Elected officials from major municipalities in Northern Virginia, leaders from the faith community and representatives of aid organizations will hold a press conference next week on a region-wide effort to help more than a million refugees fleeing from Syria and Iraq due to ISIL and civil war violence. Blankets will be collected at various locations throughout Northern Virginia and will be shipped to refugees who have recently landed in Turkey. The blanket drive will take place from November 1 – 22 with collection locations throughout Northern Virginia. Fairfax Board Chairman Sharon Bulova, Loudoun Board Chairman Scott York, Arlington Board Chairman Jay Fisette, Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and Prince William Chairman Corey Stewart will chair this effort.

This is a completely volunteer effort. Paxton Van Lines will be collecting the blankets free of charge and delivering them to Maersk Shipping Company for transport to Turkey at no cost.