The Christmas holiday is less than two weeks away and the office parties, holiday open houses, seasonal performances and other celebrations are ramping up, filling people’s social calendars.
At this busy and very festive time of year, it is a great time to stop and think of those less fortunate in the community. Several organizations that serve the local LGBTQ community are hosting events this weekend or otherwise accept in-kind or monetary donations during the holiday season (and year round) to help those in need.
Check out the following events and help spread a little love this season of giving,
Stonewall Sports Strikes for Tykes, Dec. 14, 7-9 p.m.
Strikes for Tykes is our charity toy drive to benefit ForKids. It’s easy- just bring a toy to donate to a child in need (Unwrapped and still in the package, please!) and then stay to enjoy a night of bowling, billiards, drinks, food, and dancing! Click HERE for more information
TransGiving, Dec. 15, 1-4 p.m.
Many trans, gender non conforming and non binary folks do not have and cannot afford clothing that matches their gender identity.
Donations needed
– New or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, belts, purses;
– New in package underwear and socks;
– Warm adult clothing in sizes: Boys Large to Men’s XXL, Women’s S to 2XL;
– Canned food;
Please contact Transactivistva@gmail.com for donation drop off points and if you have any questions. Click HERE for more information.
Mr. Virginia Bear “Santa Bear” Toy Drive, Dec. 15, 9 p.m.
The 2019 Mr VA Bear Crew presents Santa Bear and his furry elves and reindeer. During the month of December you can drop off a new, unopened toy for local children who may be less fortunate this holiday season. Donation boxes will be set up at MJ’s Tavern. Bring a smile to a little boy or girl this holiday season. You can also make donations directly to their website: https://forkidsva.org/.
There will also be our “special Jell-O” and everyone’s favorite bear: Santa Bear! Hopefully you’ve been good this year! Click HERE for more information.
Burlesque Brunch Benefit for TAP VA, Dec. 16, 2-5 p.m.
Join us for Charlie’s American Cafe’s very first Burlesque Brunch brought to you by Burlyville Thrill. Grab some delicious brunch and then join us in the stage room where you’ll see our performers put on a tasty burlesque show for a great cause! We will be partnering with TAP Virginia which is an organization that aims to end homelessness in the transgender community. Charlie’s American Cafe will be donating 10% of all sales of food on show day and Burlyville Thrill will be donating all proceeds from raffle to TAP Virginia.
Bended Light’s 5th Annual Holiday Jamboree Benefitting Hope House Foundation, Dec. 22, 9 p.m.
It’s that time of year, and we are happy to throw the 5th Annual Holiday Jamboree at the 80/20 Burger Bar once again. We are holding a Hygiene and Non-perishable food drive for Hope House Foundation. So please bring out any Hygiene products or Non-perishable food for those in need this Holiday Season. It is always a swell time to have the Family and Friends in town so let’s make it the Big Party it is every year! Two sets of Live Music from Bended Light
LGBT Life Center’s Adopt a Child
GIVE THE GIFT OF GIVING: Not all families have the means to make the holidays extra special. But you can help us light up a Hampton Roads’ child’s life by adopting one for the holidays! They are helping families provide gifts for children ages 0-16. Send Jenny Carter at jcarter@lgbtlifecenter.org or 757-640-0929 if you are interested in adopting a child this holiday.
Samaritan House “Home for the Holidays”
Your sponsorship provides the funds needed to bring Holiday cheer to a Shelter with festive decorations, mend broken things, contribute to monthly utility bills, supply a family meal, and help create happy Holiday memories. For the children living in Emergency Shelter, more important than a new toy on Christmas is a bed to rest their heads, and a safe place to call home.
We ask you to join us in the Home for the Holidays program and consider making a year-end gift to provide vital services for Samaritan House families. Please contact Eva Fuze at evaf@samaritanhouseva.org or (757) 323-6164 to learn more.
Did we miss your event or charity drive? Please drop us a line and we will share with the community on our calendar FREE of charge!
