By Marion Brunken
Alexandria, VA – The weather is changing, and hot chocolate and candy cane are back on the shelves. This holiday season has started. While for most this is a time of festivities, for others, it’s a time of stress and sadness. Finances are tight at the end of the year, so gifts and celebrations may not be a high priority. Many nonprofits seek assistance to make this season great for everyone, and a list of their needs can be found at www.volunteeralexandria.org/holiday-activities.
Family Volunteer Day – Save the Date – Saturday, November 23
VolALX is hosting its annual Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 23, benefiting this toy drive and encouraging families to join us. Families of all ages are invited to spend time ensuring that every Alexandria family has a memorable holiday season. Volunteers will create decorations, wrapping paper, and gift tags. Two locations available – register at www.volunteeralexandria.org/family
Toys4ALX is Celebrating its 10th Anniversary!
VolALX believes that each child deserves to experience the delight of the holidays and open their own special present. Therefore, we host a community toy drive to bring families a sense of holiday cheer. Each year, we support the Holiday Sharing Program, implemented by the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services Fund for Alexandria Children. Families register to be part of their program. In addition, this community-wide toys4ALX drive will benefit several additional agencies and some families who otherwise fall through the gap.
This year, together with your help, we aim to support 600 children ages 0-10 years old and to collect over 3,000 toys so that EVERY child receives a minimum of three items plus books to make their holidays as memorable as possible.
The toy drive collection, sponsored by the Fairlington United Methodist Church, Alexandria & Company, and Alexandria Women for Good, will start on November 12 and end on December 12.
How you can help:
• Become a Sponsor: Support our cause by becoming a sponsor – https://bit.ly/toys4alxsponsor
• Become a collection site. Collect new unwrapped educational and fun toys, dolls, and sports items from friends, colleagues, clients, churches, clubs, or schools, through December 12. Please visit www.volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive for further information.
• Donate a toy. Purchase a new toy or order online. For questions to find a drop-off location near you, visit our website www.volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive.
• Volunteer to make decorations, wrapping paper and gift tags. visit our website www.volunteeralexandria.org/family.
• Volunteer to help sort and count toys, wrap items and support families picking up toys. Sign up for an opportunity at www.volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive.
• Make a financial donation to help make this happen. A six-week event takes time, resources, and money. Donate online at www.volunteeralexandria.org/toydrive or write a check payable to Volunteer Alexandria.
Did you know…When you help other people, it activates the reward center in your brain and releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which is why many people often feel better after volunteering.
