Below is a list of the non-profits in Great Falls, all of which are in need of either donations, volunteers or others resources you might have to share. If you know of a non-profit we've omitted that bears inclusion, email us at north@connectionnewspapers.com.
Celebrate Great Falls
Hosts annual events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and a Fourth of July Parade, and raises funds for the three local elementary schools. Celebrate Great Falls is currently looking for volunteers to help with general tasks, events and marketing. 571-293-0474, www.celebrategreatfalls.org or info@CelebrateGreatFalls.org.
Great Falls Rotary Club and Foundation
The newly founded organization has plans in the works to fund scholarships and currently is looking for volunteers to offer whatever combination of time, talent or resources works for them. http://www.rotarygreatfalls.org/.
Friends of Colvin Run Mill
Friends of Colvin Run Mill is dedicated to assisting the Fairfax County Park Authority in enhancing the Colvin Run Mill Historic Site and its educational programs. The restored Colvin Run Mill, a working example of 19th century water powered grist milling technology, serves as an educational focal point for visitors, children and families. 703-759-2771 or http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm/.
Friends of the Great Falls Library
A group of book-lovers that raises money to expand programs for children and outreach at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. 703-757-8560, 202-429-3806 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/gf/.
Great Falls Ecumenical Council
The Great Falls Ecumenical Council has members from all the churches in Great Falls. The group supports Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Good Shepherd alliance housing for the homeless, Pedals for Progress in April, after-graduation parties for local high schools, Camp Fraser and a 5K walk/run and blood drive on July 4. It also sponsors blood drives throughout the year. The council hosts ecumenical worship services at Thanksgiving, on Good Friday, a sunrise service at Great Falls National Park on Easter Sunday and a January ecumenical service. 703-759-6068.
Great Falls Optimist Club
A group of men and women committed to programs that educate youth and help them expand their horizons and avoid pitfalls as they mature. The Optimists sponsor the "Just Say No" program and an oratorical contest as well as the Adeler Jewelers Children’s Festival. They sponsor boys and girls softball and baseball teams and Operation Smile. 703-938-5858.
Great Falls Trailblazers
The Trailblazers support development and maintenance of trails, both stonedust and natural surface, in Great Falls. They monitor development to ensure compliance with the trails designated in Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan trails map and actively work to complete trails on Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. They meet monthly at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday, except August and December, at the Old Schoolhouse in Great Falls. 703-759-2059 or http://www.geocities.com/greatfallstrails/.
Great Falls Woman’s Club
This diverse group makes things happen in the community and looks to residents to join in. For the last two years, the club has raised thousands of dollars with a Casino Night Gala and fundraiser to support construction of a new fire station for professional and volunteer firefighters and paramedics in Great Falls. While they perform community service, raise money and award women’s scholarships, members of the Great Falls Woman’s Club have programs that foster camaraderie within the club. Membership includes many former Great Falls Newcomers. 703-757-6234.
Friends and Newcomers of Great Falls
Newcomers of Great Falls helps new residents of Great Falls and its school district meet each other and assimilate into the community. The nonprofit organization offers more than 300 members a variety of activities and programs along with opportunities for leadership, community service and support to local charitable and civic organizations. The Newcomers provide financial support for such community charities as Camp Fraser, Lift Me Up and the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. 703-757-7962 or http://www.gffnva.org/.
The Turner Farm Team
A group of community volunteers who raise money and public support for a public park that was once a dairy farm at Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road. The Turner Farm team is a liaison with the Fairfax County Park Authority and supports community efforts to build a picnic pavilion, a tot lot, equestrian features and an astronomy observatory at The Turner Farm. 703-406-2487 or mamacow@cox.net.
Traveling Players Ensemble
Traveling Players Ensemble is a not-for-profit professional theatre company in the Washington, D.C. area, dedicated to bringing great theatre into the great outdoors through a thriving summer camp and year-round acting classes and workshops. Volunteer opportunities include working in the office, assisting with costume and set construction and helping with special events. 703-987-1712 or http://www.travelingplayers.org/about/mission/.
Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC)
GFSC is bringing the growing senior population together with stimulating monthly programs and activities on wide-ranging topics that enrich their cultural, social and educational interests. Membership is $10 a year and provides voting rights, giving voice to the direction of the center. Contact Linda Fernald, communications chair, at linda.fernald1@verizon.net or 703-759-3721.
SHARE of McLean
SoM seeks donations of grocery gift cards and more. Checks and gift cards can be sent to: Holiday Celebration, Share, Inc. PO Box 210, McLean, VA 22101. 703-284-2179 or www.SHAREofMcLean.org.