We've all been there: standing in a store, scrolling through endless products, trying to find the perfect gift for someone who already has everything they need, or a best friend who insists she doesn't want anything. This holiday season, what if you could skip giving anxiety altogether and have confidence that you are giving something meaningful? There’s a wonderfully heartwarming gift that can make a tangible difference in our world:  a donation to a local nonprofit.

Every cup of coffee, every boutique stop, every small act of connection helps make Alexandria the special place we call home. But what if your giving could stay just as local—and just as meaningful? Heather shares how a donor advised fund at ACT makes philanthropy personal, impactful, and rooted right here in our community.

It was a packed house at ACT for Alexandria’s Kick Off Party, sponsored by Passport Auto on Wednesday evening at ALX Community Waterfront. We Alexandrians love to mingle and especially when it’s for a good cause and supporting so many. This year, there are over 190 participating organizations – and there is a cause that everyone can connect with.

April 9 is Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Day of Giving where we come together to raise nearly $3 million for organizations serving our most vulnerable citizens. Critical federal funding that our non-profits and schools rely on is being stalled at best, and eliminated at worst. As we see more of our neighbors in need, it’s going to be up to the public sector to come to their aid. This is the perfect time to teach children the joy of giving so others may thrive.