The Season of Giving Back

The month of December is important to various religious folks with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas,  and the winter solstice all occurring this time of year. Here are a few area organizations that offer you ways to help others who are less fortunate during the holiday season:

• The in Ashburn provides emergency housing and near-term support to the local homeless population. You can help support this organization by shopping at the GSA thrift stores in Sterling and Ashburn, or by donating money or a gift from the Alliance's wish list. The wish list features items such as toilet paper, canned fruit, diapers and gas cards. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.loudounhomeless.org.

• The mission of the Blue Ridge Speech & Hearing Center is to improve quality of life for people with speech, language, hearing and motor skills challenges through discounted or subsidized treatment. The audiologists and therapists are non-commissioned professionals who donate their time. The organization operates on donations, fundraising and government appropriations. To support the Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing, call 703-858-7620 or visit speechhearing.org

• Birthday Blessing provides birthday gifts anonymously to underprivileged children across Northern Virginia. To support the organization, donate your time by wrapping and delivering gifts, or donate toys, gifts or money. Call 703-481-8180 or visit birthdayblessing.org for more information.

• The Loudoun Literacy Council is an educational organization that is dedicated to improving literacy throughout Loudoun County. Through this organization, adults can learn to write, speak and read English, and children who are considered at-risk preschoolers can participate in an early literacy enrichment program. Monetary donations are accepted through loudounliteracy.org.

• Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers assists the frail, elderly and disabled population live independently. The organization provides medical transports to doctors appointments, organizes friendly visits and assists with household chores, errands and grocery shopping. Learn how to donate either time or money by visiting lvcaregivers.org or calling 703-779-8617.

• The Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter supports abused women and children through counseling, legal services and an emergency shelter. Throughout the year, the shelter offers an extensive volunteer program including childcare, maintenance, youth programs and administration services. You can also support the shelter by donating items to the Resourceful Women's Thrift Shop or by providing a monetary donation online at lcsj.org.