Bethesda, December 18, 2008—Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) and EYA, the area’s leading developer of urban neighborhoods, partnered to throw a holiday party for the public housing residents of Alexandria on Thursday December 18, 2008. The event included treats and refreshments for residents and a gift for every child from infant to 18-years-old given by everyone’s favorite holiday character, Santa Claus.

ARHA throws the holiday party every year for the families of the city’s public housing neighborhoods to bring the holiday spirit to every parent and child. Numerous City of Alexandria employees and officials, including the new Executive Director Roy Priest, partnered with EYA employees through donations and volunteerism. Hundreds of children received gifts.

Partnering with ARHA for the holiday party was a natural fit for EYA since the company has been building new home neighborhoods in the city for 16 years. In 2005, EYA partnered with ARHA for the construction of Chatham Square and they are currently working on another new neighborhood in Old Town Alexandria.