Now through December 15, City Hall (300 Park Ave.) and the Community Center (223 Little Falls St., check hours here) will serve as drop-off locations for a blanket and coat drive. New and gently used blankets and winter jackets are needed for adults and children. NOVA Relief Center, a non-profit organization, will collect the donations and send to three Syrian refugee camps in Jordan. 

From the NOVA Relief Center:

Since 2011, the Syrian civil war has left over 400,000 people dead. Syrians have been trying to escape the tumult at home, with over 6 million people displaced within Syrian and another 5 million seeking safe haven as refugees, especially in the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan.

One of the biggest challenges these refugees face is harsh winter conditions, which make the dire situation even worse. Having seen the troubles they’re facing firsthand, Northern Virginia leaders and communities have united since 2013 to collect and distribute blankets, coats and winter clothing for Syrian and other refugees abroad.

Together, we have sent over 100,000 blankets and coats to Turkey and Lebanon. This year, NOVA Relief Center is accepting donations to distribute to three camps in Jordan: Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid.

Additional drop off locations accept donations through December 21. Check NOVA Relief Center's website, https://novareliefcenter.org.