The Committee for Helping Others (CHO) was organized In 1969 by a group of concerned churches and individuals In the Dunn Loring / Merrifield / Oakton / Vienna community to provide simple, loving charity to those in need of goods and services which they are unable to provide for themselves or obtain from governmental social service organizations. Membership in CHO is open to all churches, synagogues, civic and service organizations, and individuals interested in improving the quality of life for all in the community. While no boundary lines are firmly established, efforts are made to avoid overlapping services with those provided by similar neighboring service organizations.

Wesley provides drivers once a month to transport the elderly and handicapped to doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping.

Wesley CHO Drivers – We are scheduled to drive April 26-30, May 31-June 4, July 5-9, August 9-13, September 13-17, October 18-22, November 22-26 and December 27-31. We are still in need of new drivers to replace those who have dropped off the volunteer list. Volunteer drivers transport the elderly and handicapped to doctor’s appointments or limited grocery shopping. Normally, a driver will be asked to drive 2-3 times during the year. If you would like to volunteer to help a neighbor or person in need, please sign on the sheet on the bulletin board by the church office or the sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

CHO Transportation – Members of Wesley UMC, that live in the Vienna/Oakton area that need transportation to and from medical appointments or grocery shopping should call the area CHO Transportation Coordinator, Cynthia Garner.

CHO Food Closet – Current needs are: instant coffee, canned meats (ham, chicken/turkey, Spam), instant mashed potatoes, pancake mix and syrup, 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, grape jelly, Cheerios, sugar, cooking oil, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, diapers size 1 & 2. Also need canned fruit, chunky soups, applesauce, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee spaghetti and canned pasta, 1 lb./2 lb. bags of white rice, pasta, Parmalat milk and peanut butter. Packaged foods, cookies, crackers and snacks are welcome. Check the expiration date on items being donated. Deposit items in the CHO FOOD BOX in the hallway opposite the Library. If you have questions, contact Andrew Keener.

CHO Clothes Closet – On the first Monday of each month the Clothes Closet will be open only to accept donations. It will be open to the public the other Mondays of the month. The Clothes Closet is located at 133 Park Street in Vienna and distributes clothing to the needy of the Vienna area, free of charge. Consider donating new or good-condition clothing. For info, call 703-281-7614.

Additional Information – To learn more about CHO, please visit the CHO website.