The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project
I grew up watching my mom go above and beyond for her students- not just in the classroom. She literally bought winter coats for a few of them. I fully believe that she helped shape the lives of some of Maryland’s most vulnerable little ones, and I have a soft spot in my heart for any organization that creates safe space for kids who need it the most. The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project believes that play is a human right that all children deserve, regardless of housing status. They partner with homeless shelters in Washington, D.C. to create safe and fun play spaces for the children where they live. They have a ton of ways that you can get involved, but one of the easiest is to donate through my Facebook fundraiser. They also have an Amazon Wish List.
Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center
You should know by now that I love animals, and while our Black Cat Soiree was specifically geared to raise money for Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, I have a special place in my heart for the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center. My parents’ Nala girl came from their shelter after her pervious owners surrendered her because their baby was allergic. She’s such a huge part of our family. The Center’s doors are open to all animals in need from dogs and cats to farm animals, wildlife, and exotics. Trained staff provide animals with daily care, mental and physical enrichment, health and wellness checks, and more. Through adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, vaccination clinics, education and outreach, the Center serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care. For easy donating, they have an Amazon Wish List of items needed.
The Salvation Army
Imagine starting your Christmas season having just lost everything. Many folks in California are experiencing that right now after the devastating fires. It is The Salvation Army’s mission to meet human need – which includes providing vital social services as well as disaster response. During times of disaster, The Salvation Army provides meals, essential items and emotional care for evacuees and first responders. You can make a monetary donation right to the Del Oro Division of the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program was a part of my life for many years. My church used to participate as well as my law firm and I was feeling a little guilty I wasn’t participating this year. I have some excited news though: All DC and Prince George’s County Angels currently have sponsors! How cool is that?
Street Sense Media
Street Sense Media creates content in print, film, theater, photography, audio, illustration and more, all for the purpose of providing economic opportunity for and elevating the voices of people experiencing homelessness in DC. The content of their media center aims to challenge perceptions of homelessness and those it affects while creating common ground upon which we can build a stronger community. Since 2003, Street Sense Media has provided hundreds of men and women with a job. A pathway to a better life. An opportunity to redefine themselves. A platform to share their story. To increase your impact during our 15th anniversary year, their Board of Directors will match any donation you make on #GivingTuesday (November 27) up to a total $30,000.
BONUS: Toys for Tots
The cool thing about Toys for Tots is that it’s just about everywhere this time of year. Here’s my protip: I had to reach $100 to get free shipping while doing Christmas shopping. I popped a toy to donate into my cart to make up the difference. My office building is holding a collection, as did my previous place of employment, but you can find a list of DC dropoff’s right here.
I’d love to know your favorite organizations to give back to! Feel free to drop a link in the comments!
Remember that if you choose to purchase through a charititable organization’s Amazon wish list, you can double support by using Amazon Smile! You can set up your Smile account to donate cash back to the charity of your choice, regardless whose list you purchase from! Once your account is set up, simply Find a List or Registry for whichever charity for which you’d like to shop!
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