Ford's Theatre Society to Host Donation Drive During A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The Ford's Theatre Society announced that the company of the 2014 production of A Christmas Carol is partnering with Thrive DC to create a donation drive inspired by the themes of charity in Dickens's holiday classic. During the curtain calls for performances of A Christmas Carol, the company will collect monetary donations on behalf of the Washington-based non-profit Thrive DC. Patrons also can make donations through the Ford's Theatre Box Office. All donation checks should be made payable to "Thrive DC." A Christmas Carol plays at Ford's Theatre from November 20, 2014, through January 1, 2015.

This is the sixth year that Ford's Theatre has partnered with a local non-profit during its run of A Christmas Carol. In the past four years, the acting company has raised more than $375,000 for local charities, including Covenant House Washington, Martha's Table, Miriam's Kitchen, So Others Might Eat (SOME) and Bread for the City, to help sustain their work with thousands in the D.C.-area who struggle with hunger and homelessness.

"Each holiday season, Dickens's timeless story reminds us to stop for a moment and consider how we each can make life brighter for others," said Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. "We have been overwhelmed by the hearty outpouring of generosity during our annual Christmas Carol charity drive in years past, and I hope that audiences will open their hearts this year in support of Thrive DC's efforts to assist where the need is great in our nation's capital."

"To be selected by Ford's Theatre for this incredible honor will mean so much to Thrive DC's ability to meet the increasing need for homeless services in Washington, D.C.," said Thrive DC's Executive Director Alicia Horton. "Last year the homeless population increased 13 percent, and this winter the Interagency Council on Homelessness anticipates a 16 percent increase in homeless families. Thrive DC currently provides meals, emergency services, job training, case management and other specialized support to 200-275 people each day, and we must be prepared for more. The Ford's Theatre annual Christmas Carol charity drive is the perfect example of Thrive DC's vision of the community coming together to help those in need."