November 22, 2025
I apologize for any late responses to emails. I was on vacation for a couple of weeks and got back yesterday. I went to deposit payments dropped off in the CAWSV mailbox this morning and then went to the post office to collect mail from the PO Box. I will deposit them next week. Thanks again to those who have contacted me about their status. I would say that 75% of those who asked me do owe this year. If you are not sure, please ask. Please include your address and if there are different names linked with it to make it easier for me to search. Thanks.
1 – ECHO News
2 – Police tips and info
3 – Digital ID for Virginia
4 – Calendar
1 – From the latest ECHO newsletter:
We are very grateful that our generous community responded to food drives during the weeks of the changes to the SNAP program and the long government shutdown, both of which hit our community hard. Despite the return to work by federal employees, challenges remain. ECHO is committed to serving our neighbors who are coping with hardship whatever the reason. Thank you for publishing any of the paragraphs below.
Though ECHO is not among the current recipients, a local partner organization asked that we include an announcement of a new, innovative way of enabling charitable donations to local and global charities. Check out https://www.givingmachinesdc.org, or look for the Giving Machine at Tyson’s Corner Mall between now and January 4.
Gratefully,
Jane Curtis
Outreach Chair
ECHO's Holiday Programs
The ECHO elves are hard at work to make sure children whose families are struggling financially enjoy some happy times this month. ECHO’s Holiday Store needs donations no later than December 5th of new toys (not gift-wrapped, please) for children ages 0-15. Donors may bring toys to our Donation Door or use our Amazon Gift Wish List for their choices to be shipped directly to ECHO. The wish list link can also be found on our website, www.echo-inc.org, by clicking on Seasonal Programs under the Donate tab. Popular gifts include baby dolls, scooters with helmets, soccer balls (sizes 3,4,5), riding toys, and family board games. See a complete list of suggestions on the website.
To provide holiday cheer at Christmastime, ECHO will connect donors with local families who would be grateful to receive groceries for a festive holiday meal. Donors may deliver food that they purchase themselves or may mail a food store gift card to the family assigned to them. Groceries should be delivered, or cards should be mailed, to arrive by December 20. If you’re interested in finding out more, go to www.echo-inc.org/donate/seasonal-programs/.
Our Community Comes Through!
ECHO Volunteers send heartfelt thanks to those who stepped up to help keep our neighbors fed during these challenging times. In November, wonderful Scout Troops collected 22,000 pounds of food and hygiene supplies, and then, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints donated 14,000 pounds more. In addition, individual donors continue to bring food and supplies daily to allow ECHO to keep fulfilling its mission. In October, we served a record 208 households comprised of 804 individuals. ECHO distributed over 33,000 pounds of food, breaking a record for our Food Pantry.
The Food Pantry’s greatest needs this month are personal care items such as toilet paper, band aids, facial tissue, adult toothbrushes, and body lotion. ECHO’s Donation Door is open on weekdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00.
’Tis the Season for an Inclement Weather Policy
For clients, donors and volunteers, coming out in dicey, icy weather only to find ECHO closed is annoying, or, worse, dangerous. ECHO’s leadership will assess existing conditions and forecasts for local roadways and our parking lot to decide about adjusting our hours of operation to maximize safety. Changes to our regular hours of operation will be posted on a red banner on the homepage of www.echo-inc.org as soon as decisions are made.
ECHO’s Current Needs
Donors can use our newly redesigned website, www.echo-inc.org/donate/donate-goods/ to identify items that are most urgently needed. There is also a handy list of donations that we are unable to accept.
Right now, ECHO’s Housewares Department is feeling the pinch of low donations of some critical items. If you have any of the following merely taking up space in your cabinets or closets, please consider bringing them to ECHO to share with neighbors who would love to put them to use: large pans; medium or large pots; gently used (or new) blankets; bed linens and comforters (especially queen and king sizes); bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths.
ECHO never wants to send anyone who needs a winter coat away without one. Our Clothing Department needs men’s and women’s winter coats. We also need new athletic socks in sizes for girls and women, infant tops and bottoms (0-6 mos), sneakers in men’s and children’s sizes.
ECHO is looking for some volunteers with management skills whose work would not be confined to a single weekly shift, but would provide leadership over an area of service, such as Client Engagement, or Donation Management, or the Volunteer Program. In addition, there are some weekly volunteer slots to fill. ECHO needs a Clothing volunteer on Wednesday mornings, a Housewares volunteer and a Counselor on Friday mornings, and a Spanish speaking Counselor on Tuesday mornings. More information about all of these opportunities is available at www.echo-inc.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/.
