Is it ever too early for Christmas music? Whether you start in October or wait until December, the spirit of the season is already here…and so is the opportunity to show up for our communities.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35, The Bible

The holidays are officially here, and as we move through a season filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude, The Med To Be community has a powerful opportunity to show up for others. So much is happening in the world that is beyond our control but the way we support one another is within our power.

At The Med To Be, our mission is rooted in service, wellness, and collective empowerment. This season, we asked our community to share organizations, causes, and individuals we can rally behind. The responses were a beautiful reminder that even in challenging times, we can choose to be sources of light.

If you feel led to contribute, whether through your time, resources, donations, or sharing these initiatives, here are meaningful ways to give back:

1. Supporting Shatiana – Cancer Fund: Shatiana, a former classmate and beloved hairstylist, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. After successfully undergoing tumor removal, she is now in radiation treatment while continuing to care for her family. Your support (through donations or simply sharing her campaign) can help ease the financial and emotional burden she’s facing during this difficult time

2. Bethesda Cares(Bethesda, MD): Bethesda Cares aims to provide care to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Montgomery County.

3. Toni’s Kitchen (Montclair, NJ) : Toni’s Kitchen is focused on tackling food insecurity. They offer warm in-dining meals, groceries, to-go plates, and thrift store services to Montclair and surrounding areas: You can volunteer your time, donate clothing or groceries, and/or contribute financially to this great cause.

4. Be The Plug: This organization is committed to empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals through mentorship, storytelling and community. Please donate resources to support their scholarships, monthly programs, and leadership support.

5. Maternity Care Coalition (Philadelphia, PA): The vision of Maternity Care Coalition is to work towards a future where parents impacted by social inequities can birth with dignity and raise babies who are thriving.

6. Share Food Program (Philadelphia, PA): This organization is committed to overcoming food insecurity in the Philadelphia region through education, advocacy, and food distribution.

7. Nourish A Soul (Lagos, Nigeria): The mission of Nourish A Soul is to provide sustenance to impoverished Nigerians. They hope to feed one person at a time and promote hope and courage for a better and brighter future.

8. Let’s Give Foundation (Lagos, Nigeria) : Let’s Give Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading hope, love, and joy to less privileged children in Nigeria. Through creative and meaningful outreaches, the foundation provides unique experiences that inspire happiness, build confidence, and remind every child that they are seen, valued, and loved.

9. List for Resources to Serve and Support the DMV region: These curated lists include organizations serving communities across the Washington, D.C.–Maryland–Virginia region. They provide opportunities to support for individuals facing food security in the DMV region, need access to health and nutrition resources or are living with homelessness in the DMV region.

*This list will be updates from time to time with new resources so please feel free to check back in with us later for more volunteer opportunities.*