Alexandria Invites the Community to Help Spread Cheer with #SpreadCheerALX

Alexandria, VA – You don’t need to be an artist to bring some cheer and joy to someone else’s life during this pandemic. Draw a picture. Leave a positive message. Display your messages as signs in windows or yards, chalk art on driveways, notes to workers on trash cans, or decorated rocks in yards. The City suggests that messages should highlight the “Six Steps to Stop the Spread“ of COVID-19, thank essential workers for supporting our community, or other messages of gratitude, hope, resilience, solidarity, or good cheer.

We all have a role—not only in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but also in giving encouragement and cheer to neighbors. Although Alexandrians are separated by physical distancing, the community can connect through shared positive messages.

Messages posted on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag #SpreadCheerALX may be selected by the City to be reproduced as signs for others to display. The City will request permission to reproduce messages in advance. Selected submissions will be printed, displayed on City property, and made available to residents who would like a sign for their yard or window.

Please be sure to ask permission to place a message on someone else’s property. Up to 10 square feet of signage is permitted per property in residential areas, with each sign up to 4 square feet.

For ideas on what you could do, check out Bella Strada in Del Ray at

Participation is free and everyone is invited. Those in need of supplies for this project should email [email protected] or call 703.746.5592. 

#SpreadCheerALX