For Immediate ReleaseFor More Information, Contact
October 22, 2007
PIO# 263-07		Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, at 703.838.5078


City of Alexandria Seeks Holiday Sharing Sponsors
For Children, Families and Seniors
Programs Brighten Holiday Season for Needy Residents

The Alexandria Department of Human Services invites the public to help make the holiday season brighter for needy or disadvantaged families, children in foster care, seniors and adults with disabilities, or disabled persons by participating in the City’s Holiday Sharing programs. Individuals and groups take part in the program by purchasing gifts or certificates for a designated Alexandria family, child in foster care or senior citizen. Gifts may be delivered directly to recipients or brought to the City’s Human Services Center at 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. for distribution by staff and volunteers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Alexandria residents to show their compassion by sponsoring a family, senior, disabled adult, teen, or child in foster care who would otherwise not be able to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest,” said Debra Collins, Director of the Department of Human Services. “Alexandria is a caring and generous community and we encourage all those more fortunate to open their hearts as they have in the past.”

In 2006, the Holiday Sharing Programs assisted 453 families, 157 seniors and disabled persons, and 190 children and teens in foster care. In addition to thousands of gift items distributed through Sponsor-a-Family, Sponsor-a-Senior Citizen and Sponsor-a-Foster Child, sponsors also gave a total of $15,000 in gift certificates through the Sponsor-a-Teen program.

The Department of Human Services is also seeking volunteers to help sort and deliver gifts at the Human Services Center on December 17, 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Individuals, families and groups can request more information or enroll in the program by contacting Suzanne Kratzok at 703.519.3318, ext. 206, or e-mailing holidaysharing@alexandriava.gov or visiting www.ourkids-ourbusiness.org/thefundforalexchild.

Persons interested in donating individual toys for needy or disadvantaged children (ages 0-13) should call Community Partners for Children at 703.683.1012.

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