Fairfax-based non-profit Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) is seeking individuals, families, companies and community groups to assist 800 individuals and families in need who reside throughout the Fairfax County area for the December holidays.

Community members may help by sponsoring a family to provide a December Holiday meal and/or gifts for children under 18. Donations of funds or gift cards are also greatly needed to assist those who are not sponsored.

Those wishing to sponsor families should register by Dec. 14. Other ways to help include providing corporate sponsorships, cash donations or donating grocery store or Target or Walmart gift cards to be distributed to families who are not matched with sponsors. Information and links to register and donate are available at britepaths.org. Checks and gift cards may be mailed or delivered to Britepaths at 3959 Pender Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. For more information about the Holiday Program, contact Britepaths at 703-273-8829 or jwalton@britepaths.org.

Britepaths’ Executive Director Lisa Whetzel said, “We are so grateful to the hundreds of caring community members who join in this effort each year. In an area where so many of us have so much bounty, many are often surprised to learn that there are people very near us who may struggle to eat at the holidays, let alone provide a small present to their children. Our Holiday Sponsor-a-Family Program presents an opportunity for individuals, families, businesses and community groups to give in a very special way during the holiday season. We hope community members will be inspired to make the season brighter for hard-working families who may otherwise go without holiday meals and presents for their children.”

The Holiday Program is possible because of the support and participation of dozens of community organizations and companies, as well as hundreds of local individuals and families. The families Britepaths has pledged to serve have been referred by social workers from Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools because they have verified need. Community members sponsoring families will deliver food and/or gifts to the school that referred the family. Families not matched with a sponsor will be sent gift cards.

Britepaths is grateful to Holiday Program sponsors: Bob Rosenbaum, Team Bob Sandy Spring Bank; Firebird Analytical Solutions and Technologies; and Narayani Siva, Monopati Consulting LLP. Britepaths also greatly appreciates Freedom Bank of Virginia for running a Gift Card Drive to benefit the Holiday Program. Drop off gift cards at their branches through Dec. 7. Details at: freedombankva.com.