| PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joshua Kinney Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: 484-557-1601 jkinney@missiondc.org |
| Hundreds of Local Children Will Receive Gifts, Hope, and Holiday Joy Washington, DC — December 15, 2025 — Tomorrow morning, Central Union Mission will launch Operation Christmas Miracle, its annual Christmas outreach that brings joy, dignity, and hope to children throughout the Washington metropolitan region. Media outlets are invited to capture powerful holiday moments as families receive gifts donated by generous neighbors across the DMV. Each year, Operation Christmas Miracle ensures that children, many from families facing financial hardship, wake up on Christmas morning with new toys, gift cards, and surprises that remind them they are loved and not forgotten. This year, thousands of toys have been collected through community sponsorships, church partnerships, Amazon Wish List purchases, and individual and corporate donations. “Christmas should be a season of joy for every child,” said Joe Mettimano, President & CEO of Central Union Mission. “Through the incredible kindness of our community, we get to tell each child, ‘You matter. You are seen. And you are loved.’ That is the heart of Operation Christmas Miracle.” MEDIA OPPORTUNITY — TOMORROW (AND SELECT DATES) Members of the media are invited to attend the events, capture the joy, and hear firsthand testimonies from families, volunteers, and Mission leadership. Reporters, photographers, and videographers will find rich, uplifting visuals and human-interest stories, including:
For more information, questions, or to learn more, please contact Joshua Kinney, Director of Marketing & Communications, at jkinney@missiondc.org or call 484-557-1601. LOCATIONS & DISTRIBUTIONS *Washington, DC – Comprehensive Family Resource Center Tues, Dec. 16 & Wed, Dec. 17 — 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 3194 Bladensburg Rd., NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20018 *Arlington, VA – Mission: NOVA Fri, Dec. 19 & Tues, Dec. 23 — 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM 5401 7th Rd S, Arlington, VA 22204 About Central Union Mission: Central Union Mission, Washington, DC’s oldest private social service agency and a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers a comprehensive array of services to men, women and children in need from DC, Virginia and Maryland. Beyond offering over 60,000 bed-nights annually at its emergency shelter, the Mission’s shelter provides a full suite of transformational programs. Our Comprehensive Family Resource Center provides food and clothing to approximately 5,000 individuals monthly, as well as transformative wrap-around services. Our Mission: NOVA center in south Arlington provides critically needed social services, as well as food and clothing. All three facilities use a co-located service model providing onsite job training/placement, education, help with addictions, ESL classes, parenting classes, healthcare, assistance to veterans and senior citizens, legal aid, assistance with housing, spiritual discipleship and more. Additionally, the Mission operates a camp for underprivileged children and a 24-bed transition home. Our reputation is reflected in our four-star rating from Charity Navigator, Platinum Seal for financial transparency from Candid, and Top-Rated award from Great Non-Profits.  |