According to alxnow.com, the volunteer‑run Markets for Good will host The Gratitude Exchange, a free holiday market, at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue) on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is designed to give Alexandria families a chance to shop locally, meet neighbors, and support two children‑focused nonprofits.
The market was organized after the Northern Virginia Christmas Market, scheduled for Nov. 6‑8 at the DTC Expo & Events Center in Sterling, was canceled just days before it was to open. The cancellation left about 150 small businesses without one of their busiest selling weekends, according to the same source.
Markets for Good is accepting vendor applications through Nov. 20. Vendors will keep 100% of their sales and may choose to donate a portion of proceeds to Volunteer Alexandria’s TOYS4alx and the Center for Alexandria’s Children’s ALX Closet, with all booth fees directed to those charities.
The Gratitude Exchange will feature photos with Santa, children’s activities, a silent auction, and a collection drive for unwrapped toys for TOYS4alx and socks and underwear for kids ages 0‑18 for the ALX Closet. Founder Heba Saleh said, “I started Markets for Good because I wanted my daughter, and kids like her, to grow up with a heart for other people.”
Markets for Good’s first Gratitude Exchange in December 2025, held at the Cowo & Créche coworking space, raised about $1,400 for Community Lodgings. A spring event titled Blooming Together later raised $1,300 for Faith & Valor, demonstrating the model’s ability to generate charitable support.
What’s next: Vendors who wish to participate must submit applications by Nov. 20. Shoppers and volunteers are encouraged to attend the Dec. 12 market and bring unwrapped toys, socks, or underwear for the children’s charities.
Sources: alxnow.com
