantry provided food for 28 families and 268 individuals. We also received 2,695 lbs. in donations which was quite a bit less than we have over the previous 2 months but that is to be expected after the holidays. It also gave us the opportunity to move the excess of donations we’ve had in storage to the shelves in the pantry. 

ACCA is able to provide this level of assistance thanks to donations from our 27 member churches as well as from the generous Annandale community.


Transportation

In December, the ACCA-Shepherd’s Center joint transportation program provided 65 rides and In January, the program provided 44 round-trip rides, and 2 requests were unfilled.

For calendar year 2021, the program provided 652 rides. We provided 19 rides to former ACCA clients, and were unable to fill only one. Almost all of these rides were to assisted living residents of Lincolnian Senior Residences. 

To learn more or to become a volunteer driver, contact the Shepherd’s Center of Annandale Springfield office at (703) 941-1419 or email shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com. 


Furniture Ministry

The furniture ministry has had some challenges in the New Year, with mechanical problems, freezing weather, and a stolen catalytic converter. The team will forge ahead in February with pickups and deliveries as scheduled twice per month. Details on the furniture ministry are available.
Survey on Health Needs

INOVA would like to invite you to take the Northern Virginia Community Health Assessment, a 4 minute, anonymous survey to help identify the most pressing health-related needs in our community. Your input will inform ongoing efforts to deliver accessible, quality care throughout the region. The survey is available in 9 languages through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NoVAHealthAssessment-English
Food Pantry Donations Needed

Because of the increased need for emergency food supplies, we will continue to collect donations on Tuesday - Friday from 1 - 5 p.m. Drop off donations at the food pantry located at 7200 Columbia Pike (trailer separate from the day care center) in Annandale.

These are the most-needed items right now. Please share with your friends and neighbors. For more information or to help at the pantry, contact pantry@accacares.org.
Your Grocery Purchases Benefit the Child Development Center 
  
Harris Teeter shoppers, you can make a donation to the ACCA Child Development Center (CDC) every time you shop by linking your VIC card to the CDC. Harris Teeter makes a donation to participating schools when you purchase participating Harris Teeter brand products.

To link your card (or update your selections), visit the site at Together in Education, or ask the cashier next time you are in the store. Use the enrollment code 8684 for the CDC.

Homeless Shelter Needs
The homeless shelter at Bailey's Crossroads continues to need basic clothing for men & women (sizes Large-3XL): underwear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants. They list these on their Amazon Wishlist. Items purchased from here can be sent to the administrative offices.
 
They also need items to be included in Welcome Home Baskets – there are provided to individuals when they move out of shelter and into their own housing. They provide basics like towels, dishes, sheets, etc. when they secure housing of their own. There is a separate Amazon Wishlist for these items.

Remember: When you shop on Amazon, you can benefit ACCA through the AmazonSmiles program.
ACCA remains committed to the challenge of Jesus, as described in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”