Potomac Mills Mall is preparing to welcome U.S. Polo Assn. Outlet,  the official clothing brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA).

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Submitted by Volunteer Prince William:

Greetings, Prince William:  Breaking News:  You can still help support the Volunteer Prince William Untrim a Tree and Senior Basket Program!  Head over to Texas Roadhouse, 9875 Liberia Avenue, Manassas this Saturday, December 14 from 11am until 3pm for an amazing meal and to help support Untrim a Tree!  Dine in or order to go and have your server share your receipt, which will allow TEN PERCENT of your total food purchase to be donated to Volunteer Prince William!  We hope to see you there!

Do you have a passion for helping others learn? BEACON for English Language and Literacy has an exciting opportunity for you! They are actively seeking in-person and online evening Volunteer Teachers for the winter semester. Flexible schedules are available, with one-day-a-week or two-day-a-week options at various class levels. Evening classes run from 7 PM to 9 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Manassas, Manassas Park, or via Zoom. No prior teaching or foreign language experience is necessary—training is provided! To learn more, sign up for a virtual information session at: Info session sign-up  or contact Seth Mazzaro at 571.428.2524 or email  smaz…@osbva.org. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!

•  If you have bilingual skills in Spanish, here’s a wonderful opportunity for you!  BEACON for English Language & Literacy needs bilingual volunteers at their Winter Learning Circle Registration event on December 18, 2024, 5pm to 9pm.  No training or onboarding required – just come ready to assist.  Volunteers will help new adult ESL learners download the Remind app and complete an online reading placement test using the Learning Upgrade app.  Interested volunteers should fill out this form: https://forms.gle/UoPYeVu92T2YtVVr8.  Please email smaz…@osbva.org for more information.
• You can provide new, warm clothing for a vulnerable child!  The fantastic staff at Boxes of Basics need sponsors who can make the holidays brighter for a local child by sponsoring a Box of Basics.  It’s super easy: 1) Visit their Sign Up Genius page at https://bit.ly/4i8a2eQ; 2) Select a size/gender Box of Basics and sign up; 3) Use their shopping list to buy items to help fill Boxes of Basics; 4) Drop off your unwrapped purchases at one of their convenient donation locations by December 20.  Please visit https://boxesofbasics.org/clothing-donations for a list of donation sites.  Imagine how happy you’ll make a child and their family feel this Christmas when they receive new clothing they are proud to be seen in!
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA CIS needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home.  The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on December 18, 6pm-7pm.  Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate.  Please email jpo…@casacis.org or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• If you enjoy decorating for the holidays, here’s a wonderful opportunity for you! CRi, Choice. Respect. independence needs volunteers age 12+ to put up decorations around the exterior of their group homes.  Decorations can be homemade or purchased, just please make sure they can withstand the weather for the duration of the holiday month.  While third parties are not allowed inside the homes, decorations can be made and given to staff to hang indoors.  Commercial holiday decorations are welcome such as string lights, Santa, ornaments, and Christmas trees; string lights are a HUGE hit with residents in all the group homes!  This family-friendly opportunity will be sure to put you in the holiday mood as you brighten up the lives of these clients who deal with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues.  Please email swh…@mycri.org to learn more.
• Although we’re in the holiday season, Martin Luther King Day isn’t too far off, and the MLK Youth Community Choir is seeking students in grades K-12 to join the choir and make a joyful noise!  Participants will rehearse for a special performance at the Prince William Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta (PWCAC- DST) 40th Annual Dr. King Youth Oratorical Competition and Program being held January 18, 2025.  Rehearsals have begun, but more participants are welcome – no tryout is needed!  Please email pwc.mlkcom…@gmail.com to learn more.
• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals!  Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings.  Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check.  Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided.  You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day!  Please visit www.pwcva.gov/department/area-agency-aging/volunteer for more information and forms.  Please email tsol…@pwcgov.org or call 703.792.4583 to learn more.
• The hard-working staff at Northern Virginia Food Rescue is looking for volunteers who are available to be On-Call to help with offloading large truckloads of food deliveries when they arrive at their warehouse located at 10535 Battleview Parkway, Manassas 20109. This role is vital in ensuring that they can quickly rescue and distribute food to families in need.  Volunteers would be on call 7am-6pm with varying delivery times.  Communication is done via text message when a delivery is on the way and help is needed.  Volunteers should be prepared to lift heavy items.  A brief mandatory training will be held for those volunteers selected for this position.  You’ll feel great knowing you’re doing your part to help food-insecure families in our local community!  Please text 571.370.3073 to let them know you’re interested.
• Your office, group or club can provide holiday comfort during December!  Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries’ hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge has an ongoing need for groups to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025.  Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30pm-7pm.  There are still several openings in December, and you’ll feel great providing a hot, nourishing meal for the homeless to enjoy!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3XXR5SR to sign up and get more information, email thermal…@thestreetlight.org or call 571.677.2883 to learn more.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292.  You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.  Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

