Reston is the place that our family has called home for more than 30 years, so giving back and supporting the Reston community is important to us.

From volunteering your time to collecting or donating items to help fill a specific need, you can give back in a variety of ways to support organizations that serve the Reston community and the Fairfax County community.

A Simple Gesture

For example, a program that we have recently become involved with is A Simple Gesture – Reston, a food collection program that takes place six times a year. The program transports non-perishable food collected by community members directly to area food pantries.

All you need to do to participate is sign up, fill the empty bag (which is delivered to you) with non-perishable food items, and then leave the filled bag by your front door on collection days.

Based on the route you are in with the A Simple Gesture – Reston program, your non-perishable food donation may be taken to any of the following four food pantries:

• Reston Cornerstones
• LINK in Herndon
• South Lakes High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Food Pantry (The Pantry at South Lakes)
• St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

Supporting Your Reston Community in More Ways

You can sign up to participate in the program in other ways, too. For us, we also help with bag collection and distribution to the pantries.

There are also different organizations and programs throughout Reston and Fairfax County with which you can volunteer.

Want to get involved, but not sure where to look or where to start? The Fairfax County Government website offers a listing of volunteer opportunities with a variety of departments and programs.

There are many ways you can get involved, give back, and support your Reston community and the Fairfax County community. Giving back to your community can not only make a difference in the lives of others, but in your life as well.