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These are the nonprofit organizations we've had the pleasure of working with this past year.
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN)
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
SCRAP DC (no longer operational; please support SCRAP B-MORE in Baltimore)
Latino Economic Development Center
The National Police Accountability Project
Collective Action for Safe Spaces
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
December brings us holiday markets and happy hours galore (plus, this is DC. Happy hours are a dime-a-freakin'-dozen here), but then there's the weird and wonderful, in the parlance of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" (once and for all, it's not "electric boobs). We'll be keeping you up-to-date on loads of holly-jolly events to bring out the #dogoodfeelgood spirit, but we wanted to make an extra-special good effort to let you know about a few that are a little silly, sassy, fun, funky, funny, offbeat, off-brand, zany et zarbi (that's Verlan, or French reverse slang, for bizarre).
Blades of Glory
Brush up your Salchows, loop spins and camel toes (wait, no, strike that, reverse it -- toe LOOPS and camel SPINS) for an afternoon of ice skating. Proceeds will purchase a dairy cow and hens, which will provide nutrition and income for children in a Ugandan orphanage. And before you ask, no, the cow will not be purchased in Virginia and transported to Africa -- she refused to fly coach (diva). Come out, have fun, do good, and please remember -- this is not a blood drive: Watch those blades. -- December 11
Mad About Mitzvahs
If doing good spins your dreidel right 'round, join the Jewish Federation's Mitzvah Hoppin' group to celebrate Hanukkah with the residents of Chevy Chase Senior House. A "mitzvah" means a good deed. To our knowledge, there's not a word that means "eating oodles of latkes," but that's always a good idea. - December 18
Cocoa Cheer
See the world in chocolate. Join a tour of some of the most spectacular embassies, all gussied up for the holidays (the buildings, not you, though feel free to get decked out if you want), learn about foreign culture and government, and sample chocolate from around the world. Santa would approve. Please note, this is a walking tour. No sleighs provided. December 18
Rollin' With My Homies
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year again! December is the only month of the year when wearing truly hideoous knitwear is not only socially acceptable, but encouraged. #SantaCause, to benefit Safe Shores - The DC Children's Advocacy Center, not only demands that you whack on your best Ugly Christmas Sweater (it should be a proper noun), but a pair of roller skates as well. December 23
Nothing quite represents the start of the holiday season like the month of November. While we prepare for the upcoming holidays, planning trips to visit family and getting a head start on gift shopping, it can be easy to forget that there are many people who live in our community who are not as fortunate as we are. This Thanksgiving, consider showing your gratitude by helping families in need:
So Others Might Celebrate
Register for SOME's Trot for Hunger before the annual gorge.
So Others May Eat is a community-based organization that helps the poor and the homeless in D.C. by providing food and clothing, as well as job training and health care to its clients. Lace up your sneakers for the annual Trot for Hunger, volunteer to prepare meals or staff the dining room, or donate healthy, nonperishables for the SOME pantry. Whether you give in kind or give your time, you get the chance to make an impact.
How Many Metric Tons of Coleslaw is That?
This is not a false statement
Every year, the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center hosts its Everything But The Turkey (EBTT) program to prepare thousands of Thanksgiving meals for those in need. The program takes place from November 20-22, and volunteers can sign up to prepare side dishes such as green beans, stuffing, coleslaw, and more. The food that is prepared will be distributed by DC Central Kitchen to more than 88 homeless shelters and community kitchens in the area.
DCCK is also looking for their own volunteers to help with food preparation and crop gleaning, so sign up to cut, chop, peel or harvesting produce that would otherwise go to waste.
Coats of Arms
What a lovely coat you have, sir.
There are more than 15,000 homeless people in DC, and winter is coming. In an effort to help individuals stave off the cold, several organizations are holding coat drives. If you have any gently worn winter coats, mitten, or hats that you would like to give away, here are some resources:
Spread Cheer
The Holiday Project will need December volunteers as well, but first, Thanksgiving.
The mission of The Holiday Project is to spread cheer among people in nursing homes and hospitals by arranging visits and bringing the holiday spirit directly to the residents. Participate in visits on Thanksgiving and sing-a-longs in December.