A Slick City Action Park, an indoor slide and air court park, will open in the spring of 2025 at Woodbridge’s Potomac Mills shopping center.

According to a release, this location will be the company’s first on the East Coast. Slick City Action Parks was founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Bron Launsby and the first locations were opened in Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Arizona.

Slick City Action Parks typically include indoor slides, air courts, a “Junior Jungle” for smaller children and other structures suitable for play. The release also states the Slick City will have dining, party rooms and a retail store.

“We are excited to bring Slick City Action Park to Potomac Mills and provide a unique entertainment option for our shoppers,” said Bethany Webb, director of marketing and business development at the Potomac Mills. “This new addition perfectly aligns with our goal to provide diverse and engaging experiences for our visitors. We believe Slick City will become a favorite destination for families and thrill-seekers in our community and beyond.”

Slick City’s website states the Potomac Mills location will become operational in the spring of 2025. It’s one of 12 locations marked as “coming soon” on the company’s website; other locations include Tulsa, Okla.; Columbus, Ohio; Oceanside, Calif.; and Mesa, Ariz.

The action park is only the latest entertainment spot that’s been welcomed to Potomac Mills. In recent months, Round 1 Bowling & Arcade, ZavaZone and AMC Theaters have become operational at the mall.

Press Release:

Greetings, Prince William: It’s All About a Kid and a Toy! Volunteer Prince William’s program Untrim a Tree which provides holiday gifts for local children in Title I schools is in full swing and accepting donor forms! Many thanks and appreciation to everyone who has signed up to sponsor a child – we have just over 600 children who are still waiting on Santa. It’s not too late to help! Please visit https://bit.ly/3QcHLYH to fill out and submit a donor form to sponsor a child. The whole family can participate, and you’ll feel great being part of a program which helps our vulnerable populations have a Happy Christmas! Questions? Please email ut…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.

