NOVEMBER 20 & 22
Story Tapestries’ Maryland Gala. Join an inspiring evening supporting arts education. Celebrate creativity and community impact. Reserve your spot here: https://storytapestries.org/maryland-gala/
Holiday Giving Project
Rockville United Church | Rockville
Community Reach of Montgomery County helps make Thanksgiving brighter for local families through its annual Holiday Giving Project. Donate food baskets and grocery gift cards Nov. 20, or volunteer during distribution Nov. 22. December toy and gift card efforts continue through the holiday season.
WEBSITE: www.cmrocks.org/holidaygiving
THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER
CHARITY EVENTS
Story Tapestries’ Maryland Gala. Join an inspiring evening supporting arts education. Celebrate creativity and community impact. Reserve your spot here: https://storytapestries.org/maryland-gala/
Friday, November 20th 2026
Girls on the Run of Montgomery County Fall 5K | Bethesda
Sunday, November 22, 2026
A non-competitive, untimed 5K at Westfield Montgomery Mall celebrating the season's Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole participants, with community buddy runners welcome. girlsontherunofmoco.org/5k
Turkey Chase Charity Race | Bethesda
Thursday, November 26, 2026
A 44-year-old Thanksgiving morning tradition of running, walking, swimming, or biking to raise money for local kids' programs, with in-person and virtual options for the whole family. turkeychase.com
The Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K | Six locations across central Maryland
Thursday, November 26, 2026
A 20-plus-year Thanksgiving morning tradition benefiting Y community food pantries and financial assistance for local families, with locations across central Maryland and a virtual option. ymdturkeytrot.org
Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project
Throughout Montgomery County
Give close to home through Montgomery County's Holiday Giving Project, which connects residents experiencing financial hardship with Thanksgiving meals and December holiday assistance. Local organizations throughout the county participate, offering plenty of ways to donate and help neighbors this season.
WEBSITE: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=CYF/CYFHolidayGiving-p204.html
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Rockville Holiday Drive
Rockville
The City of Rockville's annual Holiday Drive brings the community together to provide Thanksgiving food and December gifts to local families and seniors. Residents can contribute funds, food, toys and books or volunteer to help make the season brighter.
WEBSITE: www.rockvillemd.gov/holidaydrive
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Holiday Volunteering & Donations
Throughout Montgomery County
Not sure where to start? The Montgomery County Volunteer Center compiles holiday giving opportunities across the county, connecting residents with food drives, gift collections, nonprofits and volunteer projects in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring and Upcounty communities.
WEBSITE: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Holiday Giving With Community Reach
Rockville
Looking for a hands-on way to help? Community Reach is seeking volunteers throughout November and December to collect and organize donations, communicate with participating families and assist during holiday food and toy distribution days.
WEBSITE: www.cmrocks.org/volunteer
DECEMBER 1
Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda
Kick off December with an evening of Irish holiday music at Strathmore. Cherish the Ladies brings traditional instrumentation, vocals and step dancing to the stage for a festive celebration perfect for welcoming the Christmas season.
WEBSITE: www.strathmore.org
DECEMBER 3
Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda
Celebrate the holidays in harmony when acclaimed a cappella ensemble Voctave arrives at Strathmore. The Dec. 3 performance combines seasonal classics and contemporary favorites for an evening of festive music for the whole family.
WEBSITE: www.strathmore.org
DECEMBER 5
Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda
Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. brings his Christmas Tour to North Bethesda for one night only. Expect an elegant evening of holiday favorites and signature vocals at one of Montgomery County's premier performing arts destinations.
WEBSITE: www.strathmore.org
DECEMBER 6
Silver Spring Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Fair
Veterans Plaza | Silver Spring
Shop small while celebrating the season at this festive outdoor market. From noon to 4 p.m., browse local makers, artisans and holiday vendors at Veterans Plaza while enjoying a lively afternoon in downtown Silver Spring.
WEBSITE: www.visitmontgomery.com
DECEMBER 13
Jingle Bell Jog 8K
Rockville Senior Center | Rockville
Lace up for a festive December run through Rockville. The Montgomery County Road Runners Club's Jingle Bell Jog 8K brings runners together Dec. 13 for a spirited seasonal race through the neighborhood surrounding the Rockville Senior Center.
WEBSITE: www.mcrrc.org
PETS
Giving Local Animals a Second Chance
Capital Animal Rescue and Environmental Foundation
Silver Spring-based C.A.R.E. rescues animals while supporting animal and environmental causes. Founded in 2009, the nonprofit raises funds through boarding, training and rehabilitation services while helping adoptable dogs find the safe, loving homes they deserve.
Montgomery County Humane Society
Montgomery County Humane Society helps local cats and dogs find new beginnings through rescue and adoption. The Rockville nonprofit also offers affordable veterinary services, a pet food pantry and community outreach to help pets and their people.
MCPAW
MCPAW works to end pet homelessness and suffering throughout Montgomery County. Its programs provide veterinary care, pet food and adoption support while helping families experiencing financial hardship keep beloved pets healthy, cared for and at home.
Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County
Animal Welfare League operates a no-kill cat shelter in Gaithersburg while promoting responsible pet ownership. Beyond adoption, the nonprofit provides a pet food bank and spay-and-neuter assistance to help Montgomery County families care for their animals.
MENTAL HEALTH
Supporting Minds and Strengthening Our Community
Four local organizations provide connection, care, education and renewed hope.
EveryMind
EveryMind has supported mental wellness across Maryland and the National Capital Region since 1957. Its services include crisis support, counseling, school-connected programs, mental health education and specialized resources for veterans, military families and Montgomery County residents.
NAMI Montgomery County
NAMI Montgomery County (MD), Inc. builds communities around people affected by mental illness. Through free peer-led support groups, classes, education and advocacy, the Rockville-based nonprofit helps individuals, families and caregivers find understanding, practical resources and meaningful connection.
Cornerstone Montgomery
For more than 50 years, Cornerstone Montgomery has provided behavioral health services throughout the county. Today, the nonprofit offers therapy, psychiatry, crisis services, housing, employment support and community-based programs designed to help people build meaningful, independent lives.
JSSA
JSSA provides mental health and social wellness services for children, teens, adults and families throughout Montgomery County. Its comprehensive approach includes therapy, psychiatry, psychological testing, support groups and school-based programming designed to make quality care more accessible.
HUMANITARIAN
Lending a Hand Where It Matters
Meet organizations turning generosity into dignity, opportunity, comfort and hope.
Interfaith Works
Interfaith Works provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs and employment programs to more than 35,000 Montgomery County residents annually. Founded in 1972, the nonprofit helps neighbors experiencing hardship find resources and pathways toward greater stability.
So What Else
So What Else fights food insecurity while investing in young people. Its North Bethesda Food Rescue Bank redistributes surplus food to families in need, while youth programs provide mentorship, enrichment and opportunities for children throughout underserved communities.
Comfort Cases
Gaithersburg-based Comfort Cases believes no child entering foster care should carry belongings in a trash bag. The nonprofit provides backpacks and duffel bags filled with new essentials and comforting items, helping children experience dignity during difficult transitions.
Superhumans
Superhumans provides world-class rehabilitation for Ukrainians affected by war, helping patients access prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and psychological support. Through comprehensive care, the organization helps people rebuild independence and envision life beyond life-changing injuries.
WAYS TO GIVE
Giving is not limited to writing a check. Donate supplies, volunteer your time, foster an animal, pack a Comfort Case, serve a meal or simply share an organization's mission. Visit each nonprofit's website for current wish lists, volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute.