The Nice List: Hunt Country Gives Back This Season
Written by Shayda Windle
The holidays are here, and there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of giving than by supporting local nonprofits that make a difference in Hunt Country and need help this season. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or spread awareness, there are countless ways to support your neighbors and make a meaningful impact. Here are just a few.
Windy Hill Foundation
The Windy Hill Foundation was founded in 1983 by Rene Llewellyn, a Middleburg resident who saw the poverty around her and was determined to fix it. The organization’s mission is to provide safe and affordable housing to low-income families and older adults in Loudoun and Fauquier counties and encourage self-improvement and self-sufficiency among residents.
Today, Windy Hill’s impact spans 310 units across Loudoun and Fauquier counties, sustained by partnerships with over 50 local organizations, including churches, schools, food banks, and businesses.
This month, Windy Hill will be wrapping up their year-end giving campaign, focusing on three primary resident needs.
The first, The Home Repair Fund, Windy Hill Executive Director Eloise Repeczky shares, “plays a crucial role in our ability to maintain and improve our homes, ensuring our residents have a safe and comfortable place to call home. A safe and comfortable home fosters stability, growth, and independence — and that when our neighbors’ basic physical and safety needs are met, the entire community thrives.”
She adds, “The Education Fund empowers our community as they pursue their academic goals. Windy Hill provides essential tuition support for pre- and elementary school, vocational [school], college, and continuing education courses that make a difference in our neighbors’ lives.”
And finally, “The Emergency Assistance Fund plays a crucial role in empowering our community [members] in their time of need. Windy Hill residents receive emergency financial funds for car repairs, medical bills, funeral expenses, rental and utilities assistance, and more. Together, we’re ensuring that basic needs are met and that no one must choose between necessities,” Repeczky explains.
And Michelle Lacaze adds, “Resident Services holds a free hygiene pantry monthly for our Middleburg and Fauquier residents. With the high cost of items, this is helping residents [obtain] basic necessities. We are also hosting a holiday door decorating contest for resident communities in Middleburg and Fauquier… This is a great way to include a lot of the community that is fun and festive. Providing gift cards to a grocery store, Walmart, or Target to the winners is a great prize and would be an amazing donation. Either item would be much appreciated in the season of giving.”
To make a donation, visit windyhillfoundation.org or contact Repeczky at [email protected] to learn more.
Seven Loaves Services, Inc.
Founded in 1994, Seven Loaves has grown from a small operation in the basement of the Middleburg Methodist Church to a vital nonprofit serving individuals and families across several counties. The pantry provides nutritious food, hygiene products, and specialized programs like “kid packs” for children, ensuring that no one goes hungry. With only one employee and over 80 dedicated volunteers, Seven Loaves operates with compassion and dignity, building personal relationships with patrons and helping them regain stability during difficult times.
There are many ways to support Seven Loaves’ mission during the season of giving. Donations can be made online, by mail, or through contributions to the Seven Loaves Endowment Fund, which ensures long-term support for the pantry’s efforts. Nonperishable food donations are also welcome at their location in Middleburg. Volunteers can help with grocery pickups, food deliveries, or assist on distribution days. Whether through financial support, food donations, or volunteering, your contribution can bring hope and nourishment to neighbors facing food insecurity this holiday season.
If you’d like to donate to Seven Loaves, checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 1924, Middleburg, VA 20118. For the Seven Loaves Endowment Fund, please mail your check to Seven Loaves, c/o the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, P.O. Box 342, Leesburg, VA 20178. Nonperishable food can be dropped off behind the church in Middleburg at 15 W. Washington Street. For stock donations, call Caroline Nash Helmly at (540) 554-4551, or visit sevenloavesmiddleburg.org/donate to learn more.
Middleburg Humane Foundation
Middleburg Humane Foundation operates a 23-acre farm shelter in Marshall, providing a haven for animals that are seeking their forever home. The Foundation also takes in transfers from other rescuers or county shelters with animals at risk for euthanasia. Their population of animals primarily consists of cats, dogs, and horses with the occasional guinea pig, rabbit, chicken, goat, or pig, as well.
MHF is always in need of volunteers to help with tasks including dog walking, animal socialization, cleaning, events, adoptions, administrative assignments, or working at the foundation’s resale boutique. For those unable to provide time at the facility, MHF is in desperate need of foster homes for animals that have difficulty thriving in a shelter environment. The organization is also seeking to hire a veterinarian to provide services for the shelter animals as well as animals trapped through the Community Cat Program. Looking to the future, MHF hopes to provide services to other rescue groups and shelters in need of spay and neuter appointments at an affordable cost. Learn more at middleburghumane.org.
Sprout Therapeutic
This season, one way to make a meaningful difference in Hunt Country is by supporting Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center in Aldie. Sprout empowers individuals with disabilities through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities, offering a safe and inclusive environment where participants build strength, confidence, and life skills. Your support would help Sprout continue its transformative work, fostering growth and joy for its riders and their families.
There are many ways to give back. Financial contributions help cover horse care, facility upkeep, and scholarships for families in need, while in-kind donations, such as horse supplies or items from Sprout’s wish list, are equally impactful. Volunteers are also vital; whether you’re an experienced horse handler or just looking for a way to give back to the community, there’s a place for you at Sprout, with volunteer orientation sessions held regularly. Visit sproutcenter.org to learn more and get involved in Sprout’s mission to create a community of inclusion and opportunity. ML
Featured photo courtesy of Sprout Therapeutic Riding.
Published in the December 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.