Robinson Student Spreads Joy With Holiday Ornament Collection

BURKE, VA — When Robinson Secondary School eighth grader Daphne Taylor learned nonprofit ECHO was collecting Christmas ornaments for people in need, she wanted to help.

ECHO was collecting ornaments for people who would not be able to afford them. Thanks to Taylor's collection efforts, the donation drive that was scheduled to end on Dec. 17 collected enough ornaments by Dec. 10. Taylor alone collected 1,070 ornaments, as well as ornament hooks, tree skirts, tree toppers and lights.

"Our home is a fun place to be during the holidays," said Taylor. "We always do a lot of decorating and it just makes me feel in the holiday spirit. I wanted to share that feeling with other people who might be struggling."

Daphne Taylor and her mother collaborated to reach out to family, friends and neighbors. Outreach was also done through social media on Facebook groups like Living in Burke, Burke Moms, Buy Nothing Burke and Robinson Parents. She also made an Amazon wish list to have items purchased and directly shipped to her.

Taylor noted people she's never met before have dropped off items at her home.

"I'm so thankful to see how many people have come together to support this project," she said. "It's been a lot of fun and I know there will be people in our community who will now be able to gather around their very own Christmas tree and celebrate the season."

Aside from her recent effort to help ECHO, Daphne Taylor volunteers at Hidden Pond Nature Center, she plays soccer with Burke Athletic Club and enjoys reading, writing, and drama. She lives with her parents and sister Vivian in Burke.

ECHO (also known as Ecumenical Community Helping Others), is a volunteer-based organization helping people with food and financial assistance as well as necessities like clothes and household items. It serves the ZIP codes of 22151, 22152, 22153, 22015, and parts of 22150 and 22312.