I Think I Can
Canstruction is a charity art exhibition of sculptures created from unopened cans of food, which are subsequently donated to hunger relief organizations.
Capitol Area Food Bank has several opportunities to give back throughout the upcoming months. Give canned goods and other nonperishable food items at Giant or Harris Teeter, or purchase a $5 bag of wellness items at Shoppers. All events are happening through November and December.
While the holidays are a wonderful time to donate your energy to helping others, the need for volunteers is year-round. Do not be discouraged if an organization has reached its maximum number of volunteers around this time of year. Your help after the new year will be just as beneficial as it would be in November and December. Do good feel good!
This blog was compiled by Daily Do Good interns Daria Craciun and Dajzia Fratiello
Upon first glance, D.C. can be seen as a city full of power-hungry politicians and business people rushing to their next oh-so important meeting. The arts are probably the last thing people think of when discussing D.C.’s normal activities. Although D.C. is a bustling city with a knack for brunch and yoga, the performing arts scene is growing and is quickly becoming a favorite D.C. pastime.
Finding good live art that also has a philanthropic base can be a hefty feat. That being said, we have put together a comprehensive list of nonprofits that all give back to their community in some way.
The Forum Theatre -- Offers accessible, affordable and entertaining plays that inspire conversation surrounding issues that are relevant in local, national, and global aspects. Using a pay-what-you-want ticketing system, The Forum celebrates and welcomes people from all walks of life. They encourage their audience members to pay whatever price they want in return for entertaining and well-done theatre. Keep up-to-date on upcoming shows via Forum-Theatre.org or their Facebook page.
Young Playwrights’ Theatre -- All young artists deserve the chance to showcase their creativity. Young Playwrights’ Theatre empowers children through developing confidence, critical thinking, and language skills in order to create beautiful works of art that they can be proud of. By encouraging their students to take control of their academic and creative success, YPT kids are able to visualize how their work can influence the communities around them. Every student has a voice to showcase his or her story, and YPT creates that space in order for every young artist to develop that story. YPT just concluded their final performance for the season on June 13. Check out their website, Facebook page, and watch clips from past performances on their YouTube channel.
This is My Brave, Inc.- “One day we will live in a world where we won’t have to call it “brave” when talking about mental illness. We’ll just call it talking.” This is My Brave is a community that seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness through original song, poetry, and essay which is then published onto their blog and YouTube page. They believe that mental illnesses have been in the dark too long and that it is time to shed light on these issues.
Only Make Believe- Only Make Believe is an interactive theatre group that seeks to bring joy and inspiration to hospitalized children struggling with chronic illnesses. The troupe of ten actors travels to different hospitals in the D.C. area to create a little magic in those stuffy hospital rooms. OMB is always seeking volunteers to help sew costumes, set up the playrooms, or even just be a helping hand.
THEARC- THEARC is run by Building Bridges Across the River, which is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of those who live east of the Anacostia River. THEARC provides access to educational, cultural, recreational, health, and social service programs. Everyone deserves a chance to engage and participate in theatre and art, and THEARC hosts various theatrical events in their space, including plays, musical productions, round table discussions, and more. THEARC has many shows playing in July. To find out more, check out their website.
About the Author: Madison Kendrick is a summer intern at the Daily Do Good. She studies marketing and political science at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Madison is a longtime dancer and arts enthusiast.
I did not know what to expect on my first day as a dog handler volunteer at an adoption event for Lucky Dog Animal Shelter, but my overall experience was uplifting. I pictured myself walking and playing with the dogs all day, but I found that the reality was much different as soon as I was given my dog, Mayzie. From the moment Mayzie arrived at the adoption event, she was full of excitement, curiosity, and love. Her tail never stopped wagging a million miles per second and she always had a slobbery smile on her face. Mayzie is a black Labrador Terrier who is looking for a furever home. She is about two years old, weighs 50 pounds, and loves to play outside. I never learned how Mayzie ended up in a scary animal shelter, but I cannot imagine anyone wanting to give her away. As a dog handler, my responsibility was to keep Mayzie calm and to answer any questions potential adopters may have about Mayzie.
