First Annual Zachary Parker Christmas Drive gives away hundreds of gifts to local kids

by Reston Letter Staff

Zachary Parker, who grew up in Reston, played at South Lakes and then professionally, organized his first annual Christmas giveaway to local kids, as a way to give back to the community who helped him as a child. Photo (left) by Benjamin Burgess (right) contributed by Zachary Parker

Zachary Parker, a Restonian and former South Lakes Seahawks football star and professional football player, hosted a Christmas giveaway event on Dec. 23. After his time at South Lakes, Parker received a full ride football scholarship to Liberty University, was invited to the Washington Redskins rookie camp in 2018, then went on to play in the Canadian and Arena football leagues.

At the event, Parker gave away 500 toys, over 100 pieces of sports equipment, 15 pairs of brand new shoes, and fed all the kids and families who came to the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. “I want to give back to the community because they have supported me so much since I was young. Northern Virginia is the best place in the world and I love being from here.” Parker plans to make his giveaway an annual event for the Reston community.