ACTS food pantry is in desperate need of help to restock its empty shelves in order to open doors. 

The pantry announced Tuesday that it had to temporarily close its doors until Nov. 1 because of a lack of food. ACTS serves over 2,000 people a month through its Dumfries food pantry. 

Ginger Trest, with family-owned Woodbridge and Dumfries Laundromat, saw a need in her community and decided to help. The laundromat's two locations will be hosting a food drive to help re-open the ACTS food pantry. Customers that bring a can of food will receive a $0.25 towards a wash or dry (up to four cans); customers that bring in a full bag of canned goods will receive up to a 30-pound wash and dry for free. 

"We are getting more people washing larger items, like quilts," said Trest. "We hope that more foot traffic will bring in more donations." Trest said that an employee of the laundromat lost her trailer in the Sept. 8 flooding that devastated Holly Acres mobile home community. 

The laundromat's goal is to fill four commercial size laundry carts in hopes a local grocery store will match the donations. If businesses wish to match donations, participate in the drive or lend a hand, contact Ginger Trest at 703-625-7703. 

"One of the things most [may] not know is that there has been a 40 percent increase in demand before Tropical Storm Lee, and of the 40 percent increase 50 percent are children. We service 4,000 individuals and 1,000 families monthly," said Rebekah McGee, Deputy Director ACTS in a prepared statement. "We have a wonderful support base and have had so for over 42 years. The needs that they have will surprise you. I am really excited for the “cans for quarters” food drive the Dumfries and Woodbridge Laundromats are holding.”

Donation Drop Off Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday – 12:00 noon – 7:30 p.m.

Most-Needed Items:

Food Items

• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Cereal
• Tuna
• Boxed Mac and Cheese
• Spaghetti-Os
• Spaghetti
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Canned Fruits
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Soup 
• Refrigerated Items: milk, eggs, meat 

Non-Food Items

• Diapers
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Toilet Paper 

The ACTS Food Pantry is located at 3900 ACTS Lane, Dumfries, VA 22026. It is located in the Family Services Center on the right hand side of ACTS Lane. Please bring all food donations to the door next to the garage door.