The day was very challenging for me because Mayzie would not stop barking and charging other dogs for the first hour of the event. She was very hard to control and I had to keep her away from the other dogs. I was nervous that I would spend the entire event separated from everyone else. Although Mayzie’s intentions were good, the other dogs took her eagerness to make friends the wrong way. This usually resulted in both dogs loudly barking while growling and snarling through their teeth. I realized that not all dogs were going to be happy and full of life like Mayzie. Most of these dogs have deep-rooted emotional hardships due to their past experiences.
My favorite dog I met during the adoption event was named Dante. He is very special because he has an extraordinary story and an amazing spirit. Dante is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois Mix who weighs about 40 pounds. He was living on the streets in Puerto Rico when he was hit by a car. Luckily, the volunteers there found Dante and took him to a hospital where he was treated. Unfortunately, a bacterial infection grew in the bone and his leg had to get amputated. I was speaking to his foster mom at the adoption event, and she told me that Dante is the fastest dog she had ever met and he continues to play and live life like any other dog. Dante needs an active lifestyle and I hope that potential adopters do not overlook him due to his uniqueness.
My best friend, Miranda, volunteered with me and the dog she handled for the day was named Jack. Jack is a two year old Border Collie Labrador mix who weighs about 50 pounds. He is the complete opposite of Mayzie. Jack is mellow, cuddly, and was completely calm during the whole adoption event. Jack was a stray who was found on the side of the road. Whoever found Jack brought him to a kill shelter and he was eventually saved by being put in the foster system.
I am so excited to volunteer at future adoption events with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue during my summer here in Washington D.C. There is at least one adoption event every weekend and I hope all of you can volunteer and give these dogs the love and support they deserve!
About the Author: Julia Alspach is an intern with the Daily Do Good.
Doing good on a ramen budget.
We all want to do good, right? But not all of us have the time to volunteer at our local charity. If you’re like me, you’re a broke college student. You barely have the funds to eat anything other than ramen every night let alone make a donation.
Fortunately, in the digital age we live in, there are a lot of apps that can help you do good, you guessed it, digitally! That means you can do good in your pajamas or during the bathroom breaks in between meetings and classes.
What you should be extra excited about is that many of these companies even have corporate sponsors that agree to make monetary donations for you.
Here are a few apps that will help you do good, feel good, and (hopefully) eat good.
Want to make sure you’re being socially responsible? This is the app for you. Good Guide lets you search for, scan, and browse through products that are healthy, green and socially responsible. Good Guide scientists rate products and companies on a 0 - 10 scale for their health, environmental and social impact. Now you can rest assured that your Good Guide- approved toothpaste is keeping your teeth and your conscience clean.
Are you a selfie queen? We’ve found the do-good app for you. With Fotition, you can support different campaigns by participating in fun photo challenges! For each fote you make, brands donate real dollars to the cause of your choice. Your fote also get special filters placed over it, so when you share the photo on social media you’re helping spread awareness for a great cause. Use those selfie skills for good and download the app today!
If you’re all about the foodstagram, look no further than Feedie. Snap a photo of your meal at any of the participating restaurants, and that restaurant will donate a meal to The Lunchbox Fund, a non-profit organization that provides daily meals for disadvantaged school children in South Africa. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
There really are so many benefits to living an eco-friendly lifestyle, and Recyclebank knows it! With this app your green deeds can get you great deals at stores and businesses around you. Completing an interactive feature (i.e. taking a quiz or reading a slide-show) that gives your tips on how to be eco-friendly earns you points. These points can then be exchanged for coupons and discount deals! With Recyclebank, living green keeps more green in your wallet.
Alright….so technically this isn’t an app, but I promise you can still use your phone -- sort of. The UNICEF Tap Project challenges you to go a few minutes without your phone. For every 5 minutes you spend away from your phone, UNICEF’s sponsors donate one day of clean water to a child in need. To help make an impact & give your texting fingers a break, go to uniceftapproject.org on your phone’s web browser.
