Lucky Dogs rescues cats and dogs from euthanasia. Volunteers at Arlington Free Clinic provide quality medical care to those without insurance. Casey Trees strives to protect the capital’s treescape.
These local nonprofit organizations -- along with 626 others -- will demonstrate the great work happening in every corner of the DMV on Thursday, June 2 for United Way’s Do More 24 day of giving.
The 24-hour event aims to rally the community around organizations that are making positive changes in the DMV. Last year, the event raised $1.4 million from 11,000 donors, and this year United Way hopes to generate even more donations from the community.
Use these five tips to prepare for and then participate in Do More 24 2016.
1) Do your research and consider donating.
There is surely at least one cause close to your heart among the 629 participating organizations. Head to Do More 24’s website to see a full list of the participants and read about what they’re doing for the DMV to try to find one you may be interested in donating to on June 2. All organizations fall into one of the following categories: animal welfare, arts and culture, environment and community improvement, education, health and human services, religion, financial stability and workforce readiness.
2) Maybe your workplace is participating -- if not, you can also spread the word using Do More 24’s promotional materials.
Even if your company isn’t on the list of participants, you can still distribute the message in the workplace and beyond. The Do More 24 website has many resources you can use on social media (and in the real world) to tell your friends that they, too, should find a way to celebrate the day.
3) There are events scheduled throughout the day at the International Spy Museum, Franklin Square Park, Washington Harbour and more -- buy tickets online as soon as possible.
Community
NBC4 and our sibling station Telemundo 44 are #Working4You in the DMV
A Do More 24 reception at the International Spy Museum will include an open bar and music on the evening of June 2. That afternoon, a mentoring fair at Franklin Square Park will display tons of mentoring opportunities through organizations around the area. Other events include Stuff the Bus Parties, PAWS for Art at Washington Harbour and the Break the Frame photography exhibit. Some events require registration and/or tickets, so read full descriptions here.
4) Take a lunch break or do some shopping on June 2.
Some local restaurants and shops will offer in-store promotions to celebrate Do More 24. Among these are Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza, which will donate 25 percent of its funds to Latin American Youth Center as long as you mention Do More 24, and Athleta in Georgetown, which will donate 10 percent of your purchase to Girls on the Run D.C. when you mention that running organization.
5) Donate what you can, or get involved in one of the contests, such as the Selfie for Good campaign on Instagram.
Even if you can’t make a donation to a nonprofit this year, Do More 24 also includes several contests that can generate even more earnings for winning organizations. To get involved in the Twitter and Instagram campaigns, take a selfie with a Do More 24 sign, tag the picture with #SelfieForGood and be sure to tag the organization you’re supporting. A $1,000 award will be given to the company with most selfies for good on Instagram, and another will be awarded to the company with the most selfies for good on Twitter. Other awards are listed online.
