Alexandria Joins Northern Virginia Regional Commission’s Syrian Refugee Blanket Drive

For Immediate Release: November 6, 2015

For the second year, the City of Alexandria will join the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) in a regional effort to collect blankets and children’s coats for Syrian and Iraqi refugees who have fled to Turkey. Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes, Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova, Loudoun County Board Chairman Scott York and Prince William County Board Chairman Corey Stewart are co-chairs for this year’s effort.

This year’s drive will take place from Saturday, November 7 through Saturday, December 5.  The goal is to fill several shipping containers to be sent to a local relief agency in Turkey for delivery to the refugee families. Over the last two years, more than 40,000 blankets were collected and shipped to assist these refugees, and more than $115,000 in donations was collected to help purchase blankets and supplies in Turkey.

Those wishing to make donations are asked to drop off new or gently used blankets (cleaned and folded; no sheets, please) and children’s coats to one of the following City locations:

• City Hall
  301 King St.
  Market Square Lobby
  Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Beatley Central Library
  5005 Duke St.
  Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Residents and businesses are urged to support this effort and encourage their neighbors, friends, community organizations, and others to help.

“I have looked into the eyes of families impacted by this tragedy and I know how much they are hurting after being violently displaced from their homes,” said Mayor William D. Euille. “Every donation goes a long way in helping them achieve some peace in these very difficult circumstances.”

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.