Show your gratitude by giving back on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good. Some donate their time and volunteer with a favorite organization, others help a neighbor out, and even more donate to a favorite charity or nonprofit. If you’re eager to donate your money and/or time this Giving Tuesday, here are 11 worthy NoVA options.
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
This beloved animal rescue’s “Building Pawsibilities” campaign focuses on enriching the lives of its rescue animals. Donations will go to saving animals at risk of euthanasia, and providing them with clean beds, medical care, nutritious food, and more. P.O. Box 50037, Arlington
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia
This nonprofit’s vision is “to transform aging into an empowering experience to live a life of meaning.” Donations will support assistance for Aging in Place and creating a sense of close community among older adults in NoVA neighborhoods. 541 Marshall Rd. SW, Vienna
Assistance League of Northern Virginia
Help combat poverty and hunger by donating to this all-volunteer organization’s Northern Virginia chapter. Funds will go toward basic needs of students in low-income families. Your donation will help get food to children on weekends when they can’t take advantage of free school lunch meals or provide new winter coats. P.O. Box 209, Herndon
Encore Stage & Studio
For over 50 years, this arts education nonprofit has worked to provide enriching theatre opportunities to kids. Donations help make ticket prices affordable for families and aid in scholarship opportunities for camps and classes. 3701 Lorcom Ln., Arlington
Spotsylvania Education Foundation
Donate to this foundation that helps teachers and students in Spotsylvania County public schools. Funds may help teachers access professional development opportunities, build innovative activities in classrooms, and get teachers the recognition they deserve. 8020 River Stone Dr., Fredericksburg
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Donating to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will help provide food and a warm place to sleep for animals awaiting adoption, food and supply delivery for owned pets in need, and education for the next generation of animal lovers. 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
This organization, around since 1978, has a plan that works to advance four priorities in the region: social and economic mobility, opportunities for all, community resilience, and inclusive systems of economic growth. There are multiple ways to give to the foundation, including joining a giving circle or starting a partnership. 3201 Jermantown Rd., Ste. 660, Fairfax
Our Military Kids
Recognizing and supporting military children is the mission of this Oakton-based charity. It aims to fund extracurricular activities, improve mental health and self-confidence, and connect youth to mentors and friends. The organization also helps kids while their parents are deployed or in treatment for injuries and illnesses. 2911 Hunter Mill Rd., Ste. 203, Oakton
King Street Cats
This all-volunteer organization cares for over 350 cats and kittens every year. Donations go toward veterinary care, feeding, and sheltering the animals. If you’d like to check it out for yourself, visitors are welcome between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests are welcome to interact with the free-roaming cats and chat with volunteers about the group. 25 S. Dove St., Alexandria
Junior League of Northern Virginia
This organization of women is driven by a mission to “advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.” There are multiple options to support the Junior League of Northern Virginia including its Annual Fund, a period products drive, donations to supplement grant funding, and cookbooks available to purchase. 8300 Greensboro Dr., Ste. L1, Box 637, McLean
Capital Area Food Bank
This regional food bank partners with over 400 organizations in DC and the surrounding DMV area to provide more than 60 million healthy meals to residents each year. For every dollar donated, the organization can provide two meals to those facing food insecurity. The nonprofit also aims to address the root causes of hunger through nutrition and wellness education programs. 6833 Hill Park Dr., Lorton
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