Who knew you could take a Zumba class, buy cookies, or eat pizza for a cause? Those are just a few of the creative ways our community has come together to give back in recent weeks.
Our region is home to more than 370,000 federal employees, so when the federal government shut down, we knew that missed paychecks would put many households at risk of food insecurity. In an area with a high cost of living, even a brief loss of income can quickly make it difficult for families to afford essentials like food, rent, and utilities.
That’s why we quickly began organizing additional food distributions for federal workers and contractors. Each week, hundreds of households received boxes filled with fresh produce and pantry staples, and so many shared how much that support meant to them. We could not have met this need without the generosity of our community and those across the country who stepped up to give.
From local businesses to individual supporters, we’ve seen generosity in every form — food drives, restaurant events, digital fundraisers, and more. This outpour of support shows how strong we are when we show up together.
Across the region, restaurants, community groups, dance studios, and local shops have all found ways to turn everyday activities into opportunities to give back.
We saw those who were impacted also giving back, meeting furloughed federal employees stepping in to volunteer.
Since October 1, more than 240 digital fundraisers have started to support our work, compared to just 37 during the same period last year. And thanks to collective effort, community food drives brought in more than 15,000 pounds of food on November 3 alone, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people unite for a cause.
And the generosity doesn’t stop there. Beyond our local area, we’ve received donations from 41 states, including support from new donors who stepped up to help ensure families have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
We wouldn’t be able to meet the increased need without this incredible support and we’re so grateful for every person, business, and group that’s made a difference.
Interested in giving back?