Annandale children select free toys at ‘Sib Shop’

Volunteers help children pick out a free toy at the Wedgewood Community Center.

More than 250 children got to pick out free holiday gifts at a “Sibling Shop” holiday party Dec. 19 hosted by Facets at the Wedgewood Community Center in Annandale.

Facets, a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services to help lower-income people in Fairfax County break out of the poverty cycle, operates four community centers, including one at the Wedgewood apartments.

Facets hosts five “Sib Shops” every December to give lower-income children a chance to select a free gift for a brother, sister or other family member, have it wrapped, and enjoy a snack. Because the gathering at the Wedgewood was so large, the children were permitted to select gifts for themselves.

The toys were donated by Facet’s corporate partners, faith communities, and individuals.

Related story: Wedgewood Community Center provides a haven for Annandale kids

Many of the children at the Wedgewood event hang out at the community center all year for homework help and other activities. The center also hosts programs for parents, such as English language and life skills classes.