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Share has been busy throughout the summer, and there is plenty to look forward to as we head into the fall.
At our Annual Members Meeting in June, members heard about the programs, activities, and accomplishments from the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Members also voted on the new slate of officers and Board members for the coming year. If you would like to become a Share member, please visit our Membership Page.
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For the first time, Share’s Gift Card Tree was at the McLean Giant in July. Decorated with red, white, and blue tinsel, the tree caught the attention of shoppers, who generously donated more than $2,000 in gift cards to support our neighbors. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this new fundraiser such a success.
In August, Share once again distributed Back-to-School supplies with new, essential school supplies to over 220 kindergarten through college-aged students. Each student received basic supplies along with a gift card to purchase grade or class specific items. It is always rewarding to help students start the school year prepared and confident.
This summer, Share received a wonderful surprise from one of our original partners, Chesterbrook United Methodist Church. After a banner year of donations left us short on storage space, the congregation generously offered space at its new Dean Drive location for some of our furniture and seasonal items. We are deeply grateful for their timely support and continued partnership!
As we move into the fall, things get even busier. We are continually amazed by the generosity of our community and the steady stream of donations that helps keep our shelves stocked. The annual Scouting for Food drive takes place in mid-November and provides a tremendous boost to our food pantry. Please watch for more information from your local Scout troop about how you can participate.
Just before Thanksgiving this year, the Giant Holiday Tree will return for the holiday season at the McLean Giant.. Gift cards collected through the tree are used throughout the year to support Share programs and special events, including our Back-to-School and Holiday programs.
On December 5, Share will host a Holiday Party for our registered clients, and we’re looking for local faith-based organizations, community groups, businesses, and volunteers to help make the event extra special! There are many ways to get involved, including donating toys, donating gift kits, hosting a food or refreshments table, or leading a craft or activity. Help us spread some holiday cheer and make this a memorable celebration for our clients! Interested in participating? Please sign up here.
As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your generosity, kindness, and continued support make it possible for Share to be there for our neighbors when they need us. This year, Share supported more than 1,400 households and 3,500 individuals with life's basic needs, including food, clothing, furniture, and emergency financial assistance.
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And just a reminder: If you’re required to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRA this year and are considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to help offset the tax impact, please consider designating Share as a beneficiary of your gift.
Thank you for being part of the Share community!
| | McLean Baptist Church - A Lasting Parternship | |
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For more than 55 years, McLean Baptist Church (MBC) has been a cornerstone of Share’s story. Since Share was founded in 1969, MBC has hosted the Food and Clothing Pantry while supporting generations of volunteers and church members dedicated to serving their neighbors.
When asked what keeps this relationship so strong, MBC put it simply: “We consider ourselves a partner with Share by providing the facility space for Share to execute its vision and purpose, which aligns closely with ours. We are proud to be known as the church that houses Share!”
MBC was there from day one, offering space to store food and clothing donated by founding member churches. Early volunteers included former Pastor Rev. Jackson, who served as Share’s president, alongside dedicated members like Winnie Sanders, Nelta Sanders, Polly Baughan, Evelyn Swindler, and Sandra Morrissette.
Today, Share’s Food and Clothing Pantry operates directly out of dedicated space at MBC, welcoming clients every Wednesday and Saturday morning, as well as the first and third Thursday of each month.
Serving Neighbors Together
MBC’s mission is to be a loving and inclusive community through service to its neighbors and the world, making Share a natural extension of that mission. “Share shows inclusivity and love, and MBC is honored to be part of the resources and care that Share provides,” the church shared.
Over the decades, MBC members have pitched in at every level by donating food, clothing, furniture, and funds, while also sorting donations, stocking shelves, and staffing pantry days.
Behind the scenes, MBC’s staff and Share liaisons keep operations running smoothly and safely. Committees from both organizations meet regularly to manage the facility and coordinate seasonal efforts, including:
● Annual client registration
● Coat drives and back-to-school supply distribution
● Holiday gift card drives and special community events
When COVID hit, the two groups adapted on the fly, setting up a drive-through system to safely hand out food, diapers, and essentials.
Unforgettable Memories
For many at MBC, seasonal traditions hold a special place in their hearts. The annual Share Christmas Store was a festive highlight for years, bringing families together to stock tables, wrap gifts, and serve lunch.
