Provided by House of Mercy
In its fifth year, individuals and community organizations are invited to provide gifts for the children of qualified families receiving aid from the House of Mercy (HOM). Client families at the House of Mercy have a common prayer this Christmas, that they are restored financially. In an effort to assist clients move toward this, House of Mercy is again presenting the “Christmas with Mercy” program.
Staff and volunteers of HOM are planning the gifting program for more than 325 low income children who are eligible to receive free gifts this year. Relying upon the kindness of the community, House of Mercy is anticipating a shortfall of gifts this year.
Children qualify for gifts based on their parent’s participation in the numerous free classes available at HOM. The classes include Personal Money Management, ESL, Parenting, and faith formation.
“We are really relying on individuals and civic groups to help us provide gifts for over 300 client children this year,” said Ann Cimini, Executive Director of HOM. Donation Boxes for gifts have been placed throughout the area, including these businesses:
Edward Jones- 147 Alexandria Pike- Suite 100- Warrenton, VA 20186
Signarama- 7965 Heritage Village Plaza- Gainesville, VA 20155
Freeman & Sherburne Insurance- 7440 Heritage Village Plaza- Suite 101- Gainesville, VA 20155
Accelerated Printing- 106K Oak Grove Road- Sterling, Virginia 20166
Fairway Mortgage Corporation- 7001 Heritage Village Plaza- Suite 250- Gainesville VA 20155
Weems-Botts Museum – 3944 Cameron St- Dumfries, VA 22026
Benedictine Monastery Chapel – 9535 Linton Hall Rd- Bristow, VA 20136
“The economy has had a tremendous negative impact on non-profits,” said Cimini. “Those of us who provide food, clothing and limited financial assistance for families in need have seen a decrease in real and financial donations and an increase in the number of people we serve. PWL According to Feeding America, forty-nine percent of the food insecure living in Prince William County earns too much money at low-paying jobs to be eligible for government assistance. They turn to faith based agencies like House of Mercy for supplemental food and assistance.”
“We love to welcome groups and individuals to help with the annual event. People may visit our website then follow the link to our SignUpGenius page, to sign up online for their volunteer assignment and time. Volunteer slots start on Tuesday December 8 and end with the event on Saturday December 12 when our client parents come to the gift distribution,” continued Cimini.
Gifts will be accepted at the HOM Donation Center and at the businesses mentioned previously. The Donation Center is located at 8162 Flannery Court, Manassas. Gifts must be received in the community by Friday December 4, and at HOM by Tuesday December 8. Because client children might be receiving only one gift, HOM requests the gifts to be valued at about $20-$25 range.
For more information about the House of Mercy’s “Christmas with Mercy” program or how to register as a client or to donate financially, email help@houseofmercyva.org or call 703-659-1636.