About the Author: Alex Lacson is a DDG intern and senior at American University.
This is a picture of me and my sister with our grandfather in 1988. His name was Dr. Marvin Arnold Jolson. Everyone called him Marv, or M.A. We called him Poppop.
Marv was an extraordinary man, as average men go. He was an admired professor of business and marketing at the University of Maryland, having received a PhD at age 47. He'd moved from being a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman to a senior vice president at Encyclopaedia Brittanica, and was named the inaugural winner of a lifetime achievement award from the American Marketing Association.
In his personal life, he was an avid golfer, world traveler and Orioles fan. He was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather. When I was small, he would take me for walks and play a game called "Candy Store." The rules were pretty simple: I was the proprietress of a candy store. He was my customer. I'm guessing it was a lesson in entrepreneurship cloaked in play and sugar addiction. He taught me how to drive when I too young to be driving. Poppop was a hero to his grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews.
Parkinson's disease changed him. Once active, simple movements became challenging, then difficult, then almost impossible. I had to tap each of his legs to encourage him to shuffle his feet an inch forward. His brilliant mind was struck by Parkinson's dementia. He couldn't remember things. He was no longer able to play golf, to drive, to teach. A proud, capable man, he was no longer able to care for himself.
Parkinson's took its toll on my family as well. My grandmother was never the same after he got sick, and she was worse after he died in 2001. Parkinson's can rob a person of body and mind, and can exhaust his family.
At present, there's no cure, no way to reverse the progression of symptoms, and no real way to prevent it. Research can help that. And in the meanwhile, advocacy and resources like the Parkinson's Disease Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation provide support for Parkinson's patients and their families.
About the Author: Holly Leber is the content & communications director for Do Good LLC.
In March 2016, in celebration of Women's History Month, we put out a call for nominees to our #GirlsWhoDoGood award. A girl who does good is a woman who demonstrates dedication to serving others, whether in her professional work, as a volunteer for a charitable organization, or simply as someone who makes it her personal mission to be kind to others, and to never treat anyone as 'less than'. In essence, she is a lady who demonstrates the #dogoodfeelgood spirit.
Thank you to everyone who submitted heartfelt and impassioned testimonials of the #GirlsWhoDoGood you know! Meet the ladies we've selected:
Nominated by both her mother and her husband, Melissa Sullivan has dedicated herself to helping underserved individuals in DC for nearly a decade. She has mentored first generation Latina-American college students, served homeless individuals at So Others Might Eat, and has passionately advocated for the spouses, caregivers and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces through her work as a volunteer and fundraiser for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Honor Flight Network, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH). "Simply put," said her husband, "Melissa is selfless in her pursuit of service. Melissa is committed to going the extra mile, if it means she is able to assist someone in need."
Sharnikya Howard brings passion and drive to her work as a volunteer for Calvary Women's Services. "Many women at Calvary have lost their sense of confidence in the midst of the trauma of homelessness. When Sharnikya comes to Calvary, she greets women as equals, laughs with them, embraces them, and creates an environment where they can relax and feel more like themselves," wrote Amanda Griesser, communications associate at Calvary. By organizing activities such as a spa day and a Valentine's dinner hosted by some of DC's star chefs, Sharnikya shows the women at Calvary that they are worthy of feeling beautiful and special.
Kate Glantz is the founder of Heartful.ly, an online gift registry for good. Instead of registering for candlesticks and gravy boats, couples raise awareness and money for a cause or development project that's important to them. Celebrants gift the cost of specific items, such as $60 for a semester of health care for a student in Tanzania, where Kate served as a Peace Corps volunteer. She was inspired by witnessing how members of a poor community celebrate life, welcoming even strangers to wedding celebrations, according to the Heartful.ly website.
"Kate’s unwavering drive and genuine desire to do good and dedication to the cause sets her apart," said Kyle Freudenberg. "Her do good spirit is engulfing."