“Many of our MBC members remember buying bags full of new toys, coats, clothes, and other gifts,” MBC recalled. “For my family, this was a holiday outing we always looked forward to; especially picking out toys that we had long past outgrown!”
As needs shifted post-COVID toward gift cards, MBC adapted by decorating a tree in the church parlor with wish cards for members to pick up and fulfill. Thanksgiving baskets are another cherished memory, with congregants of all ages picking up extra cans of corn, stuffing, and cranberry sauce during their weekly grocery runs to assemble holiday meals.
Looking ahead, MBC remains eager to continue its partnership with Share, finding new and meaningful ways to care for the local community together.
An Open Invitation
MBC wants Share clients and volunteers to know the door is always open. "We consider Share and their clients when we make plans as a congregation, looking for ways to welcome everyone into our ministries," the church shared.
Many Share clients already attend MBC’s Tuesday morning English classes, which are currently accepting registrations. Over the years, clients have also joined the church’s music and children’s programs, with some coming full circle to volunteer with Share themselves.
MBC also invites Share clients, volunteers, and community members to drop by the Trunk or Treat event on October 31st, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the MBC Parking Lot for an evening of Halloween candy and treats.
For details about church activities or English classes, reach out to worship@mcleanbaptist.org.
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Teen Volunteer Spotlight: Jack Paral
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Like many student volunteers, Jack Paral first came to Share just looking to fulfill his high school service hours. But what started as a simple school requirement soon turned into something much bigger.
“At first, I returned for my service hours. I only needed 10 and I obtained them quickly. However, I kept coming back because I really enjoyed the routine and helping out locals in need." Jack remembers.
Over the past four years, Jack has put in more than 170 hours at the Share Food and Clothing Pantry! He credits the hands-on environment for keeping him engaged. "“I really enjoy getting to put my skills and spare time into a highly productive experience like Share. I get to meet all the different clients and volunteers, and I can learn how to fit into the system as best I can.”
One specific pantry day stands out clearly in his memory. " I remember the opening before the Christmas break two years or so ago. That Saturday, we had over 90 customers! It was just me and another volunteer running up and down the hallway, trying to keep the flow of clients as steady as possible. It was very stressful in the moment, but hilarious to look back upon.”
That drive hasn't gone unnoticed. Nicki Watts, Share’s Food and Clothing Pantry Lead, couldn't speak highly enough of Jack's work ethic. “I always smile when I see Jack come in for an opening. He is the quality of volunteer you would design, if you could – teen or adult. He is ready and willing to take on any task. He has initiative (a rare volunteer quality particularly in teens) and does what needs to be done without being told. He trains other teen volunteers who are new to Share. Jack stays until all closing tasks are completed. He has come with me multiple times to pick up donations from Lidl. Jack is kind, empathetic and a pleasure to work with.”
His dedication earned him the McLean Citizens Association (MCA) Outstanding Character Award for Teenagers in 2025, following an enthusiastic nomination from Nicki and the Share team.
To anyone thinking about getting involved, Jack’s advice is straightforward: “Try it out! All the other volunteers are very kind and welcoming. Give back to your community and have a great time while doing it! I don't regret attending a single opening.”
Thank you, Jack, for your positive impact on both our clients and fellow volunteers. We wish you the best of luck in college this fall!
| | | | Teen Volunteer Spotlight: Sydney Magner | |
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Another teen who has been a big asset to Share is Sydney Magner, a volunteer whose energy, empathy, and genuine eagerness to jump in have left a lasting mark on all of us.
As Nicki notes, “Sydney has been an active Share volunteer for several years, mainly participating in Wednesday and Saturday openings. I was always happy to see her walk in the door. She was particularly valued as a proficient Spanish speaker. Sydney showed her strong empathy for clients, particularly children, regularly with a maturity beyond her years. Nothing made her happier than giving toys away! She was always willing to take on any task.”
Sydney’s journey with Share started simple: “I first got involved with Share when my mom saw Share in my neighborhood and signed me up! I then came back every Saturday I could because I love working at Share!!”
That first visit turned into a long-term commitment as Sydney saw firsthand how much her presence, and her language skills, meant to the families coming through our doors.
“I kept coming back to volunteer because I saw the need in the community and the way I made a tangible impact, especially speaking Spanish. Seeing the relief in people’s faces when provided the opportunity to speak in their native language kept me working hard in Spanish class and coming back.”
