ACFD Food Drive to Benefit AFAC

[Updated 11-21-2012, 10:45 a.m., with information about fire union participation.]

• Food drive runs Dec. 1-21
• Bring donations to fire stations in Arlington, Falls Church and Courthouse Plaza
• Secret Santa program also benefits most vulnerable

The Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD), in partnership with the Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, is sponsoring a December food drive to benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). The drive runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 21.

“It’s a myth that no one in Arlington goes hungry,” said Arlington Fire Chief James Schwartz. “Every week, thousands of families and children need our help, just to survive. The men and women of ACFD want to do what they can to help our community, especially during this special time of year.”

How you can help

ACFD is collecting non-perishable donations for the AFAC pantry. Items that are most needed:

• Cereal
• Flour
• Oil
• Pasta
• Tuna

Where to donate

Bring non-perishable donations to:

• Any fire station in Arlington or Falls Church City. Find my fire station.
• Arlington County Government Center, Courthouse Plaza Lobby, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA.

Can’t make it? You can also donate to AFAC online. 

The need is real

Every week, on average, AFAC serves 1,600 families in Arlington. That includes 2,600 adults and 1,500 children. For more information about AFAC, visit www.afac.org.

Please note: ACFD will not be participating in the annual “Toys for Tots” drive this year.

Secret Santa program

Arlington County this year is again running its popular Secret Santa program. You can donate gift cards from area stores that Department of Human Services distributes to more than 1,000 needy individuals in the community during the holiday season. This includes Arlington kids in foster care, people with disabilities, low-income seniors and low-income families. Every cent donated goes directly to the recipients. Learn more.

Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital.  It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles.  Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002.  Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world -including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.