In 2010, accountant and businesswoman Veronica Eyenga founded My Girlfriend's House, a mentoring program designed to serve and empower underserved young ladies in the DC area. "The mentoring program has grown and is doing amazing things in the community," said nominator Marcelle Green. "I think what Ms. Veronica has done is phenomenal. Some of us talk about doing good, but Ms. Veronica embodies this each day as she selflessly continues to give of herself and her money." Amazing things include organizing a spring break college tour, renovating communal spaces in shelters, and helping girls develop self-confidence and leadership skills.
Stephanie Bailey, program coordination intern at Access Youth, describes Israela Brill-Cass as a "living embodiment of the power of following your dreams and encouraging others to do the same." A professor of conflict resolution at Emerson College in Boston, Israela has dedicated herself to following her passions and teaching others to advocate for themselves. She is the founder of fixeerrr, a platform that teaches people to navigate difficult conversations from salary negotiation to resolving workplace conflict. "She is the first person I go to when I need advice, and also the first person I go to when I have good news," Stephanie, a recent Emerson graduate and former student of Brill-Cass, said.
It's Women's History Month! Nominate a lady you know who embodies the #dogoodfeelgood spirit. Tell us how she's a girl who incorporates kindness, giving and good-doing into her daily life. We'll choose five women to feature. Share this post on social media and hashtag it #girlswhodogood.
This is Scott Kelly. He’s the first American astronaut to complete a 340 day mission in space. (You can watch the events of his return on the “Return to Earth” story on Snapchat!).
Kelly, along with Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Korniyenko, was sent to space nearly a year ago to help researchers collect data vital to the future of human exploration of our solar system, and determine the effects that outer space has on the human body. This information is particularly important when you consider the recent efforts to establish the first human settlement on Mars.
How space affects male vs. female astronauts/Image created by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, NASA
USA Today reported that Kelly has grown two inches since being in space. This change, however, is temporary. As his body readjusts to the gravity pull on Earth, Kelly’s spine will contract to its original height.
In an interview with CNN, Kelly said that he became an environmentalist during his time in space. “There are parts of the Earth that are covered with pollution all the time. I saw weather that was unexpected. Storms bigger than we've seen in the past. This is a human effect. This is not a natural phenomenon.”
There really is so much that space travel can do to help us learn about ourselves, our planet and everything that surrounds it. Even if you’re not planning to become an astronaut anytime soon, there are still ways you can contribute to the exploration of the final frontier.
Buzz Aldrin’s ShareSpace Foundation is a nonprofit organization that inspires children to realize their passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) by designing and sharing activities and curriculums with schools and museums across the nation.
Want to support STEM education and future astronauts? You can do just that by making a donation to this great organization or by purchasing some snazzy new merchandise from their store.
About the Author: Alessandra “Alex” Lacson is a senior at American University. An island girl at heart, Alex prefers warm weather, but is always down to build a snowman. She’s passionate about LGBTQ rights, feminism and racial equality, and is a huge fan of the Chipotle burrito bowl. Alex is an intern with the Daily Do Good.
Or fashionisto? What's the way to say a dude who loves clothes? The Beau Brummell? Anyway, your stylin' folks...
Read moreDelicious chocolate chip cookies and granola from Together We Bake support job training programs for women looking for a second chance. And if you want to support a cookie taste-off, Baking Memories for Kids helps send kids with terminal illnesses to Florida amusement parks.
DC-based Bazaar Spices creates handcrafted spice blends. In addition to being a part of the local food scene and supporting the cultural culinary education, the company owners make regular contributions to local arts organizations.
Pennsylvania-based Riverside Design Groups created Plates With Purpose to support a variety of nonprofit organizations while bringing beauty to the table.
Proceeds support CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, to advocate for children in need
Theo Chocolate, the only fair trade chocolate producers in the U.S., partners with World Bicycle Relief and Eastern Congo Initiative to support economic and educational opportunities in Africa. The chocoholic in your life will love this Greetings Gift Collection, which includes bars, drinking chocolates and holiday flavored caramels.
A gift from the National Wildlife Federation supports efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. We quite like this fox nightlight to add a warm glow on dark winter nights.
