As you know, the holidays aren’t just about presents and parties — they’re about giving back to the community we all call home. And in the spirit of giving thanks, we figured there was no better day (or time) to shed light on some of the causes close to our hearts that you can contribute to not just this season, but all year long.

#1 Help Others Get Access To Housing: The United Way of Central Maryland and the United Way of the National Capital Area helps underserved residents become self-sufficient by addressing food, healthcare, housing, and other basic needs, which is especially critical around the end of the year. The site’s dedicated volunteer page lists the latest opportunities, which range from food drives to community house cleanups. You can also check out family-friendly events to help instill a love for community activism in the youngest members of your clan!

#2 Eat For A Cause: Love indulging over the holidays? We’ve got great news: In DC, eating a meal at one of the city’s best restaurants can also mean giving back. Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate works to promote racial justice and equity through food, and you can support the organization by donating directly or attending one of the many food-centric events that the team hosts throughout the year. Just keep an eye on the organization’s calendar and make sure you bring your appetite!

#3 Feed The Hungry: Fittingly, buying groceries or delivering hot meals to those who need it is a popular way to give back around the holidays. Nonprofits like Martha’s Table, So Others May Eat, the Capital Area Food Bank, Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, and many more need volunteers to distribute food, sort and pack donated food items, work outside in a garden, and cook meals this holiday season.

Discover more ways to support local right here:

• Your Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in DC
• Best Independent Bookstores in DC
• Most Beautiful Public Libraries in DC

#4 Support Domestic Violence Survivors: The first domestic violence shelter in DC, My Sister’s Place, provides emergency housing, hosts events, and helps survivors transition into new lives. The nonprofit is always looking for volunteers to cook and deliver meals, donate and move furniture to survivors’ new homes, fundraise, and provide administrative support along the way.

#5 Become A Career Coach: While Dress For Success is known primarily for collecting donated professional attire to women in need, the organization also provides actionable career coaching. As part of that offering, the team supplies resume writing tips and job leads, and is ever in search of volunteers to support these services.

#6 Volunteer At An Animal Shelter: There are few things better than spending a weekend or afternoon with a fuzzy friend, and thankfully, there are plenty of animal shelters that need your assistance. Help out Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, the Humane Rescue Alliance, City Dogs Rescue and City Kitties, and DC Paws Rescue with their various efforts. If you’d rather participate virtually, The Humane Society of the United States lists many volunteer opportunities that can be performed from home, including calling legislators and writing letters in support of animal rights.

#7 Enable With Art: This studio and gallery on Rhode Island Avenue offers creative space for artists in DC with developmental and cognitive disabilities and mental health challenges. Volunteers are in demand for jobs such as preparing supplies in the art studio or selling art in the gallery on weekends, as well as working on administrative or marketing tasks.

#8 Apply To Be A Therapy-Pet Volunteer: If your dog (or cat or bunny!) has a sparkling personality and loves being showered with attention, you might consider applying to be a volunteer with a therapy pet. Once the certification comes through, you and your furry friend will visit nursing homes and hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and more community sites in Fairfax and throughout Maryland in the hopes of boosting spirits — one tail wag at a time. Learn more by visiting petsonwheels.org (Maryland) and fpow.org (Fairfax).

From our homes to yours, Happy Thanksgiving — we hope you have a relaxing, festive day filled with love and lots of turkey! Looking for real estate advice? Book a consultation with our team right here.