By Bailey Lucero-Carter
The holiday of Thanksgiving invites us to celebrate all the big and small things in our lives that we appreciate, whether they be friends or family, a new book or a new car, ourselves or our community. This Thanksgiving season, spread the spirit of giving in your community by donating, volunteering or participating in charity events near home. Participating in any of the following events or opportunities could bring greater joy and appreciation to others thanks to you.
Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery
Alexandria, Nov. 25.
Last year, Brenda Stone’s Thanksgiving event helped serve over 300 members of the Alexandria community. This year, you can help bring Thanksgiving meals to even more families in Alexandria by delivering dinners to homes or by donating money or food. / brendarstone@aol.com; 703-615-4862.
Our Daily Bread Fall Food Drives
Fairfax, Saturdays through Dec. 13
Our Daily Bread partners with Safeway to collect food for families in need. You can help by donating nonperishable items to the food drives on Saturdays through December 13, or look into volunteer opportunities with Our Daily Bread. / info@ODBfairfax.org; 703-273-8829.
Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
D.C., Nov. 27
So Others May Eat’s (SOME) 13th annual event raises money and awareness for the homeless and hungry living in DC. Participate as a runner or look into helping as a volunteer. Proceeds from this event will go towards helping those in need by providing food, clothing and health care. / trotforhunger@some.org; 202-797-8806
Slice of Life
D.C., Pie sales close Nov. 20
Who knew treating yourself could be so generous towards others? When you purchase a pie from Slice of Life, you help deliver one full day of meals to a Food & Friends client facing HIV/AIDS, cancer or another critical illness. Each pie is hand-crafted and tastes great for a good cause. / info@foodandfriends.org; 202-269-2277
Night Of Charitable Giving
Tysons Corner, Nov. 23
At Tysons Corner Center, you can support the charity of your choice by attending this after-hours event. All ticket sales go to your respective charity and the charity with the most guests will receive $10,000. Special guests like Marcin Gortat of the Washington Wizards and dancers from the Washington Ballet will also be there to celebrate and give thanks./ becca.willcox@macerich.com; 703-893-9401
The Salvation Army
Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County & Prince William County
The Salvation Army offers multiple opportunities in several locations for giving back to the community. You can help by volunteering or donating to this nonprofit organization during the holiday season or year-round.