Neighborhood Spotlight is a bi-weekly column exploring Arlington County. This week’s column is sponsored and written by Kelsey Crittenden of Corcoran McEnearney. Questions? Reach Kelsey at 703-863-2629.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s a wonderful time to think about how we can give back to the community that we’re all so grateful for.
There are many incredible organizations right here in Arlington that could use our help. Let’s talk about how we can ‘Give Where We Live’ this holiday season! Together, we can support these groups who work every day to create a better, more caring community.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
First up, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. For animal lovers like me, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is a great place to make a difference. For more than 75 years, they’ve been helping our four-legged friends find homes and provide resources so animals can stay happy and healthy.
They offer everything from dog walking and cat socialization to adoption counseling and more! Fun fact: if you know anyone who’s looking for a way to unwind, spending time with animals is a great way to de-stress. So if you or someone you know would love a little more animal time, the Animal Welfare League might just be the perfect fit!
EcoAction Arlington is our community’s answer to a sustainable future. From stream cleanups to their Energy Masters program, they give volunteers hands-on ways to help our environment and build awareness right here in Arlington. A pro tip: sign up with a friend to make volunteering a fun and meaningful way to spend time outdoors, all while helping the planet! Know someone who’s passionate about the environment? EcoAction is a great way to turn that passion into action! It’s a rewarding way to enjoy Arlington’s natural beauty while giving back.
The Clothesline for Arlington Kids
If you’re cleaning out closets and swapping seasonal wardrobes think about donating to The Clothesline. Arlington’s Clothesline provides a fun, free shopping experience for kids in need. With donations from generous neighbors, they offer children the clothing they need to feel confident and comfortable in school and life. This is Arlington’s first free clothing store for school-aged children.
Twice a year, kids in need get a chance to pick out a season’s worth of clothes — completely free. Volunteers here sort and display donations like a real boutique! And teens — here’s your chance to join in, too, by helping sort clothes or even organizing a drive of your own. If you’ve got clothes your children have outgrown, consider donating them to The Clothesline. Ask your schools if they are donating their lost and found items anywhere before the new year — it would be a great opportunity.
Arlington Community Foundation
Next, we have the Arlington Community Foundation, the heart of local giving. If you want to be a part of something bigger, you can volunteer in fundraising or grant committees that really help shape the future of Arlington.They bring people, resources, and ideas together to create positive change in our community.
From fundraising to outreach, their volunteers work hard to build economic opportunities. Think about how you can make an impact on Arlington’s future by lending your time or expertise here. Looking for a way to add more charitable giving to the season of giving while supporting your neighbors in need? Every Giving Season (November — New Year’s), Arlington Community Foundation hosts the Nonprofit Holiday Wish Catalog featuring grant ideas of local nonprofits with wishes of up to $5,000 each. Check it out here (link).
PathForward provides shelter, supportive housing, and medical care for those experiencing homelessness. Their story started with just a few bagged meals, and now, they’re a full-service center helping people rebuild their lives. Volunteers can serve a hot meal to over 80 people each night. Come with a smile and make someone’s day a little brighter! Get educated on the program with a tour of the center to learn more. There are many ways you can donate here, including sponsoring a bagged meal — you can pack them up at home and drop them off at the center.
Arlington Food Assistance Center
Finally, At the Arlington Food Assistance Center, their mission is to provide groceries so families can focus on essentials like housing and health. As a mom, I know how essential it is to keep our families fed and healthy, and that’s where the Arlington Food Assistance Center comes in. AFAC provides groceries to local families, which helps them focus on other important needs like housing and medication. Kids ages 12 and up can help pack bags — it’s a great way to teach kids about community and kindness.
There are also easy ways you can get involved with your schools. Discovery Elementary School has a Food Bus program where volunteers take donations every week from the school to AFAC. There are so many ways volunteers of all ages can help. Pitch in to help feed your neighbors this season — it’s something that’ll nourish the whole community.
This Thanksgiving, let’s show our gratitude by giving back to these wonderful organizations that make Arlington a stronger, kinder place for everyone. Because when you give where you live, you’re not only helping your neighbors — you’re strengthening the entire community. Get involved, make a difference, and let’s make this season of giving one that counts.
If you have something you are passionate about that you did not see represented I encourage you to visit the Arlington non-profit link to explore more, there are so many ways that I did not cover.
It’s Kelsey Crittenden with Corcoran McEnearney and I hope I’ve inspired you to give where you live this holiday season. As a native Arlingtonian I am so thankful to be a part of this vibrant community! Kindness counts and Happy Holidays!
Corcoran McEnearney, 3135 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-525-1900, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
