A regional windshield wiper giveaway and two donation programs are available to Arlington residents this month.
Free windshield wiper replacements and installation are available to all D.C.-area drivers through this Saturday as part of Metro Motors’ annual “Wiper Week.” Meanwhile, Casual Adventures Outfitters is collecting used socks in Virginia Square through the end of the month, while Target is collecting old car seats in exchange for coupons.
Wiper blade giveaway
Drivers are required to register in advance for the Wiper Week giveaway. The free wipers will be available for pickup from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday at the D.C. DMV Inspection Station, located at 1001 Half Street SW.
Wiper blades will be available while supplies last, but might not be available for all vehicle makes and models, according to the program website. The blades will be installed by an automotive technician on site, and participants’ old blades will be recycled or discarded.
The program’s sponsor says it hopes to “increase safe driving in our nation’s capital and to raise awareness about the importance of visibility on the road — for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike.”
“This initiative is particularly important especially after this most recent harsh winter, where snow, ice, and salt have significantly degraded the functionality of our windshield wipers,” Metro Motors said in a press release. “With spring’s rainy season fast approaching, ensuring that wipers are in optimal condition is crucial for safe driving.”
Used sock donations
Casual Adventure Outfitters (3451 Washington Blvd) is gathering used socks through Thursday, April 30, to repurpose in honor of Earth Day.
The local retailer has amassed more than 1,600 pounds of socks in Arlington over the past six years. Sock fibers help create items like dog beds and garments which are available for purchase in-store, according to a press release.
“We are grateful to everyone who donated socks—local scout troops, youth sports teams, schools, outdoor clubs, and individuals in and around Arlington,” Manager Eric Stern said. “We are always looking for eco-friendly ways to improve our business and our planet. This is a sustainable solution for spring cleaning.”
The store is requesting donations through a partnership with manufacturer Smartwool for The Second Cut Project, which uses the sock fibers to create new goods.
Car seat donations
Elsewhere in Arlington, Target’s biannual car seat trade-in returns later this month. Customers who donate a car seat can receive a 20% off Target Circle coupon.
Over the years, the department store chain has repurposed the resin from donated car seats to create more than 690,000 merchandise items under its Brightroom and Room Essentials brands.
“Each car seat traded in is part of something bigger. Over the last decade, the program has helped keep more than 58 million pounds of materials out of landfills,” Target said in a release.
The donation drive is happening from Sunday, April 19 through Saturday, May 2. The following Target locations are in Arlington.
- 1500 Wilson Blvd (Rosslyn)
- 740 N. Glebe Road (Ballston)
- 900 Army Navy Drive (Pentagon City)
