It’s official: Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and will soon be over. But that doesn’t mean the season of gratitude and giving ends.
Giving Tuesday, a relatively new, international movement that encourages people to do good hits the calendar on Dec. 3. Since its inception in 2012, hundreds of millions of people have donated to the organization of their choosing, collaborated with special events celebrating the simple act of being generous.
This year, hundreds of local organizations are encouraging Northern Virginia residents to make donations to their designated causes. Plus, there are several events happening throughout the region that are as fun as they are inspirational. Here, we share them all.
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Healwell’s Giving Tuesday Open House
8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Located in Arlington, nonprofit Healwell improves the quality of life for those affected by chronic, acute and serious illness through massage therapy, education and research. On this annual celebration of giving back, Healwell is inviting Arlington residents to its facility for an all-day celebration featuring food, drinks and a writing station for thank-you notes to help get into the holiday spirit. // Healwell: 4201 Wilson Blvd., Unit 110-341, Arlington; donations encouraged
Giving Tuesday at fibre space
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Head over to knitting haven fibre space for a day of giving back on Dec. 3. Throughout the day, 20% of purchases made on yarn, knitting needles, string or anything else on sale at the shop will go toward nonprofit Project Knitwell. The Arlington-based organization—which has been a partner with fibre space since 2014—offers knitting as a wellness tool to people facing stressful situations here in Northern Virginia and beyond. // fibre space: 1319 Prince St., Alexandria; prices vary
Make and Give Crafternoon
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Are you a teen looking for the perfect gift for Mom and Dad? If so, join your fellow classmates in this crafting session hosted by the Shirlington Branch Library. Kids in grades six through 12th are welcome to join and create Pinterest-worthy items to give to your loved ones, all crafted while sipping on hot chocolate. // Shirlington Branch Library: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; free
Homework Help for School-Age Children
5-7 p.m.
Starting Dec. 3, students in the Liberty High School National Honor Society will be on-site at Bealeton Branch Library to assist elementary and middle school children with their academic work at no charge. On select dates through December, local Fauquier County high schoolers will get into the holiday spirit by volunteering their time to help younger students with work in all subjects, ranging from mathematics to social studies and everything in between. // Bealeton Branch Library: 10877 Willow Drive N., Bealton; free
Giving Tuesday at Kendra Scott
6-8 p.m.
Come together for an evening of holiday sips, treats and giving back at this one-of-a-kind event hosted by Kendra Scott. For one night only, the jewelry shop will donate 20% of all sales to Kate’s Cause, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the pediatric cancer community, all in memory of a young girl named Kate Olivia Rose. // Kendra Scott: 11924 Market St., Reston; prices vary
Giving Tuesday Happy Hour
6-8 p.m.
Mix and mingle with your friends and neighbors at this evening happy hour honoring The Art League of Alexandria. Throughout the night, enjoy cocktails from special guest bartenders, tasty bites from local chefs and a raffle for a gift basket featuring over $1,000 dollars worth of event tickets, art classes and items for the whole family. Donations from this event will go toward The Art League’s community programs and award-winning outreach. // Chadwicks: 203 Strand St., Alexandria; $10 donation suggested
Sip ‘n’ Give hosted by The Skimm
6:30-9 p.m.
This year, the community of writers behind daily e-news publication The Skimm have plans to give back across the country, including here in Northern Virginia. On the night of Giving Tuesday, representatives from the company will make their way to Woodbridge to participate in unannounced, giving-back activities for the local community. Plus, they will be giving away tons of Skimm swag, too. // Riverview: 1722 Florida Ave., Woodbridge; free
Integral Hatha Yoga
7-8 p.m.
End your Giving Tuesday with a free yoga class focused on deep breathing and awareness of the connection between the body and mind, ultimately serving as a time to give back to yourself. At the end of this class, the experienced instructor will guide you in a deep relaxation exercise, bringing you inner peace, calmness and stress reduction. Be sure to bring your own mat. // Crossroads United Methodist Church: 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn; free