It’s been a big year fighting a global virus, social injustice, and for many, economic uncertainty. Many of our friends and neighbors need our support, especially around the holiday season. If you are in a position to give this year, please consider helping some of these organizations make the holiday season a little brighter for our community.
Food and Friends
Food and Friends deliver groceries and prepared meals to people in need throughout the DMV. They are not only committed to giving people access to food but also well-round nutrition information and cooking classes. For Thanksgiving, you can buy or help sell pies to help provide nutritious meals to over 4,000 people facing HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses. Or sign up for a shift to prepare meals year-round to be delivered to families in a need.
Bread for the City
Bread for the City helps DC families in need year-round with food, medical care, clothes, and social services. They are committed to making sure families have food on the table this winter. In 2021, they were able to support over 17,000 families during the holidays. Donate to Helping Holidays to help Bread for the City provide a Thanksgiving meal plus a $50 gift card to families in need.
SOME (So Others Might Eat)
“Comfort and Joy” is a phrase on holiday greeting cards for a reason. Everyone deserves these things, especially around the holidays. SOME is collecting hygiene kits including basic items like soap, razors, deodorant, and more. They also have an Amazon list and food items that they need year-round to help support the community.
You can also volunteer your time at SOME to help with a variety of community needs like adult education, serving meals, and mental health activities.
A Wider Circle
A Wider Circle is making it easy to play Santa. Get some friends together to sponsor a whole family, make a one-time donation to the Holiday Fund, or purchase gifts to be donated to children in the area. Not sure what the kids are into these days? A Wider Circle has made an Amazon wish list to help you shop. Find all holiday help opportunities on their site.
Building Bridges Across the River
Building Bridges Across the River supports several projects that give families in Ward 7 and 8 access to arts education, career planning, as well as greater access to affordable healthy food and urban agriculture education. They accept donations year-round and host community events throughout the year.
Britepaths
Britepaths helps low-income families in Fairfax County not only navigate crisis situations but also work toward a better life. They take donations year-round but you can help spread extra cheer by sponsoring a family through their Holiday Program. Due to the pandemic, they won’t be able to offer their sponsor a family program but you can still donate to support families around the holidays. $50 can buy children’s toys and $100 can support a full family meal for the holidays.
Capitol Area Food Bank
Capitol Area Food Bank does not have specific holiday giving opportunities. However, their mission to keep the DC area feed is more important than ever. Not only do they help keep food on everyone’s table but they also help with nutrition information, urban gardening, and food access advocacy. Find opportunities to donate money or food plus volunteering.
Thrive DC
Thrive DC not only helps feed the DC area but also helps with unemployment, reentry opportunities, victims of violence, and substance abuse. They have a variety of year-round volunteer opportunities and accept monthly donations. Thrive DC does not have a specific holiday giving program, but in the spirit of exchanging gifts, you can donate much-needed items. They regularly need toiletry items, socks, menstruation products, backpacks, and winter accessories. Plus, don’t miss the upcoming coat drive.
