
Letters to Santa
Santa wants to hear from you. A special mailbox has been set up just for your Santa letters.

Food Lines Resemble Bread Lines of Great Depression
2,000 people in need show up for help.
“The need was great — at one point, people were lined up around the block waiting to receive canned food, dry goods, fresh produce, and winter clothes.” — Herndon Vice Mayor Clark Hedrick
Be Warmer, Healthier and Save Money this Winter
Need help with your heating costs? You may be eligible to receive help through two energy assistance programs that are currently accepting applications.
United Community Holiday Gift Card Drive
United Community’s Board of Directors presents a $50,000 Challenge Match
Until Dec. 31, your impact will be doubled, extending your generosity to even more children and families in our local community.

Fundraiser for Earp’s Ordinary this Weekend
Fairfax City comes together to support new music venue.
More than 20 musicians will perform Friday night, 5 p.m. start; Saturday, noon and 5 p.m. starts; and Sunday, noon start.
United Community Holiday Gift Card Drive
United Community’s Board of Directors presents a $50,000 Challenge Match
Until Dec. 31, your impact will be doubled, extending your generosity to even more children and families in our local community.

‘Soil Your Undies’ Campaign
Learn more about the dirt under your feet
The battle against pollution, and against the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s own anonymity, requires some creative approaches to getting their message out and generating interest. One of those recent efforts is a challenge called “Soil Your Undies.”

Four More Months in Jail for Cruz Colindres
Vienna teen sentenced for Fairfax man’s death.
“It was a tragic accident that no one anticipated.” — Public Defender Dawn Butorac

Trail Summit Highlights Connectivity
Discussion included the hard work done on the Mount Vernon Trail this summer.
In the end of October, area transportation officials got together for the second annual Northern Virginia Recreational Trails Summit to look at the recreational trails picture for the Northern Virginia area with a goal of improving the trail network.
Seasonal Joys Blanket the Region
Whatever December holiday you celebrate, there are events throughout Fairfax County to get you in the holiday spirit.

Youngkin to Honor Local Heroes
Virginia Veterans Care Center to be renamed for Davis and McDaniel.
Two of Alexandria’s most decorated Vietnam veterans will be honored by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as Gov. Glenn Youngkin renames the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke in honor of Army Col. Paris Davis and Navy Capt. Eugene “Red” McDaniel.

Turnover at City Hall
As the era of Justin Wilson draws to a close, what comes next?
The era of Mayor Justin Wilson is drawing to a dramatic finish, creating an open seat for mayor at City Hall for the first time in 20 years.

Lighting Up Del Ray
DRBA tree lighting kicks off holiday events.
Hundreds turned out Dec. 3 for the lighting of the Del Ray Christmas Tree in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.

Plaid Tidings
Scottish Walk celebrates 52 years.
“In my heart I am Scottish.” — Alexandria resident Anandashankar Mazumdar

Good Shepherd Housing Moves for an Affordable Office Space
Lorton location won’t slow down the effort.
No one knows the impact of the high real estate prices in Fairfax County better than Good Shepherd Housing and it finally became an issue for this nonprofit so they picked up and moved into a new location in Lorton as a result of their high rent in Hybla Valley.

Bah, Humbug!
LTA’s A Christmas Carol is a holiday delight.
“Dickens himself was a rags-to-riches story and wanted his fellow Victorians to celebrate mankind and be charitable to those in need.” — Director Jonathan Mulberg
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers, unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate (starting at a $20 annual fee). To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.

Triple the Goal
Supporters of Animal Welfare League of Arlington turn out for Giving Tuesday.
At a time when so many people across the country – even in Arlington, Va. – are facing more financial challenges, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) set a “modest” goal for its Giving Tuesday fundraiser.

New Partnership to Provide Affordable Housing
Melwood and Wesley Housing have partnered to convert a current Arlington Melwood property into an affordable and inclusive housing project combined with programs and services for people with disabilities. This project is located at 750 23rd Street S in Arlington.

Reentry Council Sponsors Winter Giveaway Event
Coats, hats, clothes and footwear were in demand at Walter Reed Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Arlington Community Reentry Council’s Winter Giveaway Event.