By Stephanie Tipple
For PotomacLocal.com
Occoquan, Va. — Now that the holiday season is in full swing for many, this time of year can be a major hardship for many families. With the economy still on rocky soil, many families cannot afford to purchase the basic amenities and all of the gifts for their children and family members , but Occoquan residents and merchants are working together to bring the holiday cheer to these disadvantaged families.
The Untrim a Tree project, sponsored by the Prince William County Volunteer Organization and the Occoquan Merchants Association, is a collaborative effort to provide families with gifts and items that they need this Christmas. If you take a stroll around Occoquan you’ll see the Christmas tree set up for this project, laden with tags, each containing items that local families truly need this Christmas.
Betsy Merklein, owner of Personally Yours in Occoquan has been a major part of this project for many years. Merklein is passionate about helping others, and says that these gifts are given to young mothers, the elderly, and other families who have a real need for some good Christmas cheer.
Each person who will be on the receiving end of this project is given two wishes, and these are up for grabs for Occoquan and Prince William County residents to fulfill. While many residents have graciously jumped in, excited to help, there are still tags that are available to be claimed.
You get to select which tags you’d like yourself, and you have the opportunity to make a big difference in a family’s Christmas this year. If you’re interested in taking a tag for the Untrim a Tree project, then please contact Merklein at 703-494-8683.
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FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
Las sesiones de liderazgo GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en el campus de George Mason University – Arlington para latinas de secundaria. El programa se desarrollará desde el lunes 15 de julio hasta el viernes 19 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. EST cada día (1 semana).
Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
