10 Ways to Give Back in Alexandria

Somehow we are already in the midst of the holiday season, and there are many great, local organizations that need help. Here are 10 ways to give back to Alexandria this holiday season: 

1. Donate New Toys! 

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Santa's Winter Wonderland Toy Drive for Alexandria's children in need

• When: December 2nd-December 17th
• What: New unwrapped toys for infants to 17 year olds 
• Where: Toys can be dropped off at ARHA Offices at 600 North Fairfax St or 18th Roth St. from 9:30am to 5:00pm 
• More information: http://www.arha.us/

Community Lodgings Christmas Store: 

• Each year Community Lodgings organizes a Christmas store for children in its programs to use "reward money" to buy their families gifts. Donations of baby toys as well as many other items are needed. http://www.actionalexandria.org/blog/community-lodgings-christmas-store

Firefighters and Friends to The Rescue Annual Toy Distribution:

• When: December 17 at 11:00 am
• What: Monetary donations to help buy new toys for children and youth
• How: Donations can be made at http://www.ffandfriends2therescue.org/

2. Contribute to local nonprofit organizations! 

 Alexandria's Community Wish List: 

•  A list of needs from several of Alexandria's nonprofit organizations. Choose an organization from this list: http://www.actionalexandria.org/action/choose-item-donate-alexandrias-community-wish-list-here and purchase an item online 

Review this list from the Alexandria Gazette Packet: http://www.alexandriagazette.com/news/2013/nov/27/editorial-holidays-are-about-giving-alexandria/

3. Sponsor a wish list!

 DCHS Holiday Sharing Program: 

• Sponsor a wish list from low income families, foster children, elderly or disabled citizens
• Gifts will be delivered to the homes of families or seniors
• To sign up: http://apps.alexandriava.gov/HolidaySharing/

4. Volunteer!

Volunteer Alexandria has a number of opportunities posted for holiday volunteer needs: http://www.volunteeralexandria.org/

5. Donate a new or used book! 

Several nonprofits organizations dedicated to improving children's literacy are in need of book donations: http://www.actionalexandria.org/action/alexandria-community-book-drive

6. Buy your Christmas Tree from The Alexandria Police Youth Camp!

Since 1947, AYPC has been offering children in Alexandria a place to meet friends, try new exciting adventures, and participate in character building activities. Buy your Christmas tree from APYC now through the 15th to support summer camp for local youth. http://www.actionalexandria.org/blog/apyc-christmas-tree-sale

7. Shop Local: 

Shopping locally keeps dollars in our community and can even help local causes. Find out more reasons to shop local: http://shoplocalalexandria.com/why-shop-local/

8. Remember your furry friends! 

Several local animals shelters are in need of donations this holiday season, including: 

•  Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: alexandriaanimals.org
•  King Street Cats: http://www.kingstreetcats.org/
•  Tails High: http://www.tailshigh.org/home/

9. Treat Your Neighbors!

Pay it forward and share your holiday spirit with your friends next door. 

10. And...Don't Forget about Your Local Community Foundation!

• ACT for Alexandria with its donors gave over $1 million to support charities nationwide and made it possible for 137 Alexandria-based nonprofits to continue to provide their essential services: http://www.actforalexandria.org/. 
• Read this article posted in the Alexandria Times from Executive Director of ACT for Alexandria, John Porter on the Season of Giving Back: http://alextimes.com/2013/12/the-season-of-giving-back/

Do you have any other ideas about how to give back? Leave your comments!