Giving Back to the Community

LWNG is dedicated to the support of charities in our community. We recently chose the four organizations listed on the right side of this page to support for the coming year.

Deb, Jody and Joyce have supported the Good Shepherd Alliance non-profit through over $270 worth of recent donations, as well as purchases. Whenever possible, think about donating or using the services of Good Shepherd, conveniently located adjacent to the firehouse on Ashburn Road.

Carine has been in contact with The Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter. They have a wish list of used and new items they can use. They especially need clothing right now for women and children. Carine will be collecting items for our group's donation at the August meetings. PLEASE CONSIDER LAWS as you are doing your spring cleaning. Their wish list is extensive, and there is sure to be something in your closet that would benefit LAWS!

Michelle hosted a gathering in August for LWNG members to wrap presents for Birthday Blessing and then delivered the gifts to Loudoun County Social Services. Everyone enjoyed wrapping and agreed to do this again in January.

Good Shepherd in Swaziland

In June, Deb Keirce purchased two prints from her artist friend Tessa Edwards, on behalf of LWNG. The money supports a doctor in Swaziland who is working to support the needy children there through a Good Shepherd alliance program. A June 9th post in Tessa's blog contains a heartfelt letter of thanks from Dr. Maithri as well as a description of how the funds are being used.

This is an excerpt from his letter: "Once again your gift will be a blessing beyond words. I will interview the family in the next few weeks, and send information/photos/stories. I want to thank you once again from my heart for this gift of grace which you are bestowing upon these people. - Much love dearest friend, I will be in touch soon, Maithri"

Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter
LAWS (the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter) opened in March 1985 to provide temporary emergency shelter, food and emotional support to women and their children who were escaping domestic violence and abuse. Currently LAWS offers a wide range of direct services to more than 1,500 Loudoun County, Virginia citizens annually.

The Good Shepherd Alliance
The Good Shepherd Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 Christian organization that has been providing emergency housing and near term support for the homeless of Loudoun County, Virginia since 1983. While the basic needs for emergency food, clothing and shelter are addressed, we also strive to assist women or families in resolving their homeless situation, stabilizing their living situation in the community and empowering them to become self-sufficient.
Renovations are underway for a new transitional home, and they are looking for volunteers.

Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue
The Ashburn Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department or AVFRD is a volunteer fire department that provides fire and Emergency Medical Services to the citizens of Ashburn and surrounding communities.

Birthday Blessing
Birthday Blessing is a non-profit organization which provides birthday presents anonymously to underprivileged children and since 2002 has provided approximately 500 presents to children in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. Each month, we give birthday presents to 40 to 50 children. It is the mission of Birthday Blessing to reach out to the most underprivileged children in America on their special day and improve their self-esteem by making them feel loved and wanted.