A non-profit serving children and their families in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties is calling for community members to fulfill the wishes of 800 children this Christmas by December 16, 2025.
BetterALife, with food pantries in Purcellville and Reston, is collecting each gift wish, written on an ornament and hung on a "Wish Tree," from children who are integral to its after-school tutoring program, as well as children in the wider community. Anonymous donors can select which wish to fulfill, and drop the wrapped gift off or have it delivered by Amazon before December 16.
"There is nothing like the look of pure joy on children's faces when they open the one gift they asked for," said Elizabeth Ford, founder and CEO of BetterALife. Ford grew up hungry and homeless in Reston, and made it her mission to offer the help she always wished she had.
Gifts can also be dropped in "Toy Boxes" at the following collection sites: Marcos Pizza, Elden St, Herndon; Marcos Pizza, 46515 Leesburg Pike, Sterling; Merritt Properties, 20116 Ashbrook Pl, Ashburn.
After the gifts and donations are collected, they will be distributed on December 20th at two locations in Northern Virginia: at BetterALife headquarters in their new space, 201 N Maple Ave, Unit E, Purcellville, and the Cathy Hudgins Community Center in Reston.
Eight hundred pre-registered children will receive a wrapped gift; their parents will receive a bag full of groceries for a holiday meal.
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves affiliated with BetterALife will celebrate with the families.