Arab America invited members of the community to bring an item of warm clothing with them to donate at our networking event, “Hattas and Hats for the Homeless”, on Tuesday, December 13. We welcomed supporters into the Cultural DC Gallery for an evening of culture, laughs, and giving back. Guests were able to enjoy delicious Arab food and wine, while catching up with old friends and exchanging business cards with new ones.
Arab America is proud to report that we received hundreds of items of warm clothing from attendees at the networking event! After our incredible Ramadan initiative in the summer, “Hummus for the Homeless,” we partnered with Catholic Charities once again to donate the items on Wednesday, December 14.
The attendees’ donations of hattas (Arab scarves), hats, gloves, blankets, jackets, sweaters, socks, and more were passed out to nearly 150 needy people in downtown Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening. Those who stopped by our tables were happy to find an abundance of hattas, which were everyone’s favorite item. Many were proud to wear the scarf, and some viewed it as a symbol of justice from the Middle East.
Arab America staff and volunteers spent the evening distributing clothing and engaging in conversations about the significance behind the hatta in Palestinian and Arab cultures. We were pleased to learn that Arab America had many allies stop by and show their support for our community, as we did for theirs.
As many already know, homelessness is one of most critical issues facing the nation’s capital. There are roughly 8,300 people currently living without a home in Washington, DC – that’s 1% of the district’s population. And DC doesn’t have enough beds, showers, food, and other resources to help all 8,300 people.
Worst of all, the majority of the homeless community is made up of kids and parents who aren’t able to afford housing costs anymore, are victims of domestic violence, or are unable to get proper treatment for mental illnesses. During this season of giving and togetherness, we hope that Arab America’s small contribution can make a difference.
“I echo those who say that true joy comes from giving rather than receiving,” said Dr. Amal David, one of the organizers. She continued on to say that she truly enjoyed watching the needy individuals looking through the bins of clothing with such excitement. “I was impressed with the many questions I received about the hatta, like where does it come from, how do they wear it, and if they can get one in black next Wednesday,” Dr. David said.
We were so overwhelmed with requests for hattas that we quickly ran out, which is why we are asking for your help once more. Arab America will continue collecting hattas and any other winter gear at our office (916 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001) anytime between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm on Friday, December 16; Monday, December 19; Tuesday, December 20; and Wednesday, December 21.
All donations are welcome, but we would like to emphasize the need for hattas, gloves, hats, and jackets in particular.
The items will be donated on Wednesday, December 21 at 5:00 pm also at our office. If you want to donate, but are unable to make it during these times, please call Arab America at 202-827-4005 so we can arrange a pick-up or mailing.
Although hattas and warm clothing are essential to the homeless, Arab America still welcomes financial support and monetary donations to help run us purchase new clothing and run our humanitarian programs. Click here to donate today.
We would like to express our enormous appreciation to the sponsors who made “Hattas and Hats for the Homeless” possible. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), which helped administrate the two-part event.
We’d also like to thank the sponsors who donated food and drinks to the networking event, including:
- National Arab American Women’s Association (NAAWA)
- American-Palestinian Women’s Association (APWA)
- Yummy Kabob of Annandale, Virginia
- Raouche Café of Falls Church, Virginia
- Shawafel of Washington, DC
- Terra Sancta Wine and Arak for their donation from Potomac Wine and Spirits of Washington, DC
Lastly, thank you to AlHurra News for helping to promote the event on their news and social media sites.
We are grateful to have so many generous partners in the Arab American community who are willing to give back during the holidays!