Before long, volunteering became far more than just helping out. “The most rewarding part of volunteering with Share has been making relationships with the clients. Having a routine walking in and greeting everyone by name, getting to know them and their life stories over the years, or just having a laugh with them makes my day!”
One interaction in particular highlights just how powerful a little human connection can be: “One particular moment that stands out to me is speaking with someone who doesn’t have anyone else to speak with. Hearing her life stories or just laughing at her small jokes, a simple action for me, had a visible impact on her.”
She regularly encourages her friends to join in, and her message for anyone thinking about volunteering is straightforward: “As someone who has encouraged many friends to volunteer with Share, I say to anyone — do it!! It is one of the most rewarding and important experiences. To me, being a member of a community means actively working to better that community, and working at Share is a tangible way to help people in need around you.”
Thank you, Sydney, for the kindness and dedication you’ve shown to our clients and fellow volunteers. Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter in college!
| | | | Share New Beginnings News | | |
Share’s New Beginnings program helps families in need turn an empty space into a warm, welcoming home. Volunteer groups work together to furnish and decorate a home while building connections as a team and making a lasting difference in a family’s life.
Our goal is to have one or two volunteer groups participate each month. Since our last newsletter, we are grateful to the following groups for helping make these new beginnings possible:
Commissioned by Christ Catholic Missionaries
A group of missionaries preparing for a mission trip to Peru volunteered with Share before their trip. They helped furnish and decorate an apartment for a family of three from Argentina. The family was very grateful for the group’s generosity and thoughtful attention to detail in creating their new home.
FF Fraternity
FF Fraternity, the oldest Chinese American fraternal organization, was founded in 1910 by Chinese students on the East Coast. Guided by its motto, “Fellowship and Service,” the organization has a strong tradition of giving back to the community. After one of its members previously volunteered with Share, the group chose to support Share’s New Beginnings program.
We are grateful to both groups for giving their time and helping turn an empty space into a place a family can truly call home.
Check out Share New Beginnings for more information.
| | Stronger Together: Partnerships that Support our Community | | |
A huge thank you to Social4Good for their generous financial donation to Share of McLean! Community partnerships are at the heart of Share's mission, and the support of organizations like Social4Good makes it possible to continue serving hundreds of local households with compassion, dignity, and hope. Thank you for helping Share make a meaningful difference in the lives of neighbors in need.
We sincerely appreciate J. McLaughlin at Chesterbrook Shopping Center for hosting an Autumn Sip & Shop and donating 10% of event sales to Share of McLean. Thank you for helping support our neighbors in need!
A big welcome to our new partner! Christine Kenny at Fairfax Diapers is providing Share with 50+ packages of diapers each month in the sizes our families need most. Diapers are among our most requested items, and this ongoing support is a tremendous help to local parents.
| | Take a look at these adorable creations! We're thrilled to show you a few more beautiful cakes from the incredible team at Cake4kids, made for our Share clients. Your creativity and generosity help make birthdays extra special for children and families in our community. We are so grateful for your partnership and for bringing so many smiles to our neighbors in need! Thank you for making the world a lot sweeter! | | | Finally, our sincere appreciation goes out to the many partners who support Share so generously. We are especially thankful to Giant Food, Lidl, Balducci’s, and Walmart for their ongoing donations. Their weekly contributions help ensure our clients have access to essential items such as meat, bread, and nonperishable foods. | | |
Share has created window decals for local businesses and organizations to show their support for our mission and neighbors in need. To get a decal, stop by the Food and Clothing Pantry on Wednesday or Saturday mornings between 11 a.m. and noon, or email Share here.
A special thank you to Liz Edelson for her creative design, and to everyone who helps spread the word about Share!
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November 14: Scouting for Food
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November 21 through January 3, 2027: Holiday Gift Card Tree at McLean Giant
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December 5: Holiday Party for registered clients
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Dec 6: Winterfest Parade
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Jan-Feb, 2027: Annual Client Registration for the Food and Clothing Pantry
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Bread Pickup: Share needs volunteers once a month to pick up bread and pastries from local grocery stores before pantry openings.
Pantry Stockers: Help prepare the pantry by restocking shelves before each opening.
Community Outreach: Help Share connect with local organizations, promote our programs, and spread the word about how our community can get involved.
