That thing you do is a new, semi-regular column featuring photos from events held by nonprofits and mission-driven organizations across the Philadelphia area. Send photos and captions from your events  to sabrina@generocity.org.

1. More than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness received socks and shoes.

(Photo by Jazmin Hooper)

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission hosted a sock and shoe distribution on April 27  for those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

The event was part of the “Philadelphia Cares” effort of the Samaritan’s Feet organization, which invites government leaders, police officers, community members and church leaders to come together to serve those in need.

Three other shoe distributions took place in April at Liberti Church, Hub of Hope and West Kensington Ministry.

2. People raised awareness about sexual assault and rape by ‘holding hands around City Hall’.

WOAR’s Hands Across City Hall. (Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

In recognition of April being “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”, Women Organized Against Rape hosted its third annual “Hands Around City Hall” April 26, to raise awareness about sexual violence and assault in Philadelphia.

The event was also sponsored by the Philadelphia Commission for Women and the City’s Office of Engagement for Women, and was attended by public officials including Mayor Jim Kenney.

3. Philadelphia-area businesses lent a hand  on Earth Day.

Several Greater Philadelphia-area businesses encouraged their employees to volunteer their labor outdoors April 22  as a way to mark Earth Day.

Vertical garden. (Courtesy photo)

Campbell Soup Company employees built vertical gardens alongside urban farmer Jon Compton from Camden’s Center for Environmental Transformation. Compton taught them how to use recycled pallets to build the vertical gardens.  CFET engages, educates, and inspires people to practice a more environmentally responsible way of living on the planet. A Campbell Soup Foundation and Campbell Healthy Community grantee, CFET and Campbell have worked together for a number of years on local initiatives that encourage healthy living through nutrition education and physical activity.

Same day, different place … 150 volunteers from Entercom did some spring clean up at Fairmount Park Conservancy at Lemon Hill.

Entercom clean up at Lemon Hill, Fairmount Park Conservancy. (Courtesy photo)

Along with the outdoor cleanup and beautification, the company is partnering with the Fairmount Park Conservancy to promote Love Your Park week, held each May, which offers nine days of volunteer opportunities and events to support Philadelphia’s parks.

4. RISE Initiative graduates were recognized…

Karol A. Mason. (Courtesy photo)

Episcopal Community Services  hosted a non-traditional recognition ceremony for graduates of its RISE Initiative — a program that connects low-income, disenfranchised youth and adults with the career training and resources needed to achieve sustained employment throughout their lives. The ceremony was held April 25, at the historic ECS offices and featured remarks from keynote speaker Karol A. Mason, director of hospitality services at United Lutheran Seminary and Kimberlie, a current RISE participant representing her class, who is completing her secondary education and aiming to work for the city.

5. … and RISE Partnership organizations were announced.

(Photo by Rashiid Marcell Photography)

15 area organizations were selected to participate in the RISE Partnership’s initial implementation phase to sharpen their thinking about program activities and outcomes, and improve their capacity to collect, understand, and use data for ongoing improvement and stronger results. The groups were announced April 4 at an event at the Discovery Center, and include:

• After-School All-Stars Philadelphia & Camden
• CASA Youth Advocates
• Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
• Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
• Mighty Writers
• Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB)
• The Center for Grieving Children
• The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation/Read by 4th
• Wagner Free Institute of Science
• YWCA Tri-County Area
• Coded by Kids
• Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America
• Students Run Philly Style
• United Communities Southeast Philadelphia
• Volunteers of America Delaware Valley.