Celebrate the Season of Giving in Downtown Arlington

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing a meal and reflecting on the things we're grateful for. But it's also an opportunity to look beyond our own tables and give back to make the holiday a little brighter for someone else.  

From lending a helping hand to donating food and everyday essentials, there are plenty of ways to spread a little kindness throughout our community this season.    

If you're looking for ways to give back this Thanksgiving, consider supporting two local organizations making a difference for Arlington residents: Mission Arlington and Arlington Life Shelter.  

Help put Thanksgiving dinner on the table with Mission Arlington  

For many Arlington families, a holiday meal is made possible through the generosity of neighbors and volunteers. That's where Mission Arlington comes in.  

Each Thanksgiving, Mission Arlington brings the community together to provide turkeys, food baskets and prepared meals to thousands of families throughout the area.  

There are several ways to get involved and help make the holiday special for local families.  

Donate Thanksgiving food: Mission Arlington welcomes donations of turkeys, hams and traditional Thanksgiving food items to help fill holiday baskets. From stuffing and canned vegetables to mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, every contribution helps put another meal on the table.  

Volunteer your time: Volunteers are needed in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving to receive, sort and organize food donations and prepare holiday baskets. On Thanksgiving morning, volunteers also help deliver meals directly to families in need.  

Whether you volunteer on your own, bring your family or organize a group of friends, there's an opportunity to make a difference.  

Last year, Mission Arlington provided Thanksgiving meals to 6,908 families, reaching more than 27,000 people. This year, the organization is preparing to serve thousands more.  

Learn more about Thanksgiving donations and volunteer opportunities.

Make a difference with Arlington Life Shelter  

A little generosity can go a long way, especially for neighbors working toward a fresh start.  

Arlington Life Shelter provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness with shelter, resources and support as they work toward self-sufficiency. Community support plays an important role in helping the organization care for its residents.  

This Thanksgiving season, there are a few ways you can lend a hand.  

Provide a meal: Gather friends, family members or coworkers to prepare and serve a meal for shelter residents. Arlington Life Shelter welcomes food team volunteers to help provide breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

Donate essential supplies: Everyday necessities keep the shelter running and provide comfort for residents. From kitchen supplies and cleaning products to other household essentials, donations help meet the organization's ongoing needs. Check the shelter's current needs list before dropping off items to make sure your contribution is useful.  

Give financially: Monetary donations help the shelter continue providing resources and services to individuals and families working toward stable housing and independence.  

You can also get involved with Partners of Arlington Life Shelter (PALS), an auxiliary group that supports the organization through fundraising efforts and special events, including holiday celebrations for residents.  

Explore ways to volunteer, donate and get involved.    

Give a Little, Make a Big Difference  

Giving back doesn't have to be complicated. It might mean picking up an extra item at the grocery store, spending a few hours volunteering or making a donation to an organization doing important work in your community.  

This Thanksgiving, Downtown Arlington encourages you to find a way to share your gratitude with others. Whether you support Mission Arlington, Arlington Life Shelter or another local organization, every act of kindness helps make our community a little stronger.  

Because the best way to celebrate what we're thankful for is to share it with someone else.