Merry Christmas

As we approach another Christmas season, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the past year. We are grateful that we were able to provide food, furniture, and emergency financial help to thousands of our neighbors here in Annandale and Bailey's Crossroads. Unfortunately, basic needs in our community remain unmet. We aren't able to ensure food security for all of our neighbors, and many remain at risk of becoming unhoused.

We will be striving to carry forward our 58-year mission, working to ease the suffering of families in our community. Our annual Challenge Campaign is underway, and any donation is welcome!

Thanks to our caring community and committed volunteers, ACCA is looking forward to 2026 with renewed hope, ready to continue delivering vital support to our neighbors, one family at a time.

Holiday Donations for Children at the ACCA Child Development Center

We welcome donations of gently used children’s coats, along with hats, mittens, and winter accessories, to support our families during the colder months. Please drop off in the front office at the ACCA Child Development Center at 7200 Columbia Pike between 9 and 5 p.m. weekdays before December 16. Items will be distributed to the children at their holiday party on December 19.

Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights is open from December 4, 2025, to January 1, 2026 at the DC Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lights are on from 4:30 PM to 8:45 PM each evening. A marked pathway around the lights is available for viewing and should take 20 minutes to complete. After viewing the lights, guests are invited to enter the Visitors’ Center to see an exhibit of nativities from around the world and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. There are also numerous performances for which parking passes are required. Find out more.

Thanksgiving Service

A wonderful service of Thanksgiving was held at John Calvin Presbyterian Church on November 20, with almost 100 community members in attendance. We were also treated to beautiful music from the choir and a lovely reception afterwards. Special thanks to John Calvin Presbyterian Church for hosting and to the leaders of the following churches and ACCA, who made the service truly a wonderful experience. Thank you to all who participated.

The Rev. Dr. Leah Davis, Pastor, Ravensworth Baptist Church

The Rev. Dr. Carl M. Johnson, Pastor, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Bonnie Lefbom, ACCA Vice President

Sue Mairena, ACCA President

The Rev. Paul Moberly, Associate Rector, Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. Pamela L. Moyer, Senior Minister, The United Baptist Church

Bishop Mark Pocock, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Annandale

The Rev. Casey Wait, Pastor, John Calvin Presbyterian Church

Volunteer Profile - Carole Weber

Many thanks to Carol Weber, who has served as the corresponding secretary for ACCA for many years and has been an integral member of the ACCA board through some challenging times. Carol always goes the extra mile and ensures that her responses from ACCA reflect our gratitude to those who have sent donations. We wish Carol all the best as she steps back from her duties as corresponding secretary. She will be missed!

Food Delivery Drivers

ACCA is seeking food delivery drivers in Annandale/Bailey’s Crossroads. There is no fixed commitment. Drivers can work on a weekly or less frequent basis, as it suits their schedules. Drivers receive a survey at the beginning of the week where they can indicate their availability for the week. Deliveries are between 1:30 and about 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Drivers receive food referrals from the food captain, contact the client to ensure they will be home, pick up pre-packed food at the pantry, and drive to the client’s residence. The time involved is usually less than an hour. For further information, complete the form or email us at volunteers@accacares.org

Drivers for Medical Appointments

Would you be interested in a flexible volunteer position? Drivers are needed to provide rides to medical and therapy appointments for individuals aged 50 or older who are unable to drive themselves. If interested, please visit this web page, contact the Shepherd's Center at 703-941-1419 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, or shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com. This program is a joint effort between Shepherd's Center of Annandale, Springfield, and ACCA.