• Calling All Elves! Volunteer Prince William needs Elf Helpers to help with toy donations for Untrim a Tree December 7-9 at Prince William County Fairgrounds. Duties include greeting donors and assisting with unloading donations from their vehicle, placing senior baskets in their proper area and moving bags of toys from the check-in area to a storage area. Volunteers age 16 and up are needed, volunteers 15 and under are welcome to volunteer with a parent or responsible adult. Be prepared for prolonged standing and lifting of contractor bags which may weigh up to 20 pounds. Put on your elf hat or reindeer antlers and join in the fun! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Z9ARrn to register, email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn more.
• Volunteer Prince William also needs volunteers the morning of December 10 to deliver Senior Baskets and Gift Bags to the two senior centers in Manassas and Woodbridge. Volunteers will meet at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, load up the baskets/bags and transport them to the appropriate senior center. Just a couple of hours will do much to bring joy to a local homebound senior citizen! Please visit https://bit.ly/3CASs2P to sign up and learn more. Questions? Please email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.
• If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! BEACON for English Language and Literacy has an urgent need for 8-13 volunteers to teach adult ESOL students for their upcoming Winter session which begins December 3. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. Please visit https://forms.gle/SUuHnLLdfE5HUC3N7 to sign up for an orientation session or contact Seth at 571.428.2524, email smaz…@osbva.org.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA CIS needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on December 3, 6pm-7pm. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email jpo…@casacis.org or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• You can help Manassas City families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Light of Life Church is hosting a City of Manassas Friendsgiving Outreach to benefit vulnerable families in the city. The event will be held November 27, beginning at 10am at Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road in Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, hand out coats/personal hygiene products/diapers, etc. and break down/clean up. It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping our less fortunate neighbors! Please sign up for this meaningful event at https://lolc.breezechms.com/form/friendsgiving.
• Ho Ho Ho! Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering for Santa Lights Manassas on December 6 and the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade December 7 in Old Town Manassas! These events would not be possible without the support of over 300 volunteers which let them spread holiday cheer to the community! Volunteers can still help stage the participants, answer spectator questions and keep everyone safe so they can enjoy the parade and the tree lighting. What better way to enjoy the Christmas holidays? Please visit https://elevationleads.net/gmcpvolunteer/ to sign up and ask any questions.
• Calling all Rembrandts and Picassos! The City of Manassas Animal Shelter is looking for Volunteer Artists to do some murals on their walls which will brighten up the place for two-legged and four-legged friends alike! Please email animal…@manassasva.gov or call 703.257.2420 to learn how you can help.
• The wonderful staff at House of Mercy need volunteer Elves to support their Christmas with Mercy program beginning December 3. Preparation help is needed December 3 thru 6 and again December 9 thru 12. Then, help is needed December 13 and 14 to assist clients with “shopping” for their families. Volunteers age 16+ are welcome, volunteers age 12-15 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. All sorts of fun jobs are available, and you’ll get into the holiday spirit as you help provide vulnerable families with a wonderful Christmas! Please visit https://bit.ly/4fyY5gq for more information and to register, email kjoh…@houseofmercyva.org for more information.
• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals! Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings. Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check. Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided. You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day! Please visit www.pwcva.gov/department/area-agency-aging/volunteer for more information and forms. Please email tsol…@pwcgov.org or call 703.792.4583 to learn more.
• Is your office, club, Scout troop or service group looking for a volunteer opportunity? Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries has opened their hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge and groups are needed to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025. Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30pm-7pm. Your group will provide comfort for the homeless with a hot, nourishing meal they can enjoy during the cold winter months! Please visit https://bit.ly/3XXR5SR to sign up and get more information, email thermal…@thestreetlight.org or call 571.677.2883 to learn more.
• If you want to get firsthand experience working directly with the homeless, here’s a perfect opportunity! Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries needs volunteers age 25+ to assist staff at their hypothermia shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge. Two volunteers are needed each evening through March 31, 2025, 6pm-10pm. Duties include assisting with preparing and serving dinner, passing out supplies as needed and light set-up and/or clean-up. You’ll feel great knowing you are providing this vulnerable population with a way to get out of the cold for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep! Please visit https://signup.com/go/uxArBJd to sign up, email gti…@thestreetlight.org for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

Santa Claus made a festive entrance at Potomac Mills mall today at 2 p.m., marking the beginning of the holiday season with a cheerful celebration in the Grand Court, located next to TJ Maxx.

Children and families were treated to a lively Santa’s Arrival Party, which included face painting, balloon twisting, ornament-making, and coloring activities. A “Letters to Santa” station allowed kids to jot down their holiday wishes, adding a magical touch to the event. Santa’s area was bustling with activity, surrounded by multiple elves, ensuring everyone had a merry time.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a towering nutcracker greeted children as they arrived, creating an enchanting holiday photo opportunity. Families also had the chance to take professional photos with Santa, which were available for purchase.

The fun continues throughout the holiday season at Potomac Mills, with several special events planned, including:

Military Kids Santa Party (Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.): Military families are invited for a private celebration with Santa, featuring face painting, balloon art, letter writing, and giveaways. Each child will receive a Military Build-A-Bear (while supplies last). Reservations are required and can be made by emailing [email protected] with your name, military branch, and number of children attending. A military ID is required, and spaces are limited.

Caring Santa® (Dec. 8, 9:30–10:30 a.m.): This sensory-friendly event offers children with special needs and their families an exclusive, quieter opportunity to meet Santa. Reservations are required for this private experience.

