Remember what the Hill Center used to look like, not four years ago? Photo by María Helena Carey
The holiday season, even if you love it, can get diluted. The high drama of cooking and getting along as family on Thanksgiving can be stressful enough. Then along come, in rapid succession #BlackFriday, #SmallBusinessSaturday and #CyberMonday (even if the Washington Sports Team doesn’t know how the “cyber” part works), depleting your wallet as they promise they are saving you cash.
Here is a hashtag to remind you that the holiday season is as much about giving as it is receiving: #GivingTuesday. Created in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Fund, today is an occasion to remember that there are many organizations out there who work tirelessly year-round to make sure our quality of life and the human condition are improved. From providing shelter and help to victims of domestic abuse, to rescuing and finding homes for furry friends, to educating the community in valuable ways, non-profit organizations need our support to keep doing necessary and vital work around town.
I am not here to tell you that you don’t need the latest iThing, or another ugly sweater. But I am here to tell you that if you scored big on days prior, and you will continue to shop for yourself and others, that you should add a favorite cause (or causes) to your holiday shopping list. Think of it as the ultimate gift you give yourself: a better, stronger, more beautiful community, and one that you are proud to call home, because you have helped make it better.
Here are some local organizations participating in #GivingTuesday. Now go forth and spread some holiday cheer, you wonderful little elves!
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW)
What would Capitol Hill be without CHAW? Decidedly less #CHAWsome, for sure. The organization has been providing art education for all ages, as well as a place to congregate, since 1972. Click here to donate to CHAW!
We take diapers for granted (unless they have a major leak when you’re running late). But what happens when you cannot afford diapers for your baby? Enter the DC Diaper Bank! Created in 2009 by Hill resident Corinne Cannon, the Diaper Bank helps provide free diapers to families in need across the DC area. Click here to make a donation!
For many dogs (and cats), especially in rural areas, ending up in a shelter means an 80% chance of being euthanized. The good people at Rural Dog Rescue foster these animals and help them escape a certain death, and help get them new forever homes– especially through events like their adoption pop-ups at Howl to the Chief. Click here to make a donation!
Since 2002, Casey Trees has been actively preserving DC’s tree canopy, thereby making our city healthier and more beautiful. In addition, they have been educating the community about the importance of trees. Click here to make a donation!
Part resting place of some of Washington’s most illustrious former residents (and soon to be Marion Barry’s final resting place), and part rambunctious-dog heaven, Congressional Cemetery is a rolling-hill anchor of peace and loveliness at the easternmost end of our neighborhood. Click here to donate!
Do you remember when the Naval Hospital was a terrible eyesore on Pennsylvania Avenue SE? Now the Hill Center is a beautiful oasis, surrounded by gardens and offering lectures, music, and great classes for the community. How did this happen? Thanks to all of us. Click here to make a donation!
Imagine a world where people of all faiths come together to make a difference within their own community and uphold social justice. This is not a lyric from a John Lennon song, but part of the mission of CHGM, which has been helping the homeless in the community since 1967. Click here to make a donation!
We’ve all been teens and know the turmoil and annoyance of the teen years, even if some of us tend to forget it. For some teens, there is the added stress and uncertainty of living in the streets or having an estranged relationship with family. Nestled in the heart of our neighborhood, the Sasha Bruce Youthwork is the area’s only youth-specific shelter. Click here to donate!
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You can access other local causes through DC Gives More on Crowdrise, by clicking on the link. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even join in on the #UNselfie project through DC Gives More.
Other awesome causes to consider from around town:
DASH DC: Helping victims of domestic abuse
Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum
Did we miss your cause? Tweet us @TheHillisHome or leave us a comment! (Oh, and thank you.)