Around Town

The annual Empty Bowls Alexandria event is returning next month as host ALIVE! says demands for food, housing and emergency financial assistance are on the rise.

In its ninth year, the historically sold-out event brings local restaurants and artisans together to fundraise for the nonprofit’s efforts to address food and housing insecurity. The event comes as ALIVE! has weathered the region’s economic losses over the past year, with requests for support up roughly 30% since the fall, spokesperson Grace Terlinden told ALXnow.


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The historic Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House site is collecting non-perishable food donations in exchange for admission discounts this holiday season.

Now through Dec. 29, guests who bring one canned good to the Woodlawn admissions desk can receive a 10% discount on individual tour admission. The food drive comes as the museums aim to provide non-perishable, shelf-stable foods in “waterproof food pantries” outside the front gates at the Quaker Meeting House.


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A nonprofit affordable housing provider in Alexandria has distributed Thanksgiving meals to 300 families in need, following its annual holiday food drive.

The drive organized by Housing Alexandria surpassed its collection efforts in 2024 by 15%, according to a release. Each meal provides enough food to feed a family of four, totaling more than 1,000 servings of food.