DC’s Thanksgiving Spirit: Ways to Give Back This Holiday

At Jennifer Young Homes, we believe in the power of community and giving back, especially during the holiday season. As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our blessings and extend a helping hand to those in need. This year, we encourage you to get involved in local charitable initiatives that make a difference in the DMV area. Here are some wonderful opportunities to volunteer and give back this Thanksgiving.

1. Everything But the Turkey

Join hundreds of volunteers at the Edlavitch DCJCC to prepare Thanksgiving dishes for community members experiencing food insecurity. Whether you’re chopping, mixing, or baking, your efforts will help provide festive meals for those in need. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up early!

• Dates: November 23-25
• Location: Edlavitch DCJCC
• Details:
  • Volunteer to prepare Thanksgiving side dishes for food-insecure families
  • Prepare dishes like collard greens, yams, coleslaw, and apple crumble
  • No cooking experience necessary
• Website: EDCJCC Everything But the Turkey
• IG: @edlavitchDCJCC

2. Holiday Helpings with Bread for the City 

Bread for the City distributes holiday turkeys and fresh groceries to thousands of families each year. You can support this initiative by making a financial contribution or volunteering your time at their centers in Northwest and Southeast DC.

• Dates: Through November 26
• Locations: Shaw and Anacostia centers
• Details:
  • Distribute holiday turkeys and fresh groceries to thousands of families
  • $84 provides a complete holiday meal kit for a family of four
• Website: Bread for the City Holiday Helpings
• IG: @breadforthecity

3. Safeway’s Feast of Sharing 

Volunteer with The Salvation Army at this annual dining event that feeds nearly 5,000 residents. Help is needed for various roles including serving food, preparing meals, and assisting with clothing distribution. Registration is required for volunteers.

• Dates: November 25-27
• Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
• Details:
  • Help serve meals to nearly 5,000 residents
  • Volunteer roles include serving, food preparation, translation, and more
• Website: Salvation Army Feast of Sharing
• IG: @salvationarmyusa

4. America’s Trot for Hunger 

Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a 5K race that raises funds for SOME (So Others Might Eat). Participate as a runner or walker, and enjoy family-friendly activities after the race. It’s a fun way to stay active while supporting a great cause!

• Date: November 28
• Location: Freedom Plaza
• Details:
  • 5K race raising funds for SOME (So Others Might Eat)
  • Family-friendly festival with music and activities
  • Little Turkey 1-miler for children under 10
• Website: SOME Trot for Hunger
• IG: @some_org

5. Alexandria Turkey Trot 

Join the excitement at the Alexandria Turkey Trot, a family and dog-friendly race that brings the community together for a great cause! This year, participants are encouraged to bring two non-perishable food items to support ALIVE!, a nonprofit organization serving Alexandria’s needy.

• Date: November 28
• Location: Del Ray neighborhood
• Details:
  • Scenic 5-mile course through the charming streets of Del Ray
  • Open to runners, walkers, and families with pets
  • Proceeds benefit ALIVE! to help those in need in the local community
• Website: Alexandria Turkey Trot
• IG: @alexandriaturkeytrot

6. A Seat at the Table – Central Union Mission 

Central Union Mission provides hot meals and support services year-round. For Thanksgiving, they host their “Seat at the Table” program to serve those affected by poverty and addiction. You can contribute by volunteering your time or making a financial donation.

• Dates: Ongoing
• Details:
  • Provide meals for those affected by poverty and addiction
  • $3.21 can provide one meal
• Website: Central Union Mission
• IG: @centralunionmission

Thank you for Giving Back to our Community!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s come together as a community to support those in need. At Jennifer Young Homes, we are grateful for our clients and neighbors who embody the spirit of giving back. From our annual coat drive to supporting local charities, we invite you to join us in making a positive impact this holiday season. Whether you choose to volunteer your time or make a donation, every effort counts in creating a stronger, more compassionate community. Happy Thanksgiving!