FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jonna Huseman, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. — Melwood invites families, neighbors, and community members from across the Washington, D.C. region to kick off the holiday season at Miracle on 23rd Street, a festive and inclusive celebration taking place Friday, December 5. The event will be held at Melwood’s Arlington Campus at 750 23rd Street S from 5 to 8 p.m.
This event transforms the heart of Arlington into a winter wonderland, where the community is welcome to ring in the holiday season. Designed with inclusion in mind, the celebration offers accessible activities and a sensory-friendly space provided by Regency Furniture where guests with and without disabilities can enjoy the season together in a joyful, welcoming environment.
Event highlights include a Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony, photos with Santa, s’mores and seasonal refreshments, holiday crafts and decorations, live music and entertainment, a snowball fight, a video gaming truck, and more winter surprises!
This year’s event will also feature a holiday market, showcasing a curated selection of local artisans and small businesses—including vendors with disabilities, youth entrepreneurs, and friends of Melwood. Guests can shop for handmade crafts and jewelry, gourmet snacks and baked goods, holiday decorations, unique gifts and toys and artwork from local makers.
“Melwood’s Miracle on 23rd Street event is about creating community and connections for Arlington’s friends and neighbors,” said Larysa Kautz, Melwood President & CEO. “As a leader in disability inclusion, Melwood strives to reflect our vision of a world where people with disabilities are fully included, and accessible community-based events are just one way we do that. We warmly welcome families from across the region to ring in the holiday season with us and learn more about Melwood’s impact on our region.”
Melwood is proud to thank Kaiser Permanente as the presenting sponsor.
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to promoting the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, connected life,” said Charima Young, Senior Director of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States. “Where we live, work, and play are essential to our overall well-being. We are proud to support Melwood’s mission as the title sponsor of an event that brings these ideals to life and celebrates inclusion for all.”
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Thalia Goddard, Corporate Giving Coordinator, at 202-740-5436 or [email protected].
Admission is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.
In the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support Melwood’s Holiday Food Drive, helping families in need this season.
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About Melwood
Melwood is a family of companies with a shared vision of a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Melwood comprises three primary companies—Melwood Enterprises, Melwood Community Services, and Melwood Inc.—together serving as one of the nation’s leading advocates, service providers, and employers of people with disabilities and their caregivers. We offer employment, job placement, job training, life skills for independence, support services, and youth and community recreational services to more than 3,000 people each year in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. For more information, visit www.melwood.org.
