With the holiday season approaching, you may be looking for a new charity to donate to before the end of the year. All these terrific organizations work with members of the DMV community who have intellectual or physical disabilities. Some provide material services such as necessary equipment and sports gear while others provide services such as sporting events and all abilities recreational activities. Consider them as you give back this season.
KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping children of all abilities enjoy sports and an active lifestyle.
So Kids SOAR provides free adaptive recreational, athletic and skill-building exercises and activities to empower children with physical and developmental disabilities. It was formerly known as Dreams for Kids DC.
This year, the nonprofit will have a holiday celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Stadium. It’s open to youth with disabilities and their parents or guardians, as well as volunteers, and is an opportunity for these youths to give back to their communities through charitable projects like wrapping presents for the DC Metro Foster & Adoptive Parent Association and Progressive Life Centers.
Easterseals DC MD VA is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives and expanding the opportunities for a wide range of individuals, including those with disabilities.
Variety DC is a charitable organization focused on serving children with mobility disabilities in the DMV. Through corporate sponsors and community foundations, Variety works to provide adaptive equipment to children in need.
Kids in Action, sponsored by the Children’s National Rehabilitation and Specialized Care, gives children and young adults with disabilities (and their siblings) a chance to participate in adaptive sports and recreational therapy.
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has been providing services to blind and visually impaired individuals in the DMV since 1900. It offers classes to teach orientation, mobility, assistive training technology and independent living skills.
