House of Mercy relying on community for gifts for 325 needy children by Dec. 10

House of Mercy in Manassas will be hosting its fifth annual Christmas with Mercy on Saturday, Dec. 12. The event provides gifts to children who, otherwise, might not receive any this Christmas.

In years past, HOM has relied partly on Toys for Tots to help provide gifts; however, this year, it is relying on the “kindness of the community.” Unfortunately, the workers are “anticipating a shortfall of gifts.”

Individuals and community organizations are invited to help provide gifts to children who qualify and are clients of House of Mercy. Ann Cimini, director of House of Mercy, said the plan is to provide gifts to more than 325 low income children.

Members of the community who can donate a toy or other item for a needy youngster should take the unwrapped item to the House of Mercy Donation Center located at 8162 Flannery Court in Manassas (near Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville) by Tuesday, Dec. 8.

In addition, Cimini said there is a need for decorated Christmas trees that are four feet tall or shorter to give to clients. There are several organizations that decorate and donate trees, including Cub Scout groups and other groups. Cimini said the children especially love when the trees are decorated with handmade ornaments because it makes them feel as though someone is thinking of them.

Children qualify to receive gifts based on their parents’ participation in free classes offered by House of Mercy to help clients step up from the situation in which they find themselves. Classes are offered to teach personal money management, English as a second language, parenting and others.

Gifts should be in the $20 to $25 price range. Cimini said many may only be able to provide one gift per child. Cimini added that House of Mercy receives many gifts for younger children because they are fun to shop for, but many times people forget about the older children. Last year, they received 125 stuffed animals.

In addition, Cimini noted they are in need of 200 dozen cookies that are provided to the parents as they “shop” for their children’s gifts at the House of Mercy. Cookies may be delivered, beginning Dec. 10. At time of publication, only about 21 dozen were planned to be delivered.

The economy continues to hit families hard and has had a tremendous impact on local non-profits with giving down 25 percent across non-profits.  During the month of October, House of Mercy served 197 “unique” families, approximately 797 individuals.
At the heart of its mission, House of Mercy is a food pantry, providing food items to those in need. It was necessary to shop for food for its food pantry three times in the month of November, spending over $2500 to purchase “essential food” for families in need.

According to a press release by the House of Mercy, 49 percent of the “food insecure” people in Prince William County earn too much money at low-paying jobs to be eligible for government assistance.” Therefore, many turn to “faith based agencies,” such as the House of Mercy, for “supplemental food and assistance.”

Cimini reminded everyone that food donations are also needed. Proceeds from its thrift store go towards its cause.  Although clients go because of their food and material needs, they receive much more from House of Mercy such as a shoulder on which to cry or someone with whom to pray and no judgment.

More information about the House of Mercy’s “Christmas with Mercy” program or registering as a client or donating financially is available by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 703-659-1636.