DuPont Circle Holiday Package Distribution a Big Success!

Hi everyone! We had an incredibly successful day today of giving out packages. We tried a new approach of setting up a table and allowing people to make their own packages to avoid waste. We ran out of backpacks within the first 30 minutes and gave out over 50 packages! Since it’s been just over a year since our first fundraiser, I wanted to share some pictures and give a little update on what we have been able to do thus far with everyone's contributions. We have:

-Distributed over 100 care packages containing food, toiletries, emergency blankets, hats, gloves, socks, food, and many other living necessities.

-Provided meals for over 50 people we encountered on the street.

-Provided meals for 120 men residing in homeless shelters.

This would not have been nearly as successful without your help, and we look forward to continuing these efforts in the new year. If you have viable backpacks, clothing (especially socks and T-shirts), menstrual products, or other useful items you would like to donate, please feel free to reach out to me and I will be happy to take them off your hands. Additionally, if you would like to contribute to the cause monetarily, you can Venmo me (@mogoldberger) with the description “Giving Back for Batya.”

This coming year, I am looking to expand this fundraiser and get more people involved. One way I am hoping to do this is by helping others learn how to provide relief to those who need it in real-time. Whenever I am asked for money on the street or see someone who looks like they could use food or help and it looks safe, I always offer to buy them something. My goal is to start funding this type of outreach for other people who want to get involved. There would be a quick orientation to discuss how to approach doing this and how you would be refunded. If you would be interested in learning more about this or getting involved, please reach out to me on Facebook or email givingbackforbatya@gmail.com.

I would like to thank everyone again for all the support thus far. Thanks to all of your generous contributions, we have been able to make a real impact on people’s lives and look forward to continuing to do so in the new year.