Donations From Nativity Event Supplies McLean Food Bank

MCLEAN, VA — A drive-thru live Nativity helped bring holiday cheer and provided donations to the Share of McLean food bank.

The McLean Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted the drive-thru live Nativity and food drive Friday and Saturday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guests remained in their vehicles to view the displays in the church parking lot at Great Falls Street and Kirby Road. Organizers estimate over 1,000 cars drove through on the two nights with an estimated 3,000 attendees.

"We sensed that many people in our community were looking for a hopeful end to the year. So we wanted to find a way to celebrate the holidays together in a festive and fun way, while maintaining a safe environment," said event coordinator Kelcey Moriarty of Falls Church. "The drive-through Nativity fit the bill as Christmas fun for all ages. We are also thankful for all who brought food items to help those in need.”

The food drive provided donations to Share of McLean for around two months of the food bank's normal level of supplies. The food bank is run by McLean Baptist Church.

The Nativity display included a manger scene, Bethlehem scenery with shepherds, angels, and wise men spread out various areas of the parking lot, and over 20,000 Christmas lights. A podcast provided narration of the Christmas story and music for guests. People participating in the Nativity scenes were from McLean, Falls Church and Arlington, and attendees generally came from these areas as well.

As part of the display, there were live llamas, sheep, goats, donkeys, miniature horses, chickens, and rabbits. A favorite among attendees was Paco the llama.

"The message of Christmas, and of the other holidays celebrated by numerous faith groups at this time of year, is a joyous and hopeful one," said Jim Stansel, president of the McLean Stake. "We wanted to make this a neighborhood event, and were gratified that thousands of our neighbors from the local community were able to join us to celebrate over the weekend. We were particularly happy to see so many children enjoy the Nativity displays and the animals.”

The McLean Stake is made up of eight congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.