‘Tis the season to be jolly and there is no shortage of ways to spread holiday cheer in the nation’s capital. From donating coats, to wrapping gifts, to planning caroling at elderly homes, DC has a wide variety of ways to give back to those in need! Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas…
- Crew Coat Drive:
Already doing holiday shopping in Georgetown? Donate a new or gently used coat to J. Crew and get $25 off your next purchase. J. Crew, located in Georgetown, has partnered with One Warm Coat, a non-profit organization that provides coats to children and adults. The aim of this drive is to collect winter and distribute them around the city to ensure everyone stays warm during the holiday season. Donations last from now until December 31st!
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program:
The Angel Tree holiday assistance program through the Salvation Army allows individuals to sponsor a child and purchase new toys, clothes, shoes, or gift cards on their wishlist. All across the US, families struggle with holiday gift expenses, so this program makes sure every kid has something to unwrap under the Christmas tree. Sponsor “elves” can either bag items directly and bring them to the Angel Tree warehouse, or purchase online and ship them to that location!
Good Karma Holiday Program:
A Wider Circle is well known as a donation center in Silver Spring, but during the holiday season, their donation drives expand to cover many different areas. Throughout December, A Wider Circle is hosting a drive where individuals can drop off unwrapped toys, books, educational games, and gift cards as a way to help families during the holidays, giving children something special to enjoy this holiday season. A Wider Circle is also collecting non-perishable foods, as well as grocery store gift cards so every family can have a nice holiday meal!
Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center:
Every year on Christmas day, the Edlavitch DCJCC organizes its largest volunteer event of the year, providing many different ways to participate and spread holiday cheer. Volunteers can deliver gifts to families in need, sing carols at homes and hospitals for the elderly, serve meals, donate blood, and so much more. It costs $20 to volunteer, and all funds go toward holiday gifts for those in need! Edlavitch DCJCC’s goal is to make each holiday season extra special.
