Go Local, Shop Vienna
While Black Friday is all about the bargain, the hustle, and going over the top, Small Business Saturday is more about the unique, the charm, and going local. The Town of Vienna’s Town/Business Liaison Committee (TBLC) is again this year encouraging Town and area residents to patronize Vienna businesses especially on Saturday, Nov. 28, but also throughout the year.
“The Town of Vienna has some unique, one-of-a-kind, wonderful shops,” says TBLC Chairman James Cudney. “You’re going to make a really good impression as a thoughtful and generous gift-giver when you present something you found locally in Vienna.”
“Small businesses are tremendous for the Vienna economy and for every dollar spent locally, 68 cents stays in the community,” adds Greg Bernhard, vice chair of the TBLC.
The majority of Vienna’s retail shops are located along Maple Avenue and historic Church Street.
Blanket/Coat Drive for Refugees Concludes Dec. 5
The blanket/coat drive to help Syrian/Iraqi refugees who have fled the violence of their home countries for Turkey is underway and will conclude on Dec. 5. There are collection locations throughout Northern Virginia and in 16 other states and the District of Columbia. Loudoun Board Chairman Scott York, Fairfax Board Chairman Sharon Bulova, Prince William Chairman Corey Stewart, Arlington County Chairman Mary Hynes and Alexandria Mayor William Euille are co-chairing this effort. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is coordinating the drive for the region.
Details on the collection drive and drop off locations can be found at www.helpsyrianrefugees.us.
Over the past two years more than 40,000 blankets have been collected and $115,000 in funds has been donated. Donations raised for this program will help purchase blankets and supplies in Turkey for the refugees. For the past two years the blankets were transported by Paxton Van Lines to the Port of Virginia where they were shipped to Turkey via Maersk. Both companies generously donated their services and are once again donating them this year.
37th Annual Weichert Toy Drive
Members of the community are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Weichert Company sales offices through Dec. 11. The toys will be delivered throughout the holidays in conjunction with local charities that assist financially and physically disadvantaged children.
“As we get into the holiday spirit, it’s important to remember those children who are less fortunate, and to do our part to help brighten their holiday season,” said Jim Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors.
Weichert employees at the company’s corporate headquarters, as well as in other company locations throughout the United States, will also participate in the yearly community service event. To date, the annual toy drive has yielded hundreds of thousands of items for underprivileged children in the communities Weichert serves. Last year, more than 13,000 toys were distributed to charitable and service organizations.
To make a donation, visit any Weichert, Realtors sales office. To find your local office, please go to www.weichert.com/offices/.