Looking Out for One Another

The annual Salvation Army and Safeway Feast of Sharing is the official kickoff of the holiday season in the District. What a wonderful and well attended event! This year’s feast, the largest on record, brought together volunteers, residents from across the city and public officials to reflect on the year and share a great meal.

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center was buzzing and packed with volunteers running from table to table to serve dinners of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Staff from Council offices and the mayor’s office were busy greeting and talking with constituents.

The event not only provided thousands of free meals, but also featured a health expo. It was a pleasure to join Mayor Bowser, Congresswoman Norton and my colleagues on the Council to welcome residents and talk about the importance of community and looking out for one another.

As Thanksgiving comes to an end and the winter holiday season begins, I want to urge everyone to continue to support their communities. It’s important to not lose sight of those still in need as we rush to complete our holiday shopping lists. Giving Tuesday, which followed two of the largest shopping days of the year, focused on reminding people to give back to the community, either by donating money to a nonprofit or by volunteering.

Take a moment to volunteer with a nonprofit or a soup kitchen. If you’re not sure where, please visit the Greater Washington Catalogue for Philanthropy’s website, cfp-dc.org, to find opportunities to give back.

Of course, we all want to complete our holiday shopping as well. On Nov. 25, the District celebrated Small Business Saturday to encourage residents and shoppers to support local and small businesses. Small businesses are at the heart of what drives our local economy and main streets. When small businesses thrive, our communities prosper in tandem. We are so grateful for the “Made in DC” businesses and all the other local enterprises in Ward 2 and across the city.

Georgetown recently celebrated the opening of its Main Street organization to promote small businesses and encourage economic growth along Wisconsin Avenue. It’s truly a perfect time to shop small.

As always, with the colder months approaching, be careful on the sidewalks and streets. Keep an eye on your neighbors, too.

Jack Evans is the District Council member for Ward 2, representing Georgetown and other neighborhoods since 1991.