By taking the Dulles Greenway Toll Road to work Thursday, you can help several local charities earn money.

Continue reading

As part of the 7th annual “Drive for Charity” event, all proceeds raised on the Greenway Thursday will benefit five local charities, including The March of Dimes, ECHOworks, Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter, Fresh Air Full Care and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

Proceeds will also benefit the Dulles Greenway Scholarship Program, which awards $1,500 to one senior at each high school in Loudoun County.

ECHOworks is a non-profit in Loudoun County that provides jobs and transportation to people living with disabilities.

"We couldn't do that without vans and the greenway has allowed us to replace our vans and pay for our vans," said Karen Russell, ECHOworks.

Last year, the Drive for Charity event raised and donated over $230,000 from commuters on the Dulles Greenway. This year, organizers want to beat that by raising 30,000 more,  which means 60,000 cars would have to pass  through the tolls Thursday.

"All you have to do is just get on the Dulles Greenway,” said Terry Hoffman, even organizer. “When you pay your toll we give it directly to the charities."

As part of the initiatives, drivers have a chance to win a little something extra.

"We’ll be giving away free jiffy lube oil chances, coupons to Leesburg premium outlets and also coupons to Ben and Jerry's in Reston town center," Hoffman said.

But the real incentive to drive through is to help neighbors in need.

Officials hope it will be a busy and beneficial day on the roads.

"We couldn't begin to raise that kind of money without the greenway" Russell said.

The Dulles Greenway is a privately owned 14-mile toll road.