From a press release:

WHO/WHAT: This holiday season, everyone will get the chance to pay it forward by donating gently worn or new winter coats and accessories to three local charities while shopping one of a kind local art and vintage clothing. To continue their mission of building community by enhancing experiences through art & design and creating unique connections, Swatchroom is launching COMMON THREAD, celebrating what connects everybody through their ability to provide for each other individually and collectively. Designed to offer an accessible and sustainable retail experience focused on giving new life to gently used clothing, footwear & accessories while supporting the local community.

Curated vintage men’s and women’s clothing and one of a kind sneakers can also be shopped during a special vintage and bespoke resale. Artwork by local artists like mixed media artist Nicole Salimbene, sculptor & painter Michael West, and photographer Violetta Markelou, will be available for purchase during an exciting art exhibition.

Clothing Drive – All clothing donations will benefit N Street Village, Central Union Mission and Women Giving Back.

Vintage & Bespoke Resale – With retail partners Los Gitanos Vintage, Gary Williams Jr., Tribute Collective, Victor Nguyen-Long & Violetta Markelou

Art Exhibition – With artist partners Nicole Salimbene, mixed media artist; Michael West, sculptor and painter; and Violetta Markelou, photographer

For more information on how to get involved or give back visit: swatchroom.com/commonthread

WHEN: December 2020

Thursdays – Saturdays: 12 pm – 6 pm
Sundays: 1 pm – 5 pm

WHERE:
‘In 7 Words’ Union Market District
1268 4th St NE”


From DC Brau:

“The DC beer community lost our friend Ben Tolkan this past October after an epic five-and-a-half-year battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. A charismatic mainstay within the community, Ben worked the bar at Pizzeria Paradiso before representing Brooklyn Brewery and DC Brau in the District. To honor his memory and his inspiring contribution to the DC craft beer scene, seven local breweries, along with longtime friends and family members, have come together to create a special American Pale Ale called Living the Dream, which will be available in limited quantities throughout Washington, DC, starting on Friday, December 11th.

“Ben’s unwavering optimism was infectious,” says DC Brau CEO & Co-Founder Brandon Skall. “He always saw the cup half full and the world as a beautiful place full of life and laughter. He always had a smile on his face, and spent each day ‘living the dream.’ We were honored to have him as part of the DC Brau family.”

The idea of the project came together in early November. The breweries collaborated with Ben’s friends and family, along with other community partners, including Pizzeria Paradiso and Jerkface Jerky, on the beer’s development. DC Brau is spearheading the Living the Dream brew along with contributions from Right Proper, Atlas Brew Works, 3 Stars, Bluejacket, Oxbow, and Hellbender. 
(more…)


Kristin passes on the GoFundMe:

“Hello Everyone, My name is Keturah i’m a 24 year old college student at FAMU. I am writing this fundraiser campaign for my mother and her furry bestfriend without her knowing. My mother is a proud, independent woman and would never ask for money, she has been working since the age of 13 and with Covid-19 this is the first time she has been unemployed in over 15 years, but through the grace of god she always figures it out but this time she needs help. (more…)


From GoFundMe:

“I adopted Phineas from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in March of 2020 during COVID. I had an appointment on Tuesday, 11/17 @ 8:30 am at Atlas Vet for him to get bloodwork done, as he was supposed to have teeth pulled/cleaned on 11/30. As we arrived, I called to check in and picked up the carrier to put him on my lap. I looked into the carrier to see him rolling over with his eyes completely open and he was non-responsive. I started screaming and the amazing vets ran out and sprinted inside with him. They did CPR and intubated and were thankfully able to bring him back. Once he was brought back, he was acting very strange neurologically. (more…)



via GoFundMe

From an email:

“One More Plate, Inc. (OMP) was founded on April 1st to provide those experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. with more food security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning with just one plate in DuPont Circle, One More Plate has since delivered over 9,000 “plates” that consist of hot meals, water, juice, fruit, and a snack along a 13-stop route across greater DC. (more…)



via GoFundMe

A friend passes on this heartbreaking fundraiser from GoFundMe:

[The translation] “Hello, my name is Mayra, I am a friend of Franklin, and I have created this campaign to help his mother to be able to carry out his wake caused by a stray bullet, it would be very helpful if you help us by sharing this link and by helping us even with $1, as help is the most important thing at this time. (more…)



1108 K Street, NW

On Monday we, along with many others, posted about the fundraiser for Sakina Halal Grill Thanks to Scott for sending the update, as of 9:10am Friday they have raised $278,697.

“Kazi Manan introduced a new model of empathy and kindness in America when he opened his restaurant to every person who needs a refuge from their daily hunger. He has never differentiated between a paying or non-paying customer as he is constantly aware of his journey to success – and the difficulties along the way. Sakina Halal Grill has proudly served meals to the homeless independently and unsupported by any donations from patrons. (more…)



Photo by Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

Tis the season to start preparing for the holidays. I am wondering if people have charitable or non-profit organizations through which they typically buy holiday wreaths and garlands and such? Wreaths, garlands and poinsettias were fairly popular holiday season fundraisers when I was growing up in the Midwest, but a cursory Internet search for the DC region wasn’t very fruitful. I know there are several local tree farms that set up Christmas tree pop-ups around the city, but am specifically looking for other types of holiday plant decor.”

and

“We have a six month old and are taking covid precautions very seriously. Disappointed that for his first Christmas we are not comfortable doing a traditional picture with Santa. Hoping your readers know if some alternatives are out there as people continue to get creative and find fun workarounds! Wondering if maybe any tree lots or local photographers have photo set ups/back drops/installations for cute Christmas inspired photos minus the human Santa?



via GoFundMe

Ed. Note: We spoke about some other ways to give back yesterday here.

Thanks to Dan Winston for sharing this important fundraiser: “In these challenging times, it’s important for us to support each other. @garrisondcps has set up this @gofundme for families. Please donate if you are able to do so.”

The GoFundMe says:

“As a Title I school, more than half of our students are from low-income families and nearly 25 percent have special needs. We have received unbelievably generous support from our community over the past six months, support that has provided essential food, rent, and childcare assistance for Garrison families through a long, difficult summer.

We are grateful beyond measure, but as we confront an uncertain new school year, we are asking for help once again. Our $20,000 goal will ensure we are able to do three essential things: (more…)



Photo by Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

Looking for volunteer opportunities over the Thanksgiving weekend in the DMV for those of us unable to visit family this year. Any suggestions?”

and

“My company is working remotely across the DMV, but there’s a desire for my team to rally behind a coat drive or any sort of way to give back virtually and safely. Looking for options – to support those who would feel comfortable giving from home (money donations, mailing items, etc) and those willing to drop-off or contribute in person. Appreciate any recommendations you might have, thank you!”

and

“Was wondering if anyone had a local charity that they can recommend for taking care of a family’s Christmas / Hanukkah / Kwanzaa gifts (or any other holiday I missed)?”


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