DCHA Families Celebrate t...

DCHA Families Celebrate the Holiday Season with 'Gift of Love'

The DC Housing Authority (DCHA) created a magical holiday experience for hundreds of DCHA families at the agency's annual Gift of Love celebration. The event was hosted at THEARC West in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 17.

Festivities for the day included toy giveaways, face painting, a photo station, music and dancing, holiday-themed refreshments like hot cocoa, and a visit from a very special guest - Santa Claus. Many staff volunteers and attendees also dressed for the occasion with fun accessories like red Santa hats and reindeer ears.

All children in attendance could select from multiple giveaways, including toys, books, winter coats and sneakers. Youth also got the chance to meet, chat and take family photos with Santa.

Gift of Love was originally started by a group of DCHA staff members in 2003. For more than 20 years, the event has been a December staple and brought joy to thousands of participating DCHA residents.

DCHA is grateful to the employees who donated directly to the event and organizational partners who helped make this year's celebration a success, including:

LonCh Inc. | A Wider Circle | The DC Housing Finance Agency | Hausfeld | The DC Re-Engagement Center

Last Updated on December 24, 2025