Recommended by local animal lovers and advocates, Big Bad Woof partners with animal rescue organizations, and sponsors clinics to help pet guardians learn about best care practices. Style your pet for cold weather.
A bird feeder from Farm Sanctuary will provide hours of peaceful entertainment for your favorite budding orinthologist.
Looking for a gift for your fluffy friends? With this Turbo Track Cat Toy from the Animal Rescue Site, your kitty can get crazy. For every item you purchase, the site lets you know how many bowls of food are being funded for shelter animals.
Let’s adopt a polar bear. Oh, wait. No room. Are you just going to give up? Or will you adopt an endangered animal through World Wildlife Fund ? This fun and educational adoption kit includes a plush replica of the animal you’re helping to protect.
For those friends who always have their noses in books (eyes on Kindles, whatever).
Better World Books partners with Books for Africa to help end poverty and increase education in African countries. For every book sold, a book goes to Africa. This is a great gift for college students too, as they offer textbooks on various subjects.
Out of Print Clothing also works with Books for Africa. They have items that feature some of your bookworm’s favorite books. Deck out the whole family with gear that will make everyone want to turn a page.
Shout Mouse Press books are not only excellent sources for emergent readers, they help show kids the power of their own abilities. Shout Mouse publishes books written by high school students.
Anyone you know love showing off her love of books in every way possible? Rebound Books creates handmade wallets and purses from discarded book covers. They’re a great way to rock some literary love.
About the Author: Ashley Angeline completed an internship with the Daily Do Good in Fall, 2015. A student at the University of Cincinnati, Ashley aspires to be a broadcast journalist. And to marry Prince Harry.
For the friend who loves all things bling.
1. In partnership with We.org and Feed the Children, Me to We sells gifts with a #givegood spirit. The purchase of a holiday rafiki (Swahili for friend, and yes, the name of the mandrill in "The Lion King") donates 100 liters of clean water to a child in Africa.
2. Liberty United gets illegal guns and ammo from police to create beautiful pieces of jewelry. Every gun they transform is one less gun that could be on the streets. Plus it gives the person wearing the piece a great story to tell.
3. This is My Brave helps keep the discussion of mental illness alive and helps those suffering from mental illnesses tell their stories. They offer brave beads, which act like worry beads, which can help someone focus when they’re feeling anxious. Every bracelet has a charm with a “B” on it to remind them they are brave.
4. Do you know someone who is always late? WeWOOD uses mostly scrap and leftover wood, to create beautiful watches. For every watch sold they will plant a tree to help reforestation in forests around the world.
5. Alex and Ani have a large selection of bracelets that support a wide variety of charities. Know someone passionate about breast cancer or Alzheimer's research? Check out the Charity by Design collection.
About the Author: Ashley Angeline completed an internship with the Daily Do Good in Fall, 2015. A student at the University of Cincinnati, Ashley aspires to be a broadcast journalist. And to marry Prince Harry.
Got that friend who shivers from November to April? Give them a gift to keep them warm and cozy all through the winter months.
1. For every cozy. U.S. made infinity scarf, hat or pair of gloves you buy, Twice As Warm gives one to a local shelter or organization to help people in need stay warm this winter.
This unisex infinity scarf is called Circle of Warmth/Photo credit: Twice As Warm
2. Is there anything better on a cold night than wrapping up in a soft comforter, maybe with a cup of hot chocolate? The Company Store has partnered with Family Promise, a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless families. They match every comforter purchase with one donated to a homeless child in the U.S.
3. Love Your Melon began as a project for an entrepreneurship class at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. Three years later, more than 2500 students at colleges across the country act as ambassadors to represent the brand and personally give hats to children undergoing cancer treatment. Fifty percent of proceeds are donated to the Pinky Swear Foundation and CureSearch.
Photo credit: Notre Dame Observer
4. Each pashmina shawl by Shawl Wallah is handwoven and colored with environmentally friendly vegetable dyes. The company reinvests in the communities populated by the Kashmiri artisans who make the shawls. Your purchase supports sustainable economic growth, fair trade practices and programs to support children.
