January 13, 2022
Generous community members helped make the holidays brighter for AHC residents of all ages with visits from Santa, Christmas trees, toys, and gift bags.
“We are grateful for the generous outpouring during the holiday season,” said Laura Jackson, AHC’s volunteer coordinator. “The support means so much to our families, many of whom are still struggling because of the ongoing pandemic. It was wonderful to see children’s eyes light up and also to experience the gratitude from our seniors – particularly those who aren’t able to visit with family because of the pandemic.”
Amazon volunteers, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, and several elves, helped distribute 200 toys generously donated by Amazon employees from across the country. Gifts were also gathered through a toy drive organized by Wakefield High School’s Interact Club.
The Arlington County Police Department distributed nearly 1,100 toys to children living at AHC’s affordable apartment communities throughout Arlington. Children were able to choose brand new toys displayed on multiple tables at the community centers.
Volunteers from long-time supporter St. Peter’s Episcopal Church unloaded 40 Christmas trees at Woodbury Park/Frederick apartments, much to the delight of residents. Church volunteers also donated 160 toys to AHC children.
Volunteers at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, next door neighbors to AHC’s Spire apartment community in Alexandria, shared hot chocolate and toys with nearly 50 children.
Generous supporters dropped off almost 500 Holiday Gift Bags for senior citizens at our Arlington properties and to the middle and high school students in our education programs. The gift bags are filled with items like adult coloring books & colored pencils, fuzzy socks, hats & gloves, tea & hot chocolate and gift cards.
Donors include 28 individuals, Arlington Rotary Club, Microsoft, TMG Construction, 3 Girl Scout troops, Willis Towers Watson, Partner Forces, and Marymount University athletic teams (Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Soccer, Men’s Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball and Assistant Athletic Director).
About AHC Inc.
AHC Inc., a nonprofit developer based in Arlington, VA, builds and preserves affordable and mixed-income housing in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Since 1975, AHC has developed more than 8,200 apartments in the mid-Atlantic region, including 3,400 in Arlington. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches thousands of children, teens, adults, and seniors each year through onsite education and social service programs and activities.
Media Contact: Jennifer K. Smith, Director of Communications, jennifer.smith@ahcinc.org/ 703-486‑0626 x1118