Thanksgiving is almost here. School will be temporarily replaced by time with family and friends. And while luxuries like a heated home and full-course meals might seem natural to many, countless people do without during the holiday season. Not all families are able to reunite for the holiday, and thousands within Montgomery County alone are without food. Donating food, presents or time is a great way to bring the joy of Thanksgiving to the area's less fortunate, so as we approach the holiday for giving thanks, keep these suggestions in mind for ways you can give back to the community:
Hearts and Homes for Youth
Hearts and Homes for Youth is a non-profit organization in Silver Spring that supports troubled youth and provides them with the stability necessary to successfully transition into adulthood. The organization addresses mental and physical health, and works to provide education and living arrangements.
To help local kids confront issues in their life, you can donate to the program or volunteer your time. Books, DVDs, CDs and magazines are all needed for entertainment purposes, and donating your time to the organization is just as helpful. Volunteers can meet the youth and contribute to therapeutic activities such as tutoring and mentoring.
Donations can be sent to: Hearts & Homes for Youth, 1320 Fenwick Lane, Suite 800, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Volunteers can call: 301-589-8444
Operation Gratitude
The brave and patriotic soldiers overseas cannot celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving this year. They are not with their families or in the warmth of their homes. But Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that seeks to send pieces of home to the troops, in the form of candy, cards and gifts year-round. Anything from a letter of thanks to a hand-knit scarf can be sent to soldiers in Iraq and a gesture as simple as donating leftover Halloween candy are appreciated.
Letters can be sent to: Operation Gratitude, 16444 Refugio Rd., Encino, CA 91436
Candy can be sent to: Operation Gratitude, 17330 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406
Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
The Help the Homeless Walk and Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger allow volunteers to exercise, enjoy the beautiful fall weather and donate to people in need all in one event. The Help the Homeless Program's annual walk takes place Nov. 17 on the national mall. Proceeds will support the organization's efforts to increase homeless awareness and support the local homeless and disadvantaged population. The 5K Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger, sponsored by So Others Might Eat (SOME), is just a few days later on Nov. 22. Money collected by participants goes toward getting food to the hungry on Thanksgiving.
The Help the Homeless Walk is located at the National Mall between 7th and 14th streets, NW.
The Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger is located at Ohio Dr., SW between Independence Ave. and West Basin Dr.
Children's Hospital
Every day, young children at the Children's National Medical Center of Washington D.C. are battling life-threatening diseases. Their confinement to the hospital is even more upsetting when you consider that they cannot celebrate holidays at home. While high school students are not eligible to volunteer at the hospital, they can still help to make it a happier environment. Toys, games and books can be donated to "Mr. Bear's Closet," a room stocked with donated gifts.
Donations can be sent to: Volunteer Services Office, Room 1180, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20010-2970
Bethesda Cares, Inc.
A few blocks away from the cafés, movie theaters and teeming crowds in downtown Bethesda is Bethesda Cares, Inc., an outreach organization that offers meals, addiction treatment programs, housing help, prescription medication and other services to the local homeless population. Though the organization prepares a special Thanksgiving meal with volunteer aid help is also in high demand throughout the rest of the year, particularly on average weekdays when fewer people are inclined to volunteer. The organization serves lunch at local churches every day and volunteers can help with food preparation, serving and clean-up. Clients also appreciate the entertaining cheer that volunteers bring. So from sharing your spirit to serving a meal, any effort can make someone's day more special.
Volunteers can call 301-907-9244 or e-mail judy@bethesdacares.com.
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