Photo Source: Avenue Calgary
5. When the winter chill stings your toes, pull on a pair of patterned socks from Mitscoots. Every pair bought means a pair donated. The company pairs with nonprofit and social service organizations to employ individuals fighting homelessness.
Kelly socks by Mitscoots
1. Oxfam America's Unwrapped holiday gift catalogue allows for donations to support families in need. For $150, you can support a midwife's training, or give a pair of chickens for only $18. Follow all the good on Twitter via the hashtag #Unwrapped (not to be confused with the Food Network Show) at @OxfamAmerica.
2. Evite and Pledgeling's #GiveMeFive challenge is a fun way to send holiday greetings to friends, family and coworkers, while encouraging them to make small donations ($5) to charity. Guests can opt to make a donation when they RSVP to a party. Easy as pie.
3. Goodwill is offering a simple solution to the environmental impact of shopping online: Take the boxes you receive and use them to ship donations of clothing and household items. Visit givebackbox.com to send donations for free, and follow the impact via #GiveBackBox.
You might need to fight for your box.
On Dec. 2, 2015, the Daily Do Good hosted a holiday market: GiveGood! Holiday Bazaar. DC-area residents visited WeWork Wonder Bread Factory to shop for gifts from 21 nonprofit and socially conscious local vendors. It was a fantastic night, and we loved seeing so many of you having so much fun. To everyone who made it out: Thank you! To those who couldn't come: Hope to see you there next year!
Thanks to G. James of Capitol Media USA for the photos
Extra special thanks to all our vendors and sponsors:
Cafe Los Suenos
Thunder Beast
Together We Bake
Winthrop Clothing Co.
Karmalades
826DC
While Waiting
Type Case Industries
Enyo Jewlery
Leafy Head
Hodgepodge Cookery
Elise Designs and Tarot
Rosa Rugosa
Shout Mouse Press
Asli Pure
Critical Exposure
Choco Tenango
Harper Macaw
Palo Borracho
Lazy Panda
Marcelle Fozard
Johnriley Pottery
Chipotle 5th St NW
Bread and Chocolate
Shaw Tavern
Jennys Cakes Bakery
If you couldn’t make it to GiveGood! Holiday Bazaar, you missed out. But don’t worry -- you’re not completely out of luck. Check out five area markets that feature nonprofit and local vendors.
Downtown Holiday Market is the big one. There’s a rotating cast of vendors (60 a day), According to the website, “ the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.” We think they might mean ethically…. Through Dec. 23, Noon - 8 p.m. daily, 8th and F Streets
Get leather goods by Katie Stack of Stitch & Rivet
2. Ever hear that expression "what do you get for the person who has everything"? How about a present at National Education Association's Alternative Gift Fair? An alternative gift fair gives you the opportunity to learn about the needs of different organizations like Heifer International or Music For Life, and sponsor them in your loved one's name.
A flock of chicks can produce enough eggs to sustain a family/Source: Green Joyment
3. The Del Ray Artists is a nonprofit organization working to promote the works of local artists for the enrichment of the community. Check out their holiday market over the next three weekends. There are different vendors on hand each time -- the perfect excuse to go back! Dec. 4, 11, 18, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 11 a.m - 6 p.m. Del Ray Artisans Gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Find paintings by artist Claudia Olivos, owner, along with her husband Sergio, of Olivos Art Studio
4. HOLIDAZE, a pop up shop by Fenton Street Market in Silver Spring, features the work of 40 local creative beings. Find handmade goods from crocheted stuffed animals to photographic gift wrap. Megan Moriarty, owner of Fenton Street Market, called supporting local makers and micro businesses an "amazingly effective" way to spend your dollars for good.
One Sock On Photography owner Jennifer Vallina will be selling gift wrap and other paper goods featuring her photos.
5. Imagine you're in Europe at A Holiday Market in Alexandria. Get special gifts and let kids decorate their own Christmas ornament. Donate toys and canned food to Volunteer Alexandria and Hunger-Free Alexandria.
BUILD has branches in DC, Boston, NYC and the Bay Area. This image is from a Holiday Sales Bazaar in Oakland, CA.
