Drink Beer, Spread Cheer
Photo courtesy of Stone Brewing
One-third of all charitable giving occurs in December. It’s also the time when the average American doubles their drinking habits. As the season to celebrate both the communal spirit (pun intended) and philanthropy, there are quite a few local craft breweries embracing both. Here are a few upcoming events and drives to consider supporting this month.
Food and Clothing Drive for Sharia’s Closet
Thursday, December 5 from 6 p.m. — 8 p.m. at Home Brewing Company
Today, Home Brewing Company will be collecting clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and laundry supplies for Sharia’s Closet, an organization that provides free and emergency clothing to those experiencing financial hardship or crisis. At the same time, non-perishable food will be accepted to support the #SDBeer holiday food drive. Beer-wise, it’s also the release of their pecan nut brown ale, a collaboration with Tribute Pizza, who roasted the pecans in their wood-fired oven before adding it to the brew. It should be pretty tasty—there’s something about donating to a good cause that makes drinking beer that much more delicious.
#SDBeer Holiday Food Drive Celebration
Saturday, December 7 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Societe Brewing Company
Since its inception six years ago, this annual food drive has collected 56,237 pounds of food for the San Diego Food Bank. Organizer Brian Beagle says he hopes to add 15,000 pounds to that total this year at 34 different collection locations (listed here). Societe Brewing Company will host the final festivities on December 7, where the total tally will be announced, as well as an ugly sweater contest and beer specials for those who bring in food items. (Can’t make it? Not to worry—Societe accepts donations for the food bank through the end of the year.)
Holiday Food Drive
Through Sunday, December 22 at Latchkey Brewing Company
Get $1 off any beer with a non-perishable food donation at Latchkey Brewing Company. Not a beer drinker? Donate to their Virtual Food Drive for the San Diego Food Bank by clicking here.
Give a Can, Get a Can
Through Tuesday, December 31 at Stone Brewing (all locations)
All Stone Brewing locations now have collection bins for non-perishable food items that will go directly to local organizations helping to battle food insecurity. Every food item donated means $1 off a 32-ounce growler can purchase with fill.
Toy Drive for Children Fighting Pediatric Cancer
Through Sunday, December 15 at Mike Hess Brewing (all locations)
Over 300,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, and the Hess family has first-hand experience. Their daughter Keely was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, in 2018 and Mike Hess Brewing has sponsored multiple fundraisers focusing on pediatric cancer ever since. This holiday season, they’re collecting toys for the Jessie Rees Foundation, Team NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) to provide to children going through cancer treatments with Joy Jars. Toys must be brand-new and small enough to fit inside a jar (items like markers, playing cards, earbuds, mini blocks, and toy cars are ideal).
Goods Collection for Childhood Cancer Patients
Through December at Thorn Brewing Company (all locations)
The Emilio Nares Foundation supports families across Southern California who have children with cancer and Thorn Brewing Company wants to help. Drop off donations of unused blankets, clothing, gift cards, and unopened snacks to help make a difference this December.
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