The end of the year carries lots of themes in our culture. Family. Friendship. Giving. With presents stacked under the Christmas tree and hot chocolate in our hands, it’s easy to forget that not everyone has been fortunate enough to have these warm moments. Many of us will receive presents this year, but why not direct some of that giving spirit to those in need? This holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of local charities with a wide range of goals to make this time of the year better for everyone.
The winter season is a time for helping others and giving gifts. In honor of that, Arlington’s Department of Human Services has started a Holiday Giving Program that will last until December 24. They accept gift cards, checks, or credit card payments. By donating money instead of presents, it empowers recipients to choose their own gifts. With your donation, Arlington will aid local low income families, disabled people, teen parents and other underprivileged groups. The Department of Human Services has provided many ways to donate, and the specifics can be found on their website.
But it’s not just humans that can be helped this winter. As this year comes to an end, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) will be undergoing major renovations. While they plan to add onto their dog intake area, the current inhabitants will need a place to stay. However, it’s not just dogs that will be needing foster homes this season. Cats, lizards, guinea pigs and more animals are hoping for a vacation from the shelter. From now until December 23, The AWLA will be matching foster families with pets on a first come, first serve basis, provided you follow the AWLA’s foster care rules and guidelines. The pets will need to be kept until at least January 12, and the shelter will provide basic equipment.
It’s likely to snow this winter in Arlington, meaning those in need will need extra warm clothes. The neighborhood of Rosslyn is collaborating with PathForward, a charity to support the homeless. Rosslyn has been putting on this Holiday Clothing drive for the past 15 years. From now until December 20, you can put new or slightly used clothes in designated purple donation boxes all across the neighborhood. Donations should be put in plastic bags before being left in the boxes. There are 19 total locations, many of them being on Arlington Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard. This season, winter clothes, jeans and turtlenecks are in high demand.
An iconic part of the holiday season that can’t be overlooked is the food. Meals with family and friends are common regardless of what you celebrate, and donating food can spread this joy to everyone. The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is starting their holiday grocery donations. AFAC, helping over 4,000 Arlington families each week, is a great charity to donate to this season. From now until the 21st, AFAC will accept whole chickens and distribute them to their clients in time for Christmas. AFAC also needs canned foods low in sugar and sodium, as well as peanut butter and cereal. Additionally, sugar, flour and cooking oil will help families in need make baked goods for the holiday season. Food can be dropped off at the AFAC Headquarters Warehouse, as well as 18 other locations located throughout Arlington.
Arlington Thrive is a safety net organization that provides economic support to Arlington residents. To help those in crisis become self-sufficient will benefit families for many years to come. Their Unlock Stability event will aid mainly South Arlington residents, where family homelessness has increased by 33%. Their ambitious plan to raise $430,000 this holiday season will invest in long term support, such as providing childcare, enabling workforce development, and preventing evictions. For the especially charitable, one can join the Flight Crew and become a monthly donor.
With this list of charities in hand, we hope you can go on to make someone’s winter a little bit better.
