Winter Holiday Traditions
We thank our generous donors for keeping alive our holiday tradition of giving. Thank you for helping us expand our reach and change with the times. Because of you, this Holiday Season we can support homeless families in three Community of Hope shelters. We can also give a hand to immigrants and refugees through Lutheran Social Services, generously support local Food banks, and help vulnerable, under resourced individuals. Too, we are giving assistance to the pets in families experiencing food insecurity all year long.
Purpose of Event
The purpose of this holiday project is to nurture the spirit of goodness that lives in all people, bridge our connection to each other, and strengthen our common humanity. In years past, we took homeless children to visit residents in a nursing home. As they caroled in the hallways, the children handed out cards to staff and residents. Families from Community of Hope, an organization which provides transitional housing for homeless families, participated fully, and gave of themselves. After caroling, the families were taken in a large, rented bus to a private home where awaiting them was a delicious lunch. After games, sharing, and a story every child and parent left with a bag full of useful, educational, and fun gifts. This tradition endured for over three decades. Due to changes in partner organizations involved, the tradition of giving and receiving has been amended.
We now serve more people than we ever have. This holiday season we will provide toys and gifts for families living in three Community of Hope shelters. We are gathering toys, books, and educational games for enfants and children to age 17. All items need to be new and unopened. We are also giving a hand up to vulnerable, under resourced people and pets across DC with gift cards, toiletries, and food. Every item we give comes from Global Harmony Through Personal Excellence’s caring and generous donors. This year the need for assistance has never been greater. So many people are in challenging circumstances.
Ways to Help and Be Involved
Buy a toy for a child, a regular sized body wash, a gift card (see below) or cat or dog food. You can check out our Amazon list for wanted items such as cafe latte packets, razors, toiletries, etc.
Please deliver or mail your items to:
3925 Livingston Street NW
Washington, DC 20015-2921
Mark to the attention of Dodie Brady.
Gift Card Suggestions
*Gift Cards: We prefer Visa, Safeway, Giant, Walmart, Target, or Amazon cards ranging from $50 to $100. Visa cards are preferred because they allow people to shop anywhere. This is a big bonus. Gift Cards allow the moms and dads to buy the items the family needs. We are generous with gift cards, and they are very appreciated by the recipients. Please email Dodie Brady at dorotheabrady@globalharmonyexcellence.org or give her a call at (202) 244-1682 (landline) between 9 and 8:30 if you have questions.
GRATITUDE
Thank you so much for your kindness and taking the time to buy useful and thoughtful gifts for families in difficult circumstances. We appreciate your support. These are perilous times for a growing number of individuals. Your giving can bring relief and hope. We tell our recipients the gifts come from caring people who are rooting for their well-being. If we were to have a miraculous overflow of gifts, we donate them to other groups in need. There are so many people who need a helping hand now and will continue to need support in 2026.
How else can you participate?
We accept financial contributions all year long. Our current projects include:
- Our holiday tradition of nearly four decades
- Sponsoring the 38th essay contest in Spring 2026 for DCPS and DCPCS students
- Showcasing past essayists through a book in progress and presentations
- Regular donations to food insecure families and their pets
- Supporting vulnerable populations with cards, toiletries, and other essentials all year long
- Building a presence on social media
- Strengthening our Board of Directors
- Updating and maintaining our web site
- Solidifying a legacy for continuity.
We have been accepted by a publishing company to put together a book to publish the essays of students over 37 years. We need to make that happen. We are laying groundwork for an international essay contest and other activities. Our 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 990EZ’s are posted soon on the IRS website.