The arrival of Santa at Potomac Mills marks the official start of the mall’s holiday events, promising joy and memorable moments for families of all backgrounds. For more information on holiday happenings, visit the Potomac Mills website or contact the mall’s management office.

Press Release:

Santa Claus is coming to Potomac Mills! Starting this Friday, Nov. 22, shoppers will be able to partake in the annual Santa Photo Experience. View hours and make your preferred Santa reservations today by clicking here!

Potomac Mills shoppers may also meet Santa and celebrate the holidays this season at various events including:

Santa’s Arrival Party – Nov. 22 from 2- 3 p.m. in the Grand Court (next to TJ Maxx). Enjoy face painting, festive balloon twisting, holiday characters, giveaways and a letter writing station while supplies last. Santa photos are also available for purchase.

Military Kids Santa Party– Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Military families are invited to celebrate the holiday season with Santa. All families will receive one Military Build-A-Bear per child (while supplies last) and will also enjoy face painting, a balloon artist, a Santa letter writing station, coloring and gift bag giveaways. Santa photos will be available for purchase. *Reservations are required to attend this event. Please RSVP to Nadhya…[email protected] and include your name, military branch and how many children will be attending. Reservations are limited and military ID required.

Caring Santa® – Dec. 8 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in the Grand Court (next to TJ Maxx). Exclusive event for children with special needs and their families. Reservations are required for this private, sensory-friendly experience.

Prince William County Police Department reopened its field office at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge earlier this month.

The field office will be utilized to support the mall, its visitors and tenants, but will also house members of the department’s recruitment team. According to a press release, the office will be available for new hire testing, report writing, meetings, training seminars and processing people who commit minor offenses. The location within the mall is behind the Round Bowling & Amusement.

Lt. Jonathan Perok, a public information officer with PWCPD, said this won’t be a regularly staffed location open to the public and the department has always had a space but was relocated within the building. He also said the office is able to process individuals as of now, but recruitment testing operations are expected to become operational in early 2025.

Potomac Mills is the Commonwealth’s largest outlet mall with more than 200 stores and 25 eateries. This field office will expand the PWCPD’s reach in the community, in addition to its existing 700 sworn officers and 14 bureaus. The police department has — either in the past or currently — had other field offices in other parts of the county.

On Nov. 5, the field office hosted a meet and greet event, where people had the opportunity to speak with PWCPD officers and receive a free Build-A-Bear!

Potomac Mills has announced a major renovation to its Food Pavilion, timed with the mall’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. The remodel, set to begin this winter and expected to be completed by early 2025, will transform the dining space with a modernized look, new seating options, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced areas for socializing, all designed to elevate visitors' experience.

According to Potomac Mills’ press release, the upgraded Food Pavilion will feature contemporary flooring, stylish lighting, and a refreshed color palette to create a more inviting atmosphere. New seating arrangements, including elevated banquet tables, intimate conversation spots, and flexible benches, will offer comfortable spaces for groups of all sizes. The renovation, which incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, aligns with the mall’s commitment to sustainability.

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Families gathered at Potomac Mills mall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, for a unique opportunity to meet and greet with Prince William County Police officers. The event, held in collaboration with Potomac Mills, aimed to foster positive connections between police officers and the local community. As part of the event, the mall provided free Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, all of which sported a police uniform, to the first 30 young visitors, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for children and parents alike.

Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections.

Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained.

For Lumley and other local families, Potomac Mills has become more than a shopping destination—it’s a central community hub. “We come to the mall many times a week,” she said. “They offer so much for kids, from play areas to events like this. It’s a place where the community comes together.”

The meet-and-greet event exemplifies Potomac Mills’ role as a gathering place for the local community, offering not only shopping but also family-friendly activities that promote safety and engagement. The partnership with Prince William Police aims to build lasting bonds and a welcoming environment where children and families feel at home with their local law enforcement officers.

@ShoPotomacMills gives children Build-A-Bear dolls to children at today’s meet-and-greet with @PWCPolice. There were lots of smiles in the room. pic.twitter.com/lzaADepQ8p

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 5, 2024