‘Tis the season for advocacy and humanitarianism, and the nation’s capital is filled with local organizations giving back to their community through distributing food, toys, and much more.
“It’s not about giving a handout,” said Gail Holmes Taylor, secretary of Hour Generation Foundation. “It’s about welcoming the community in and letting them know that we care.”
Check out some local initiatives to volunteer, contribute goodies and make a difference for the holidays.
Do Good by the People Drive (December)
Status Apparel DC, a Black-owned lifestyle apparel brand, will host their annual Do Good by the People Drive in December to collect and donate essential items such as coats, blankets, thermals and hygiene supplies to the unhoused community.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit their main page.
Good Karma Holiday Program (Until Dec. 20)
A Wider Circle is distributing children’s toys, shelf-stable foods, and creating distinguished shopping experiences for families in need. The initiative will also be collecting and distributing $50 grocery gift cards (preferable Giant and Safeway) throughout the holiday season.
Visit here for more info.
Christmas Wishes Grant-ed (Dec. 21)
Hour Generation Foundation’s seasonal Christmas Wishes Grant-ed is set to take place in Maryland on Dec. 21, where volunteers and members of the organization will support directly partnered families in need by granting their Christmas wishes – from clothes and shoes to utilities and house furniture.
Taylor hopes that Christmas Wishes Grant-ed and other community-based efforts will create an environment of inclusion and safety for D.C. residents to get involved and seek help when needed.
“The biggest thing for us, we are family. We want [everyone] to feel welcome.”
For more information about Hour Generation Foundation’s programs, visit here.
