Good afternoon!

I hope this edition of Mason Matters finds you and your family enjoying a lovely holiday season. If you have travel plans in the coming days, I highly recommend adding our new Reimagine Mason podcast to your driving playlist!

I know folks have lots of travel plans in the coming days, so this edition of Mason Matters is a shortened version of our usual bi-weekly newsletter. Below you'll find upcoming events, various holiday drives, and other helpful info.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. My office can be reached at 703-256-7717 or by emailing Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Sincerely,

Find holiday events in Fairfax County

Looking for holiday events near you? Visit Fairfax compiled a list of events across locations in Fairfax County. Check out the list to find light displays, live performances, local gift guides, and much more! Learn more.

Lifetime Learning Institute Virtual Forum

The Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) of Northern Virginia will hold a virtual forum on Wednesday, January 8 featuring the Director of Development for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The program is free and open to the public. The event will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Learn more.

Leaf collection schedule updated

The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program updated its timeline for leaf collection services. Residents may receive the information by mail that includes collection timelines broken down by area, leaf management tips, and set out instructions. Mason District falls into multiple collection areas. Learn more. 

Heating program accepting applications

The Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications to help households heat their homes as temperatures drop. The application period runs through the second Friday in November. Learn more. 

Donate coats & shoes

Our office is collecting new shoes and winter coats to help support the Bailey's Homeless Shelter. Drop off donations at the 24/7 lobby drop box at the Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). For questions, please contact Chris Delta at Christine.Delta@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Police Department holiday gift card drive

As we approach the holiday season, the Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services Division is collecting gift cards for its 11th annual holiday gift card drive. Donations go directly toward children affected by domestic and sexual violence.

This past year, the Victim Services Division has worked diligently on over 350 cases involving child victims, witnesses of violence, and children who have tragically lost loved ones to homicide. Unfortunately, many of these courageous children face significant challenges during the holidays due to the financial strain on their families.

From now until Friday, December 14, we are collecting gift cards for both young children and teenagers from stores such as Target, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, Grocery, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, as well as local eateries and clothing outlets. These gift cards will empower parents and guardians to select gifts and essential items that their children might otherwise go without.

Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: Saly Fayez, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. For questions or more information, contact Saly.Fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov.

New Hope Housing gift card drive

Make a safe and impactful donation this holiday season by donating gift cards to help our homeless neighbors. New Hope Housing is seeking 500 $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, and grocery stores to help residents purchase items they need.

Gift cards can be mailed now through January 20 to: NHH GIFT CARDS (ATTN: MICHELLE HOOK), 8407-E RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22309.

For any questions, please contact Michelle Hook at 703-799-2293 x 11 or mhook@newhopehousing.org.

Donate laundry pods for local families

Help Sup. Andres Jimenez collect laundry detergent pods for Shelter House's Patrick Henry Emergency Shelter families with children. Drop off laundry detergent pods at the 24/7 lobby drop box at the Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) or use link below to donate directly via the shelter's Amazon wish list. 

Volunteer appointment drivers needed for Annandale/Springfield

The joint Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and Shepherd's Center of Annandale Springfield transportation program is in desperate need of drivers to assist residents who cannot drive themselves to medical appointments, the grocery store, or to food banks. Learn more by calling the Shepherd's Center office at 703-941-1419 or emailing shepherdscas@vacosmail.com. 

Storage space needed for furniture program

The ACCA Furniture Program needs storage space for the gently used donated furniture that is picked up and then delivered to our neighbors. If you have storage space available, please email furniture@accacares.org.

Hypothermia Prevention Program begins next month

Fairfax County's Hypothermia Prevention Program accommodates adults in need of immediate shelter during the winter months. Folks can receive warm shelter, food, and other support services to connect them with clothes, employment, housing, and more. The program begins on December 1 and runs through March 31, 2025 at various locations across Fairfax County. Services also are available for adults with children.

If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think that they are at risk of hypothermia, call the Fairfax County Police Department's non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. A police officer will respond and conduct a wellness check. Learn more.

Gary Claus is coming to town!

The officers of Mason District station are collecting toys for community kids in need. Officers are seeking new, unwrapped toys, pajamas, and slippers for babies, children, and teens. The items will be distributed to the Culmore and Wadsworth Court communities during their annual Gary Claus event on Saturday, December 14. Items can be dropped off at the Mason District Station (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).