Members and staff of Westminster at Lake Ridge (WLR), a continuing care retirement community, invite local residents to join them in giving to the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots campaign and the Northern Virginia Family Services local food pantry.
Those interested in donating can bring new, unwrapped toys to the Toys for Tots collection box in the retirement community’s main lobby. The collection box will remain open through Wednesday, Dec. 17.
This marks the sixth year that members and staff at Westminster at Lake Ridge have participated in the Marine Corps drive which distributes toys to deserving children in the immediate vicinity.
Westminster at Lake Ridge volunteers also set up a Gratitude Tree in their lobby as they looked forward to Thanksgiving. According to WLR Chaplain, Dawn Haeger, residents and staff were invited to hang leaves on the tree on which each of them penned what made them grateful.
Non-perishable food items were left under the tree as a giving gesture to others. Two hundred pounds of food were then donated to Operation Turkey. The holiday food drive is a project sponsored by SERVE, the volunteerism campaign of the Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) organization. The non-profit NVFS feeds 800 at risk families monthly.
“This is a very important project to us, and our members volunteer monthly to help SERVE with their important mission to give a hand up to the most vulnerable in our community,” explains Rev. Haeger.
Both toys and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Westminster Lobby. Please label food donations ‘Att: Chaplain’ and leave with the receptionist. The continuing care retirement community is located at 12191 Clipper Drive in Lake Ridge. Parking is available in any non-reserved spot in the lot to the left of the main entrance.
Westminster at Lake Ridge strives to set a good example for the community and inspire others to consider toy and food donations during the holiday season. During these cold winter months, it is important to make sure these worthy charities can bring hope to the youngest, the homeless and those who are struggling to feed their families at this special time of the year.
Recent Stories
Burnside Farms is gearing up for its 2025 Summer of Sunflowers, opening Friday, July 11.
Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a vehicle and an electric scooter that occurred Tuesday night in the Sudley area of Manassas.
There was excitement in the air in Occoquan on Friday, July 11, 2025, as FOX 5 brought its popular “Zip Trip” morning show to the historic riverside town.
VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, known as the General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller Post, has been named Virginia’s National Community Service Post Award recipient for 2024–2025. This honor recognizes the post’s outstanding service to veterans and the broader community over the past year.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
