Community Corner

PatchPicks: Non-Profits and Charities Making A Difference

Five Vienna organizations who give back -- and how you can help

Every week, Vienna Patch will run a weekly feature, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more. 

Here are five non-profit organizations based in or around Vienna that are making an impact on our community

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Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Vienna Optimist Club
About: Since 1955,the Vienna Optimist Club has organized community service, sponsored organizations and events and given scholarships to youth. The club aims to
Mission: " To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; To inspire respect for the law; To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world."
Major events/Fundraisers: The  club maintains the caboose at Centennial Park along the W&OD on Church Street. They're also involved with the Halloween Parade, the hunger walk and several community awards and scholarships.
How can I get involved: E-mail info@optimistclubofgreatervienna.org .

2. Vienna Lions Club
What: The Vienna Club was chartered in 1948 and is today part of a 1.3 million member international organization.
Mission: "We are men and women who live in your community and volunteer our time and efforts to humanitarian causes throughout our district , the State of Virginia and the world. By conducting service projects and raising funds , we strive to help indigent people locally and throughout the world community. The Lions' motto is "WE SERVE".
Major events/fundraisers/partnerships: Boys and Girls State, Cops and Kids Run, Lions BLAND Music Competition; Christmas Tree Sales; Citizenship Awards; Alternative House; collecting glasses and hearing aides; White Cane Day
How Can I Get Involved: E-mail n.volpe8@verizon.net

Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. Committee For Helping Others
What: CHO began in 1969 with residents and churches in the Vienna/Oakton/Dunn Loring/Merrifield area. Members today include civic and service organizations, citizens, churches and synagogues.
Mission: "To provide simple, loving charity to those in need of goods and services they were unable to provide from themselves or obtain from government social service organizations. Membership in CHO is open to all churches, synagogues, civic and service organizations, as well as concerned citizens in the community.
Major Events/Fundraisers/Partnerships: Food and coat drives, Meals on Wheels, Family Assistance
How Can I Get Involved: (703) 281-7614 or cho@cho-va.com

4. Vienna Rotary
What: Formed in Vienna in 1965, the Rotary is the local chapter of an international alliance of businesses and professionals whose motto is "service above self."
Mission: Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Service above self."
Major Events/Fundraisers/Partnerships: Organizes and hosts Viva!Vienna!; Ethics Day at local high schools; sponsors a number of community organizations and events; gives thousands of dollars in scholarships.
How Can I Get Involved?: E-mail info@viennarotary.org 

 

5. FACETS
What: In Fairfax since 1988, FACETS was created by three Episcopal churches as an outreach project. Today, it includes more than 95 businesses, schools, faith communities and organizations.
Mission: "FACETS opens doors by helping parents, their children and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty – so often unnoticed – in Fairfax County. We meet their emergency shelter, food, and medical needs, help them gain safe, sustainable and permanent housing and work with them to end the cycle of poverty through educational, life skills and career counseling programs.Our vision at FACETS is to be the trusted, primary catalyst for bringing together those who have a need with those who can help meet the need to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Fairfax, Virginia."
Major events/fundraisers: Emergency services (hot meals, housing, clothing), education programs, Back to School drive, Opening Doors Benefit Breakfast
How Can I Get Involved?: Visit FACETS' Volunteer Opportunity website.


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