Upcoming Dates to Note
December 6,7,9 - Holiday Shop by appointment
December 13 - Saturday Opening
December 20, 21 - Christmas Meal Delivery deadline
December 22-31 - Closed
January 1-2 - Closed
January 10 - Saturday Opening
January 19 - Closed for Martin Luther King Day
Congregational and Other Food Drives
January - Kirkwood Presbyterian
For more information about ECHO on the following topics, please click any of the links below:
ECHO Food and Clothing Amazon Wish List
2 – From the latest Fairfax County Police Department and Springfield District newsletters:
Holiday Gift Card Drive
To date in 2025, the Victim Services Division has worked with 456 child victims and witnesses, each navigating the aftermath of trauma with the help of compassionate advocates dedicated to restoring safety, stability, and hope. In the true spirit of the season, the Victim Services Division asks you to please join us in brightening the holidays for these courageous children by participating in their Annual Gift Card Drive.
Now through December 19th the FCPD is hosting its 12th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive to support child victims. They are asking for donations of gift cards to places like Giant, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s local restaurants, and clothing stores. Gift cards will allow parents/guardians to purchase gifts for their children for the holiday season and purchase practical items the need but would normally go without.
Gift cards can be dropped off to the Victim Services Division at 12099 Government Center Parkway. Please email saly.fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-246-2465 if you have any questions.
Fairfax County, VA — With earlier sunsets and colder weather settling in, visibility on our roads continues to decline. Last week, our community experienced two fatal pedestrian crashes on consecutive days; a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous.
Pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists all play a role in preventing crashes. As mornings and evenings get darker, these practical safety steps can help reduce risk for everyone.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Increase your visibility: Wear reflective gear, carry a flashlight, or use a blinking light. Low-light conditions start earlier than many people realize.
- Use crosswalks when safe: Follow pedestrian signals and avoid crossing between parked cars or mid-block.
- Make eye contact with drivers: Confirm that the driver sees you before stepping off the curb.
- Limit distractions: Put phones and headphones away when crossing.
- If you’ve consumed alcohol: Use a taxi or rideshare service.
Tips for Drivers
- Actively scan for pedestrians: Children at bus stops, runners, walkers, and transit users are out year-round, even in colder weather.
- Slow down in low-light areas: Reduced visibility means reduced reaction time.
- Avoid distractions: Keep your focus on the road.
- Turn on headlights earlier: Make yourself more visible before it’s fully dark.
- Never drive under the influence: Alcohol and drugs significantly reduce reaction time and judgment. Choose a sober ride instead.
Tips for Bicyclists
- Use required lighting: A white front light and red rear light are essential in low-light conditions.
- Ride predictably: Follow traffic laws, signal turns, and stop at all signs and signals.
- Wear reflective or high-visibility clothing: Helps drivers see you sooner.
- Stay alert: Be prepared for vehicles, pedestrians, and sudden lane changes.
Moving Forward
Shorter days and darker commutes are here to stay for the next several months. Taking a few simple precautions, whether you’re walking, driving, or biking, can significantly reduce the chance of a serious or fatal crash.
3 – From the Braddock District newsletter:
Virginia Mobile ID is a digital option of a state-issued driver's license or identification card. It’s free to obtain and can be set up with your smartphone. Your Virginia Mobile ID is a companion to your physical ID, and you’ll still need to carry a physical ID with you. In many cases, it can stay in your wallet, and your phone can do the work of verifying your identity.
Virginia Mobile ID is a secure and convenient way to verify your identity—and it's already accepted in key locations across the Commonwealth, including National Airport, Dulles Airport, and a growing list of other organizations and businesses.
Learn more about Mobile ID on the Virginia DMV website.
4 – Calendar
11/27 – Thanksgiving Holiday – Federal and County Governments closed
11/28 – County Government closed
12/7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
12/15 – First day of Chanukah/Hanukkah
12/21 – December/Winter Solstice
12/22 – last day of Chanukah/Hanukkah
12/24 – County Government closed
12/25 – Christmas Holiday – Federal and County government closed
12/26 – start of Kwanzaa
12/31 – New Year’s Eve
1/1 New Year’s Day - Federal and County government closed