St. Mark Giving Tree

Take a tag beginning November 29-30, return most gifts by December 13-14.

To spread the joy of Christmas, the ST. MARKcommunity makes a commitment each year to help others through the Giving Tree.

Beginning November 29, you can choose gift tags from the tree in the Narthex that contain descriptions of the organizations we assist and their wish lists.  The tags are color-coded for each organization. This page contains the same descriptions of the organizations and their wish lists.

Please mark all gifts clearly with the name of the organization the gift is for and deliver them to the Activities Center before or after Masses on the weekend of December 13-14, no later than 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. 

EXCEPTIONS: HOUSE OF MERCY AND MOTHER OF LIGHT CENTER NEED THEIR GIFTS EARLY THIS YEAR! PLEASE DELIVER GIFTS FOR HOUSE OF MERCY TO THE ST. MARK OFFICE BY DECEMBER 8 AND GIFTS FOR MOTHER OF LIGHT CENTER BY DECEMBER 12.

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LILAC TAG – SPECIAL ADOPTIONS

Give a personal gift or gift card from Walmart or Target for an individual, family or foster child in need. Names are given to ST. MARKby social service agencies in Fairfax County and Family Pass.

GIFTS NEEDED: Contact Nancy Dunaway at 571-331-8127 (cell) or 703-758-8142 or Mary Lou McIntire at 703-938-4276.

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PINK TAG – SECOND STORY

Transforms the lives of children and youth by providing safe havens, opportunities to grow and thrive, and support at critical turning points in their lives.

GIFTS NEEDED: Gift cards ($25) from Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Barnes & Noble; gifts from Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1WDSMMNPBDH8I?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_YW1XKHW80FYNW1S5SG5J

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YELLOW TAGS – HOUSE OF MERCY

Food Pantry that provides groceries for 100+ families a day; Donation Center and Thrift Store provide families with free clothing and shoes.

GIFTS NEEDED BY DECEMBER 8: Children’s toys valued around $25, including soccer balls, footballs, remote control cars, model cars, Lego sets, Nerf toys, Squishmallows, tumblers with straws, small purse backpacks, diamond art sets, gift cards from Target & Walmart.

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BLUE TAG – MOTHER OF LIGHT CENTER

Provides food, clothing and other support to those in need in Northern Virginia, seeking the face of Christ in all they serve. Distributes gifts to children at their “Christmas Joy for Children” event.

GIFTS NEEDED BY DECEMBER 12: For boys & girls ages 6-8: new toys/gifts priced $15-30 from Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1L4S3NT84KYPI?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_W0ESDA1WRV765WFR4Y6G.

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WHITE TAG – HOPE IN NO. VIRGINIA, A WOMAN’S CHOICE

Private, non-profit organizations providing pregnancy support, medical and material resources to women in crisis pregnancies.  

GIFTS NEEDED:  Winter clothing (newborn to 3T), Swaddlers, long-sleeve onesies, diapers (newborn to size 6), waterproof changing pads, baby bottles, wipes, baby bath towels/washcloths, baby wash, diaper cream, pacifiers, handheld baby toys, umbrella strollers. Mothers – new maternity pants, leggings, and winter tops (M, L, XL), pre-natal vitamins; Amazon, Target, Walmart or grocery gift cards ($25-$50).

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ORANGE TAG – MIGRATION & REFUGEE SERVICES

Welcomes those who are persecuted and forced out of their home countries and then are formally vetted and approved for resettlement in Northern Virginia. Helps with employment search and job training, as well as ESOL, child and adult education, and services for seniors.

GIFTS NEEDED: Laptop PCs and Chromebooks for ESOL and job search; convertible car seats for transporting growing children; winter hats, gloves, and scarves; Walmart and Target gift cards. Amazon wish list: https://a.co/figiIj1

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AQUA TAG – SHELTER HOUSE

Shelter House, Inc. is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent and end homelessness and domestic violence by engaging the community, building effective relationships and providing crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services. Last year, it provided services to over 700 households comprised of 3,425 individuals – half of whom were children.

GIFTS NEEDED: Heavy blankets and comforters (full/queen-size); twin-size sheet sets; air mattresses; deodorant; VISA, Walmart and Target gift cards ($25).

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MINT GREEN TAG – CHINS (Children in Need of Smiles)

Delivers heartwarming gifts for pediatric cancer patients at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital hoping to provide comfort, support and smiles.

GIFTS NEEDED: Lego sets for all age groups, stuffed animals, and Play-Doh. All items must be unused, unopened, and in original packaging.

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NEON PINK TAG – SERVICE SOURCE LONG-TERM COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAMS

Facilitates services and partnerships to support some 600 people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and community members to build more inclusive communities through nine centers in Northern Virginia. 

GIFTS NEEDED: Board games, Bonsai Tree kits, indoor fitness equipment, fidget/sensory items, Polaroid cameras, crochet & knitting kits, Lego sets, outdoor games, bean bags, Breathing Lamps, stress relief gadgets. For Centers – Walmart and Amazon gift cards ($25 or $50) for equipment and furnishings.

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GOLDENROD TAG – CHO CLOTHES CLOSET

An all-volunteer community organization serving the poor in Vienna, Oakton, Dunn Loring and Merrifield.

GIFTS NEEDED:  Men’s clothing, especially jeans (sizes 30-34); Children’s clothing (all sizes); All Ages – new winter jackets (all sizes).  

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NEON GREEN TAG – FAIRFAX CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

Trained volunteers work at the request of the Fairfax County Juvenile Court advocating for abused and neglected children to ensure they have a voice in court. Serves 400+ children each year, 50% under age five.

GIFTS NEEDED:  Gift cards from Target, Walmart, or Amazon ($25 or $50), which are given directly to children served by CASA—allowing them to choose a special gift for themselves—or provided to CASA volunteers to purchase personalized gifts for their assigned child.