Our community is fortunate to have so many organizations that provide critical services to our neighbors on the financial edge. Providing direct support to nonprofits is the best way to address the need. Food and clothing donations help, but financial donations give organizations the flexibility to put resources where they can make the biggest difference. Reach out to your favorite nonprofit to see how you can help them meet the needs of our community. Not sure where to start, consider the organizations that make up the financial assistance ministry network, including: Lazarus Ministry of Christ Church, Lazarus Ministry West End, the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary Catholic Church; St. Paul Episcopal Church; Episcopal Church of the Resurrection; St. Joseph Catholic Church; the Old Presbyterian Meeting House; Alfred Street Baptist Church; St. Rita Catholic Church; Fairlington United Methodist Church; ALIVE; the Salvation Army; and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. Finally, if you are looking volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Alexandria at www.volunteeralexandria.org for opportunities to lend a hand across the community.