The holiday season is one of the best times to show up for your community, and there are no shortage of ways to lend a hand. From collecting cans from neighbors to supporting Turkey Trotters, here are some of the best ways to give back this season.
Of course, you can run in the annual Trot for Hunger, but for those of us who are less athletically inclined, you can volunteer to table at the event, help runners register, direct traffic, or hand out water bottles.
Help Food & Friends home-deliver more than 4,600 holiday meals to neighbors battling serious illnesses. Volunteer to prep, package, or deliver roasted turkeys, pie, and other Thanksgiving favorites anytime between now and Thanksgiving day.
DIY Can Collecting
A few of our neighbors have been carting around a wagon knocking on doors to collect extra non-perishable food. They donate it to a local church supporting immigrant families affected by ICE. Meeting your neighbors, giving back, AND getting your steps in? Say less.
DC Central Kitchen has opportunities to help with food prep every day. Work alongside full-time staff to chop, prep, and distribute food to combat hunger in the District.
Volunteers distribute Thanksgiving food bundles to Ward 7 residents in Washington, D.C. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
You can sign up to host your own food drive this Thanksgiving — or anytime — with the Maryland Food Bank. They walk you through the process and provide all the materials. All you need to do is get people to come out! There is also an option for a virtual food drive, which makes it even easier.
Think ahead to the upcoming holidays and sign up to help A Wider Circle stock their Winter Wonderland by sorting through donations, selecting and wrapping gifts, and decorating.
Local non-profit Bread for the City is looking for donations for their annual Holiday Helpings program. Drop off frozen turkeys, canned veggies, cornbread mix, winter clothing, and other staples at one of their two drop-off locations.
Donate!
If you are unable to volunteer this holiday season, consider donating. All of the organizations listed above are great places to start. You can also check out our list of local spots that accept food donations.
