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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries ("WFCM") Current Request for Donations
WFCM has been providing food and services to the community for 37 years! Pender was one of the twelve founding churches that set the path and began the journey. Becky Bryan is our current liaison with WFCM. Please contact her with any questions.
In May more than 700 families were provided groceries from the Food Pantries, a 15% increase over May of 2023. Serving more families means we have a greater opportunity to make an impact with our donations.
There are multiple ways you can support this community ministry. The ways we hear of most often are donations of goods or money. Another way to participate is through volunteering of time to work in the Food Pantry. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the WFCM office or Becky Bryan.
Financial donations to be used to stock the Food Pantry can be made to Pender to be forwarded to WFCM. In a recent newsletter, WFCM explained that, because of the savings that flow out of bulk purchases, a donation of $100 is used to purchase the equivalent of $600 of food.
For donations of food and toiletry items, you may leave your gifts in the grocery cart located by Pender’s front doors. OR, you can order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA 20151.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries - “WFCM”
Update and current requests for donations
Update from Becky Bryan, our liaison with WFCM:
In October I had the privilege, along with Karen Cross, to attend the WFCM Fall Fundraiser event. One of the messages we heard was thankfulness for our dedication in support and partnership that make basic resources more accessible to the families that need them so that they can move past surviving to thriving!!!
The focus of WFCM began with providing food from one location in Chantilly.
Since its beginning 37 years ago, WFCM has greatly expanded its assistance, both in the food provided and through the addition of financial assistance and counseling.
In June of 2023 the second “Client Choice Food Pantry” was opened in Centreville, with 6 commercial refrigerators and freezers stocked with milk, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to shelves of food, toiletries and diapers. This added to the 14 Free Food Fridges located in county schools to provide the important perishable food in addition to the donations of non-perishable food.
All together more than 1 million pounds of food was provided to 4,718 of our neighbors in the past year! In addition, $2.2 million was provided in rent and utility assistance to keep 2,085 individuals safely housed!
PLUS, we heard wonderful success stories of clients who had graduated from WFCM’s “Pathways to Success” program which has the goal of helping families learn how to become self-sufficient and thrive.
Thanks to each of you at Pender who support these amazing programs with your donations of funds, non-perishable food and toiletries.
Financial donations designated WFCM can be made to Pender to be forwarded to WFCM.
Donations of food and toiletries may be left in the blue grocery cart located by Pender’s front doors.
The most needed items in the Free Food Market this month:
Food
• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Chicken
Toiletries
NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by our clients with SNAP
• Body Wash
• Bar Soap
• Toothpaste
• Hair Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
• Size 6 Diapers
• Baby Wipes
NOTE: Only size 6 diapers and large pull-ups are needed at this time thanks to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank.
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