“Giving to Charities in DC – Biggest Impact?”

Photo by angela n.

Please add your charity of choice in the comments.

“Dear PoPville,

I have some money saved up that I would like to give to a good cause this year but I’m not quite sure where my money will do the most good. Do you have any charity recommendations in DC?”

One option from an email:

“Catholic Charities DC’s  Angel Tree Christmas gift program just had a steep increase in the number of families who signed up to be sponsored. In a typical year, families register approximately 1,000 children for the program; right now there are more than 1,600 signed up. Obviously, more kids means the need more sponsors/”Angels.” Because of the pandemic, we are asking Angels to donate money (instead of gifts), which will be used to purchase gift cards so the families can buy presents for their children. There is a suggested donation of $35 per child.

Sponsor registration closes this Saturday (December 12) and there are still a fair amount of children who still need sponsors.

Any excess donations will go to purchase coats for those in the community who need them.  So all donations will benefit people in need, even when all the children on our list are paired with sponsors.

Also, here are some other holiday giving opportunities we have available, just in case:

Virtual Food Drive: Hunger insecurity has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic in March. Launched in November, Catholic Charities DC’s Virtual Food Drive will support the agency’s food assistance programs to combat the different forms of hunger this holiday season. Donations to the drive will help hungry families access warm homemade meals and nutritious groceries. To contribute to the Virtual Food Drive, supporters can visit catholiccharitiesdc.org/vfd.

Coats of Many Colors Coat Drive: In preparation for dropping temperatures, Catholic Charities DC is collecting gently worn coats and other winter gear for neighbors in need to ensure they stay safe and warm this season. Donations will be accepted on Jan. 15 and 16 at specified times and locations. For more information, visit catholiccharitiesdc.org/coats.

Catholic Charities DC also has festive remote volunteer opportunities available, including providing holiday decorations and baked goods to shelters, virtual caroling, and donating gifts to clients.”