Love Your Community This Valentine’s Day
While Valentine’s Day is often perceived as a holiday for doting couples, spreading and receiving love doesn’t have to be reserved for romantic relationships. Sometimes, the most rewarding love we give is to a stranger. Here are five ways you can engage with our community this Valentine’s Day!
Have a Heart for CASA at Fairfax ACE Hardware
During February, you can round up to support Fairfax CASA when you shop at Fairfax ACE Hardware in the City of Fairfax. Fairfax ACE Hardware is a long-time supporter of Fairfax CASA and our mission. They help us spread the love by sharing our mission with the community and providing us the opportunity to raise funds with the annual Have a Heart round-up campaign. All money raised goes towards providing advocacy for abused and neglected children to ensure they have the best shot at living in a safe and loving home. Shop here today!
Give Guilt-Free Chocolate
Can you really celebrate Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Unfortunately, the chocolate industry has a long history of utilizing unethical labor practices such as child labor and unfair wages. Keep your good conscience and support local business by gifting chocolate from Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates. Located in Fairfax, Cameron’s sells “Extraordinary Chocolates made by Extraordinary People.” As the first business enterprise of a non-profit called Every 1 Can Work, Cameron’s mission is “to provide employment to adults living with an intellectual disability through a supported group environment by teaching work and life skills to further independence.” Their wide assortment of chocolates and baked goods are made with love, by an incredible group of young adults with special needs. So, skip the typical candy brands and make a delicious difference!
Dinner Date for Good
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, Fairfax County has seen a significant increase in food insecurity. Join your community in food assistance efforts by donating to Stuff the Bus! Fairfax County Government is working with non-profit organizations to make sure food pantry’s have stocked shelves this winter. You can donate to the Stuff the Bus food drive at several locations, on several different days. Some most requested items include cooking oil, peanut butter, hot and cold cereal, and rice. Hit the grocery store for all the ingredients you need to make a romantic dinner, then donate them at one of the participating locations found here.
Fight Loneliness with Love
Valentine’s Day can be lonely for many, including our elderly. Organize a card making party with family or friends, then drop off your handmade Valentine’s Day cards to a local senior living community or nursing home! Something as easy as a hand-written note can truly brighten someone’s day. If your local nursing home isn’t accepting cards at this time, we recommend you visit Love For Our Elders online. This organization is “fighting loneliness with love, one letter at a time.” by sharing monthly posts about elders who want to receive mail from you. Feeling connected to those around you is extremely important, and every letter brings a little bit of joy and love to someone who truly needs it!
Change a Child’s Story
Be more than just someone’s Valentine this year: Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate! In the wake of COVID-19, the children of Fairfax are experiencing an increased rate of abuse and neglect. Our trained volunteers advocate for the child’s best interests, help them find a safe, permanent, and loving home, and make sure they do not fall through the cracks. Take the first step to becoming a CASA by attending our next virtual information session on Thursday, February 16th at 1pm. Email us at volunteer@casafairfax.org to register now!