[Archived] Department of Human Services Offers Opportunity to Bring Holiday Cheer

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Dec. 16, 2003
PIO 209-03

Department of Human Services Offers Opportunity to Bring Holiday Cheer

Many families in Alexandria struggle to overcome a large number of barriers, some as a result of the economic downturn and the 9/11 tragedies. The Department of Human Services reaches out to these families through the annual Holiday Sharing Program to bring the kind of holiday joy to children that most people take for granted. Alexandrians are invited to participate through the Sponsor-a-Family, Sponsor-a-Senior, Sponsor-a-Teen, or the Santa Claus for Foster Children programs to make a concrete difference.

More than 200 individuals, families, businesses, faith organizations, and other groups helped the City to serve 275 families, 137 foster children, and 88 senior citizens during the 2002 Christmas season. In close partnership with other community organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Community Partners for Children, and Christ Church, every effort is made to avoid duplication and stretch limited resources as far as possible. Many more families than ever before will need help this year. There are also opportunities to help sort and distribute the gifts during the week before Christmas. Call the Coordinator of Community Resources Suzanne Kratzok at 703. 838.0768 for more information.

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