Interested in volunteering? Email us here to learn more.
| | | | Furniture Donations Needed | |
Share is looking for furniture donations to help fill gaps in our current inventory. We're specifically in need of dressers, nightstands, and small dining tables for 2-4 people — in good, usable condition and light enough to move easily.
These items go directly to clients transitioning from homeless shelters into permanent housing, helping them furnish their new homes as they get back on their feet.
If you have any of these items to donate, please fill out the donation form on our furniture website. One of our volunteers will reach out to you with more details. If you have any questions, please leave a voicemail or text 703-297-4194.
| Help Us Keep Donations Light and Liftable | |
We love your generous donations, but our volunteers are begging for mercy! Please do not use large black trash bags for clothing or household donations. They can become surprisingly heavy and difficult to lift. Instead, please use standard 13-gallon white kitchen trash bags. Our volunteers have giant hearts, but they also have backs that need a break!
Thank you for helping us keep donations light, manageable, and liftable! Donations in standard kitchen bags can be dropped off in the two large sheds located outside Door #8 of the McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road.
| | We are grateful to the many organizations, businesses, churches, schools, and community groups that supported Share this summer! With donation shelves typically running low during the summer months, the timing of these thoughtful projects couldn't have been better. | |
Trinity United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry:
Assembled 55 children’s dental kits to help promote healthy habits and bring brighter smiles to the kids we serve.
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Pierce from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Organized an incredible community drive that brought in 700 pounds of food and household essentials.
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Girl Scout Troop 50328:
Donated personal hygiene items and helped assemble school supply kits for our Back-to-School Program
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McLean Little League All-Star Softball Teams (8–10s & 9–11s):
Selected items from our Most Needed list, delivered them to the pantry, and helped restock our shelves
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United Hearts (Langley High School):
Hosted a bake sale to raise funds and collected personal hygiene kits, diapers, and toys for Share families.
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Capital One Risk Department: Donated backpacks and school supplies to help local students start the school year prepared and confident.
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Blue Star Families: Donated several boxes filled with pantry staples, hygiene products, and fun gifts for children.
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Capital One & TeamBuilding.com: Employees joined together during a corporate team-building event to pack and deliver more than 175 complete pasta dinner kits, each containing everything needed for a hot meal.
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Remember Software: Created birthday kits for Share clients, adding a little extra joy to their special day.
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McLean Community Center: Hosted a donation collection table during summer camp season, helping keep our pantry stocked.
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Lewinsville Presbyterian Church: Collected school supplies through its “Christmas in July” project to help Share’s children start the school year ready to learn.
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McLean Presbyterian Church: Organized an August food drive, collecting items from Share’s Most Needed and Amazon Wish Lists.
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Fairfax County Police: Hosted a summer-long food collection box at the McLean Governmental Center, helping replenish Share’s pantry.
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Salesforce: Created a team-building experience by assembling more than 300 toiletry kits for Share clients.
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Idylwood Congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Assembled feminine hygiene kits filled with much-needed personal care products for Share’s clients.
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Chesterbrook United Methodist Church: Hosted a Christmas in July event and made a generous donation to Share.
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Temple Rodef Shalom: Held their annual Yom Kippur Food Drive that blew us away! We filled two Share trucks with all the items from Share’s Most Needed List.
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Clearwater Analytics: Supported Share’s Back-to-School Program for three consecutive years, assembling 100 pencil cases and 50 highlighter kits for local students.
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Immanuel Presbyterian Church: Hosted its second Food Truck Friday in support of Share, collecting essential items from our Most Needed List to help replenish the pantry.
| | We couldn't do what we do without the energy, dedication, and heart of volunteers and donors like you. Thank you all for keeping Share in mind and making such a meaningful difference for our neighbors this summer! | |
Donate
Share relies entirely on donations. We do not receive any county, state, or federal funding. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift using the button below.
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Our Core Values
We value our clients and treat them with kindness, respect, and generosity.
We value our donors and are deeply grateful for their charitableness and partnership.
We think of our volunteers as family and are inspired by their commitment and dedication.
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About Share
Share of McLean is an all-volunteer, community-based nonprofit that teams with individual donors and partner organizations to assist our neighbors who face food insecurity, economic hardships or related challenges. For more information, please visit our website or check our Facebook page for the latest updates. For questions, contact us via email.
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