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The Charitable Side of Washington: Feeding the Hungry

The Charitable Side of Washington is a new weekly feature profiling charities with a common cause. If you’d like to suggest a cause or organization, please e-mail wspivey atwashingtonian.com.

Written by Whitney Spivey | Published on November 7, 2007

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely sitting a heated home or office. Chances are you’ve recently eaten and in a few more hours will have another satisfying meal. On November 22, you’ll sit down for the biggest banquet of the year—Thanksgiving. You’ll consume platefuls of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie and still have leftovers at the end of the day.

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to remember those who aren’t so fortunate. Helping Washington’s disadvantaged is made easy by a variety of organizations. Donating even a small amount of time or money can make a big difference to those who are hungry.

BREAD FOR THE CITY
breadforthecity.org | 202-386-7606
What: Two centers (in DC’s Shaw and Anacostia) that offer medical care, social services, legal advice, food, and clothing. Each client participates in an intake interview and from there is referred to one or more programs. More than 10,000 DC residents receive help each month.

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
capitalareafoodbank.org | 202-526-5344
What: The largest public nonprofit hunger and nutrition education resource in Washington, distributing 20 million pounds of food annually.
Upcoming events: Second Annual Bringing in the Birds With Bucks, which sponsors holiday meals for 2000 senior citizens in the area. Many seniors who are on limited incomes and live alone will receive a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and dessert.

DC CENTRAL KITCHEN
dccentralkitchen.org | 202-234-0707
What: A central location to recover and redistribute unused food, prepare and deliver meals to social service agencies, and train homeless individuals for the food-service industry.
Upcoming events: Save freezer space and give a “virtual turkey.” Money will go to buying specific foods delivered when and where they’re needed. Every dollar donated will be matched by XM Satellite Radio.

DINNER PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS WOMEN
dphw.org | 202-737-9311
What: An independent, nonprofit organization serving hot, nutritious meals to the homeless and poor of DC since 1979. Guests are provided meals, showers, laundry, mail, telephone and computer access, toiletries, vitamins, transportation tokens, and clothing.
Upcoming events: Help the Homeless Walkathon on the Mall, November 17 at 9 AM (7 AM registration).

SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (SOME)
some.org | 202-797-8806
What: An interfaith, community-based organization that helps Washington’s poor by providing food, clothing, healthcare, affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling.
Upcoming events: Sixth Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. Join honorary chair DC mayor Adrian Fenty to help the homeless and hungry on Thanksgiving morning. The 5K fun run and family walk begins in the District’s West Potomac Park and benefits SOME’s programs for the homeless. November 22, 8:30 AM.