Snacks and drinks awaited walkers at the half way point. More photos available here.

More than 60 walkers and volunteers took part in this year's CROP Hunger Walk on October 15 at Lake Accotink Park. CROP Walk Chair Camille Mittelholtz said there was an increase in both the number of participants and amounts raised. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova and Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross were on hand to greet the walkers and express their support. The annual event raises funds for Church World Service to combat hunger here and abroad. A portion of the funds is returned to ACCA for its work in the local community.

 

This year's top fundraiser was Sally Norris of United Baptist Church, who raised $4,538. Congratulations, Sally! Thanks to Tuan Nguyen and Heidi Mootz for submitting photos of the event. See more pictures on the ACCA Facebook page.

The Taste of Annandale, apple tasting, and back to school nights were among the highlights on the ACCA Child Development Center's (CDC) calendar this month.

The CDC hosted a wide array of children's activities during the second Taste of Annandale on October 1. Face painting, dress-up play, visits by children's book characters such as Curious George, and various performances were among the highlights. See lots of photos on the CDC Facebook page.

 

On October 17th children and families had the opportunity to taste two apple varieties and vote on their favorite. This event was organized by April Schmidt of Nurturing Growth, who has provided the garden curriculum for the Center.  Along with the tasting, there were opportunities to explore farm-related tools, collect recipes, and meet Fairfax County Master Gardeners.

 

The CDC also held back to school nights to give families a chance to get to learn about the program, get to know their child's classroom and teacher, and meet other parents. It has been a busy month at the CDC! 

Click the report cover above to read ACCA's FY 2016 annual report.

ACCA's FY 2016 annual report,  Serving Our Community with Your Support, shows how 26 local churches and more than 500 volunteers served nearly 6,500 people in our community last year. ACCA Human Services Ministries provided emergency food, financial assistance, and furniture to needy households. Volunteers delivered daily meals to elderly and convalescing individuals and provided rides to medical appointments. They made home repairs to a group home for disabled adults and an older homeowner, and provided college scholarships to four students who have overcome disabilities. The ACCA Child Development Center provided high quality care and education to 274 infants and children in a safe and loving environment.

We couldn't have done it without hundreds of volunteers, and the support of our donors, ACCA member churches and partnerships with more than 130 businesses and community organizations. As ACCA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary of serving our community, we extend our thanks to all who have made this work possible and continue to support ACCA's mission to "do what Jesus would do."

Family Emergency Assistance provided $19,360 in financial support to 37 households. Most of this went for rental assistance. One case involved a single mother with three small children who has had no source of income since she lost her job because of her maternity leave. ACCA paid her rent due and she has recently found a new job. Another woman who suffered a broken hip in an accident is now back at work, but has not yet recovered financially. ACCA helped with her utility bill.

--- 

The Food Pantry made 79 deliveries. The pantry is currently low on food, especially Jello, pudding, crackers, canned fruit, cereal, dried black beans, and personal items such as soap, toilet paper and diapers.  

--- 

The Furniture Ministry made deliveries to 30 households and pickups from 28 households. Among those served was a client who had lost all of her belongings in a fire and received a truckload of furniture. A disabled married couple received almost everything they needed for their new subsidized basement apartment. They were so thankful, they said they were sending God a thank you note.

---  

The Shepherd's Center/ACCA Transportation Program provided rides to 59 individuals. "Our client list grows every week," says SCAS director Barbara Gatorian.  "Fairfax County sends us new clients, doctor's and dentists offices, friends and relatives of people who hear about the ACCA/SCAS transportation program."

More drivers are needed, as we are not always able to fulfill all requests. If you are interested in becoming a driver or have questions about the program, please contact ACCA Transportation Chair Gail Coleman at gv.coleman@verizon.net, or contact the Shepherd's Center directly at 703-941-1419 or shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com.

 ---

The Annandale Meals on Wheels program served 22 people with a hot and a cold meal 5 days per week.