By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
The holidays arrived early for families in Manassas’ East End Mobile Home Community thanks to a familiar partnership focused on connection, care, and community.
For the second year in a row, Amazon teamed up with Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger and local nonprofit CFH, Inc. to host a holiday celebration designed to bring families together and ease some of the season’s pressures. The afternoon was filled with smiles, hands-on activities, and meaningful support for parents and children alike.
Families enjoyed visits with Santa, a photo booth for holiday memories, and festive entertainment including music, balloon art, and face painting. Children also participated in engaging STEM activities provided by Amazon’s education partner, Creative Hut, blending holiday fun with opportunities to learn and explore.
One of the most impactful parts of the event was the gift selection area, where parents could choose free holiday gifts and essentials for their children. Complimentary gift wrapping added a thoughtful finishing touch, ensuring families could head home ready to celebrate.
“When local partners come together like this, the impact goes far beyond one afternoon,” said Wilberte Paul, Amazon’s Community Engagement Manager. “Working alongside Mayor Davis-Younger and CFH allows us to support families in ways that truly matter and reflect what it means to be a good neighbor.”CFH Community Liaison Helen Zurita highlighted how Amazon’s support extends well beyond the holidays. “Because of Amazon’s ongoing partnership, we were able to support 40 additional families this Christmas from other communities,” she shared. “Throughout the year, that support helped us distribute more than 10,700 filled backpacks and nearly 5,000 Thanksgiving baskets across Manassas.”
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger praised the collaboration and the people behind it. “Our city is fortunate to have partners like Amazon and CFH who show up for our residents year-round,” she said.
The event reflects Amazon’s hyperlocal approach to community engagement in areas where its data centers operate, focusing on partnerships with organizations and leaders who understand local needs. For East End families, that approach translated into a joyful, welcoming celebration and a reminder that the community stands with them during the holiday season and beyond.Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Prince William Living and a longtime advocate for community storytelling, nonprofit engagement, and local leadership. With decades of experience in journalism and communications, she is passionate about highlighting the people, organizations, and partnerships that strengthen quality of life across Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
