(Posted 2026 January)

Twinkling eyes and excited smiles were on full display as foster families gathered to celebrate the holiday season. This year, Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption partnered with Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Inc., IWLA for their Annual Children’s Holiday Party on December 13.

Despite the blustery weather that day, approximately 13 resource families and 30 children aged 4-14 years old attended this magical event. The afternoon was full of joy and laughter, festive holiday activities, delicious treats, and special surprises!

This cheerful event gave our resource parents a chance to enjoy a delicious buffet-style meal in good company. It was a great chance for the children to have fun playing together while the adults took the time to get to know one another.

It was an absolute delight for the children to enjoy a variety of games and prizes. Seeing their eyes light up and their bright smiling faces when Santa entered the room was only second to their excitement when he handed out their gifts.

The Grinch also made an appearance much to the children’s surprise. There is no doubt that his heart grew three sizes that day.

We are so glad that so many of our foster families decided to spend the afternoon at this event allowing the community to show their appreciation for all that you do. It’s safe to say that the weather outside might have been frightful, but the warmth and generosity of spirit inside more than made up for it.

Thank you to the organizers at the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter, Inc., IWLA for the hard work, support and dedication they demonstrated through this event.