<sh> Child Protective Services
Seeking Donations
<bt>The Safe Community Coaltion has been asked to assist with the Fairfax County Child Protective Services clothing drive to help stock its depleted supply of clothing for the children it serves. These children come from abusive and neglectful situations requiring intervention, counseling, and, if necessary, placement in foster care. Donations of new clothing for boys and girls, newborns through age 4, and clothing gift cards for older children are being collected at the Dranesville District office (located at 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101) throughout the month of August. As back to school shopping begins, this is an opportunity to support children in the community who need help by purchasing a new clothing item to restock County Child Protective Services supplies. For more information about Child Protective Services and the Department of Family Services, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/. For questions on donations, call 703-288-5429 or e-mail katherine.ryan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
<sh>Workshop on Child Care
<bt>The Department of Family Services’ Office for Children will reveal the benefits and rewards of owning a home-based child care business at a workshop on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Dranesville Governmental Center, located at 1437 Balls Hill Road in McLean. The event is free and light refreshments will be served.
“Becoming a child care provider allows you to own a home-based business and enjoy a personally rewarding profession,” said Office for Children director Judith Rosen.
At the Aug. 16 workshop, staff will explain how to get the necessary permit to legally operate a home-based childcare business in Fairfax County. The Office for Children provides free training in all aspects of caring for children. For more information about becoming a childcare provider, visit the Office for Children’s web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc.
<sh>Flea Market Relocated
<bt>The location for the McLean Community Center’s (MCC) Fall Community Flea Market, scheduled to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, has been changed. Due to a maintenance work schedule at the center, the sale has been relocated to the Business Bank Parking Garage at 1451 Dolley Madison Blvd.
Both professional flea market dealers and individuals who would like to sell household items can sign up now to participate. The participation fee has been lowered from $45 to $40, because of the new, off-site location. Participants will need to bring their own tables and chairs. To register, stop by the center or register online at: www.mcleancenter.org (click on the “Community Events” tab). Activity No. 2003.270. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Sept. 6. Items on sale in the past have included fine jewelry, furniture, decorative items, appliances, toys, CDs, DVDs and clothing. For more information, call the center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 703-Tap-Talk (827-8255), or log on to www.mcleancenter.org.