Annandale Christian Communty for Action
It has been ACCA’s privilege to serve the needy in our community for 40 years. Except for its Child Development Center, there is no financial cost or exchange involved in its many services. It is an experience of grace in action for the hundreds of volunteers, donors and needy clients involved.I was hungry and you gave me food...
In our narthex you will see black bins for the Annandale Christian Community in Action (ACCA) food pantry. As we add non-perishable foods, paper goods, and cleaning products to the bins, we are also supporting the pantry. What is less visible is the journey those products make out into the needy community in Annandale. Our ACCA representative, Fred Holmes, takes the donations to the pantry, which is located on Columbia Pike, near the Child Care Center. Volunteers sort the donations and shelve them in categories in the pantry building. Social services personnel identify families and individuals who have an immediate need for food. These may be those who have had trouble getting food stamps, or whose child support has not come in, or who, because of illness or other financial demands cannot feed themselves or their families. Once a need has been identified, callers reach out to volunteers for a food delivery. That volunteer goes to the pantry and makes up grocery bags of food from a “menu” of suggestions posted in the pantry. The volunteer calls the family to ensure someone will be home to accept the food and makes the delivery. Most delivery volunteers are called to serve three or four times a year.
As you can see, there are many opportunities to help. The need for food continues to grow in our Annandale community. If you would like to be a part of the chain, talk to Fred Holmes or contact Jean Rackowski at 703-914-8066 or henryjr@starpower.net.
ACCA SERVICE PROGRAMS
Child Development
A fully accredited and comprehensive child development program is provided for needy families who pay fees based on their income. Over 180 children (3 months to 5 years) are enrolled at the preschool and infant/toddler centers on Columbia Pike. Child care, education, food, transportation and such special services as counseling are provided.
Volunteers are needed to work with the children, make cot sheets and quilts and contribute scholarship funds. Call Dr. Judy Falkenrath or Emily Ruffing 703-642-5013.
Furniture
Donated furniture is collected, warehoused and delivered free-of-charge in the Annandale-Falls Church area. Needy clients are screened through a computerized referral system involving Fairfax County human service and specialized agencies, churches and schools. Volunteers are needed to pick up and deliver furniture, communicate with clients by phone (Spanish, English and other languages), and help administer the warehouse on Columbia Pike on Saturday mornings. ACCA also operates a satellite warehouse in Falls Church on Saturday afternoons. To volunteer or to donate furniture, call Don Di Spirito at 703-256-9513.
The St. Alban's contact is Debra Schrag 703-256-3311 or debraschrag@msn.com.
Family Emergencies
ACCA helps families and individuals with emergency needs for food, medicine and payment of rent or utility bills. Referrals are made through area agencies and churches.
Food is collected and delivered by volunteers from ACCA’s Food Pantry, which is supplied by area churches, organizations, stores and individual donors. The pantry is further subsidized through ACCA’s participation in the annual CROP Walk.
For Family Emergency volunteering information, call Marie Markey at 703-642-6618, mmarkey48@earthlink.net.
For the Food Pantry, call Jean Rackowski at 703-914-8066.
For Crop Walk information, call Camille Mittelholtz at 703-573-0074, kmittelh@erols.com.
Meals-On-Wheels
The Meals-On-Wheels program serves elderly, disabled and convalescing people unable to shop or cook. ACCA coordinators and drivers serve people in Annandale. Drivers pick up food at United Baptist Church and deliver meals. To volunteer as a meals on wheels driver or coordinator, contact Mary Lee Di Spirito at 703-256-9513, ddmd@erols.com.
Transportation
Volunteer drivers provide transportation for needy local residents who lack their own means of obtaining affordable transportation to medical, dental, therapy or social services appointments. The predominance of the rides are for residents of Evergreen House or Lincolnia Assisted Living Center. However, requests can be arranged for transportation for any resident in the Annandale service area. Participating churches rotate weekly responsibility every 3 months. Volunteers are always welcomed and the only requirement is a valid driver's License. Additionally, a sense of direction is desirable, but not mandatory.
The St. Alban's transportation coordinator is Ray Hanlein, 703-573-9171, rayhanlein@yahoo.com.
Housing Repair and Renovation
ACCA collaborates with the Christmas-In-April Program to repair or renovate homes of eligible families or individuals. Leadership, food, funds and volunteers are provided for this “all-out” effort to improve local homes. Volunteers are needed to work at assigned houses, donate food for workers, serve as “house captains” and assist with PR.
For information and participation call Marie Monsen at 703-354-9408.
Student Scholarships
ACCA grants scholarship assistance (up to four years) to an impaired local high school senior who is challenged in pursuing further education or training. Call Ann Marie Hicks, 703-256-7749, amhicks@aol.com to contribute to the fund or identify high school seniors.
Shelter Assistance
ACCA provides funds and helps recruit volunteers for Shelter House, a private, non-private facility that provides shelter for families temporarily without homes, and Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter.
For Shelter House volunteering call 703-536-2155. For Bailey’s information and volunteering call 703-820-7621.
St. Alban's Official Representative to ACCA is Fred Holmes 703-560-5234, fholmes@his.com.
