As the holidays approach amid a lagging economy, many of the areas nonprofit organizations are taking the hardest hits. Local businesses are not exempt either, but some have teamed up with charitable organizations to help raise funds for those in need. Here are some upcoming events to put on your calendar of good deeds. If you know of any Alexandria organizations doing something special for the upcoming holidays, or ones in special need of a shot in the arm, email us at GivingBack@alextimes.com.

November 14 -16
Home for the Holidays – The United Community Ministries Friends will host a fundraising event that will transform Collingwood Library and Museum into a winter wonderland of creative holiday interiors by local vendors and designers including Helen Olivia, Insiders, Longwood Manor, Sande Carter and Two Swans. Several local garden clubs will also help to decorate the exterior and interior of the home and the new American Legacy Center. Tickets are $10 if purchased at local businesses and Friends of UCM before the event and $15 at the door. Collingwood Library & Museum on Americanism is located at 8301 East Boulevard Drive. Visit www.ucmagency.org for complete information on presenters, vendors and participating garden clubs or call 703-785-3272 for reservations and group sales.

November 15
Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Night From 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., 20 percent of sales will be donated to the U.S. Committee for the U.N. Development Program. UNDP USAs mission is to educate Americans about the work of UNDP and to find ways that corporations and individuals can support UNDP projects. Ten Thousand Villages is located at 915 King St. For more information visit www.villagesofalexandria.com or call 703-684-1435.

November 19
Fall into Giving, Give Back Alexandrias First Annual Goods Drive. – Warm up your hearts and minds by giving back goods and gifts to Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center and The Reading Connection.  Bring your donations to our wine and cheese event at HSBC Bank, 415 John Carlyle Street, from 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., and help us warm up our neighbors in need.  Price of admission non-perishable foods, books, toiletries, and gift cards.  Visit www.givebackalexandria.org or call 703-739-7778 for more details.