Give

I can’t take credit for coming up with this idea (that goes to wonderful and hilarious Suburban Snapshots), but it’s presented with just as much sincerity as if I’d thought of it myself…  Recently on Facebook, I asked readers to share the charities close to their hearts, so I could compile a list here to help promote their causes. And while the idea may have begun during the “giving season,” this list will remain a permanent fixture here on KFDC. Because it’s always a good time to give back.

ACCA Child Development Center  “…in Annandale – offering great programs for babies, toddlers and pre-school children for low income families and need all the help possible.”

AEQuitas  “a DC based NGO working globally to improve access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking”

Ayuda  “A local 40 year old institution providing very-much needed legal and social services to the DC-Metro immigrant community.”

Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington  “DC Breastfeeding Center–amazing support for nursing moms and their families, plus tons of free or low-cost classes.”

Bright Beginnings  ” A daycare for homeless children in Washington, DC.”

CASA Prince George’s  “…a great organization helping foster children in Prince George’s County.”

The Campagna Center  “We love the work of The Campagna Center. Right here in Alexandria!”

Childhood League Center “They are an amazing organization: To honor the bright future and hopes all families have for their children with special needs, The Childhood League Center ensures state-of-the-art programs and services for all children.”

Cure JM Foundation  “…a 501 (c)3 all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to funding research into a cure for Juvenile Myositis, a rare, life-threatening, pediatric autoimmune disease. Locally, Cure JM funds the GW Myositis Center at the George Washington University Hospital”

DC Chapter of the National MS Society  “Thanks for this opportunity. We recommend the DC Chapter of the National MS Society”

DC Diaper Bank   “…getting diapers to low-income families.”

Days for Girls increases access to menstrual care and education by developing global partnerships, cultivating social enterprises, mobilizing volunteers, and innovating sustainable solutions that shatter stigmas and limitations for women and girls.

Easter Seals  “My son goes to an ES daycare and gets his therapies there while getting to interact with special needs and typically developing kids. It’s been a total blessing in our lives.”

Eliana’s Light Supporting families with children who have complex medical conditions by focusing on their whole health and well-being and “doing amazing work for area families!”

Epilepsy Foundation  “They’re having a walk in DC on April 20 also.

FARE “Works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. The hope is to find a cure by Investing in world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of the disease, Providing evidence-based education and resources, Undertaking advocacy at all levels of government, and Increasing awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue.”

Friends of FSH Research  “Not local to DC… my brother has FSH muscular dystrophy.”

Healthy Babies Project  “My fave is Healthy Babies Project…active all year helping parents make a better life for their children (particularly low income teen moms) with parent ed, job training and more. They also have a wonderful adopt-a-family Christmas program, which I appreciate for helping teach my kids they’re part of a bigger world.”

Heart on a Mission “A non-profit that continues to support our military families by creating a sense of belonging and a community for each family member. Help HOAM continue to spread and create more HOAM’s away from HOME!”

Heifer International

Higher Achievement  “Fabulous after school and summer enrichment programs for DC, Alexandria, and Baltimore kids (great organization to volunteer with too!)”

Holiday Mail for Heroes “(Deadline is Dec 7th…send Xmas cards to US military members in hospitals or overseas during the holidays (via the American Red Cross).

HOPE – HOPE in Northern Virginia, Inc. has offered pregnancy counseling and assistance since 1971.

India Development and Relief Fund Breaking the cycle of poverty in India and Nepal by empowering marginalized people with skills, services and infrastructure grounded in sustainable development.

The Jimmy Fund  “Jimmy Fund. It saved my niece’s life!”

KID Museum is an innovative learning space that incorporates STEM, art, and culture into their offerings.

Kid Power  “Kid Power is the small non-profit I work for and we have some amazing kids in our program.”

Lab Rescue of the LRCP

Living Classrooms Foundation

Living Water International

LUNGevity Foundation  “Lungevity raises money for lung cancer research and patient support services”

Mission: Sleep – Serving military moms and their children

National Hospice Foundation

OAR Project Angel Christmas Gift Delivery “I volunteered at OAR one year. You help pick presents for children of incarcerated parents. The parent writes a note with what the child is into and you’ll do your best matching it with a pick from the donation pile. Then wrap it and you can even deliver them, but you don’t have to. They provide all the supplies.”

An Open Book Foundation “It’s a great DC organization that brings authors and illustrators to Title I schools and gives each child a book.”

PeacePlayers International  “It is an international organization which brings together youth in areas of conflict through basketball. They are helping to develop future leaders in divided areas, making the world a more peaceful place for future generations.”

Phoenix Bikes The Arlington organization educates youth, promotes bicycling, and builds community through mentoring programs and a community bike shop.

Pitt Hopkins Syndrome International Network  “Finding a cure for the rare genetic disorder.”

Ponseti International  “A group near & dear to my heart. My son can walk due to Dr. Ponseti’s outstanding achievements in non-surgical clubfoot practices. The Ponseti organization is run through the Univ. of Iowa.”

Project Create  A community-based nonprofit that promotes creative youth development through multi-disciplinary arts education and enrichment.

Reece’s Rainbow Adoption Ministry  “Reece’s Rainbow Ministry for Down Syndrome Orphans. They are local and absolutely phenomenal!!!!”

Ronald McDonald House “Among other things, they provide lodging to families with children in the hospital. Sometimes the hospital isn’t close to home, so having a nearby place to stay while your child is being treated is huge relief-both financially and emotionally!”

Rosemount Center  “A wonderful, dual-language daycare in Mt Pleasant that blends Early Head Start and tuition-paying families to provide culturally diverse experiences (and great child care).”

United Community Ministries

Waterfront Academy “It is a Spanish dual immersion Montessori school in the Catholic tradition. It is open doing in person learning and it comes with financial strains.”

Washington Youth Garden – The nonprofit provides a refuge and a learning space for youth and families across DC.

Wheels for Wishes – “We’re a fundraising organization for Children’s Hospitals in Maryland. Our charity program accepts donations of unwanted vehicles to auction or recycle to provide proceeds for local kids in debilitating medical conditions who need our help.”

Wonders Child Care Center  “…a fantastic non-profit child care organization, with two early childhood programs (infants, toddlers and preschoolers) in Bethesda, and five before and after school programs in various elementary schools.”

Wreaths Across America “They are the organization that provides the wreaths for the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.”

 

*Do you have a charity close to your heart you don’t see here?  Feel free to share it in the comments, and I’ll add it to the list.