RLLC’s Books & Bites Community Drive

RLLC’s Books & Bites Community Drive supports both literacy and basic needs for families across Northern Virginia and DC. From now through December 18, we’re collecting very gently used children’s books and non-perishable food items at each of our office locations. All donations will be delivered to the local programs our offices are currently serving—ensuring families receive both nourishing food and books that help children grow as readers

Thank you for helping us nourish our community, mind and body.
Read on to learn what you can donate at your office location.

Chantilly Office

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

Food & Beverages​​​

  • Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
  • Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)
  • Rice (white or brown)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Flour (white or Maseca)
  • Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
  • Sugar
  • Chicken/Beef/Bone Broth
  • Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
  • Boxed Cereal
  • Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, etc.)
  • Shelf Stable Almond Milk (family size)
  • Similac (blue label)

Toiletries
NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by our clients with SNAP​​

  • Toothpaste 
  • Body Wash
  • Deodorant 
  • Lotion
  • Mouthwash 
  • Hair Shampoo and or Conditioner 
  • Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
  • Baby Wipes 
  • Pull Ups size 4t-5t

Reading is Fundamental

AGE RANGE: Infant through sixth grade.

BOOK CONDITION:  Very gently used (nearly new) books. Books with worn covers or writing on the book do not meet this standard.

BOOK TYPES: Paperback and hardback books which encourage children to develop a love of reading.  Books like those you would find in an elementary school library or the children’s section (not Young Adult section) of a public library.  We welcome fiction and non-fiction.  We do not distribute religious books, workbooks, coloring books or sticker books.  

Vienna Office

Food for Others

Most Needed Items

  • 100% Fruit Juice
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Tomato Products
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Chili or Stew
  • Canned Pasta Meals
  • Canned Soup
  • Boxed Cereal
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Canned Beans
  • Dried Pasta
  • Rice
  • Maseca (Masa Harina)

We are unable to accept donations of:

Items that are more than 3 years expired, opened items, food that is not labeled, homemade items, or cooked food.

Donate to Our Power Pack Program (P3)

The Power Pack Program provides weekend meals packs to FCPS students experiencing food insecurity. It currently serves 45 schools.
To donate to P3, you can either donate completed packs or items that are P3-specific.

How to Build a Power Pack:
Use a 2 gallon size Ziploc Bag. Include items that are shelf-stable, kid-friendly and single-serving sized. Please do not include applesauce cups with tinfoil lids.
Each pack must include:  2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 dinner items, 2 snacks and 2 drinks.
What Items are In a Power Pack:

Breakfast

  • Oatmeal Packets
  • Cereal (Individual Sizes)

Lunch/ Dinner

  • Chili Cups
  • Mac & Cheese Cups (single-serving)
  • Tuna/ Chicken Salad Kits with Crackers, Chef Boyardee, Ravioli

Snacks

  • Fruit Cups (in juice NOT syrup)
  • Cheese & Crackers
  • Granola Bars
  • Fruit Snacks, Dried Fruits

Drinks

  • 100% Fruit Juice
  • Capri Sun Juice Boxes
  • Shelf-stable Milk

Please do not include:

Peanut butter or items that include peanut butter, candy, Pop-tarts, Vienna sausages, glass containers, high sugar items, apple sauce cups with tinfoil lids, or bottled water

Reading is Fundamental

AGE RANGE: Infant through sixth grade.

BOOK CONDITION:  Very gently used (nearly new) books. Books with worn covers or writing on the book do not meet this standard.

BOOK TYPES: Paperback and hardback books which encourage children to develop a love of reading.  Books like those you would find in an elementary school library or the children’s section (not Young Adult section) of a public library.  We welcome fiction and non-fiction.  We do not distribute religious books, workbooks, coloring books or sticker books.  

DC Office

Capital Area Food Bank 

  • Plant proteins – canned or dry beans, whole nuts & seeds, or lentils
  • Canned Tuna, Salmon, or Chicken in water
  • Grains – brown or white rice, pasta, whole oats, corn & flour tortillas
  • Peanut butter – no hydrogenated oils
  • Pantry Staples – cooking oils, tea, non-dairy/shelf-stable milks
  • Canned Vegetables – low sodium, no salt added
  • Canned Fruits – in 100% juice
  • Whole Grain Hot and Cold Cereal – contains less than 7grams of sugar per serving
  • Non-salt Spice – e.g. black pepper, cinnamon, garlic powder, etc.

Turning the Page

What we do accept

  • Gently-used books in all genres and languages, for all ages.
  • Gently-used CDs, DVDs, and vinyl in all genres.

What we do not accept

  • Anything with library bindings or markings.
  • Magazine or journal publications.
  • Textbooks published over 10 years ago.
  • VHS or cassette tapes.
  • Dictionaries or encyclopedias.
  • Damaged or dirty items.