News: Holiday Coaltion Celebrates 16 Years of Service; Assistance Application Deadline is Oct. 31

Special to VivaLoudoun
(Oct. 28, 2011) - 2011 marks the 16th year that members of the Loudoun County Holiday Coalition have come together to assist those in need. This year, the Holiday Coalition is pleased to announce a new partnership with the non-profit organization 'Help for Others'. This organization will manage the program, along with other local nonprofits and Loudoun County government agencies. Sara Westfall of the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services will co-chair this year's holiday program along with Gloria Mpofu of Help for Others.


In 2010, 1,454 families were served by the Coalition's Holiday Store.  "We expect to receive more than 2,000 applications for the winter holiday store this year from families hurt by the economic downturn," notes Mpofu. New this year is the online Holiday Store application, which is available at www.loudoun.gov/holidaycoalition. The application deadline is Monday, October 31, 2011. Once clients are registered, they will receive e-mail notification of their scheduled appointment time to shop at the Holiday Store.

The Holiday Coalition is a massive effort by 'neighbors helping neighbors' which transforms office space in Sterling into a Holiday Store. All this comes about through the work of volunteers who gather, sort, stock, and guide shoppers to gifts. "If you want a glimpse of Santa's workshop, bring your donations or volunteer at the holiday store," said Mpofu. "It's amazing!" Volunteers must sign up online at www.loudoun.gov/holidaycoalition. For additional questions, please e-mail: holidayvolunteers@loudoun.gov.

For more 'Holiday Store' information and donation needs, call the Holiday Information Line at 703-737-8367 or e-mail holidaydonations@loudoun.gov. For information on filling stockings, contact Gloria Mpofu at info@givingothers.org or call 703-737-8062.