RECA to hold “Christmas in October” this weekend

This Saturday, the Real Estate Council of Austin will hold its annual “Christmas in October” project to benefit the Blackland Community Development Corporation. This year, the council will be joined by District 1 Council Member Ora Houston and more than 100 volunteers. The benefit is being held to support the CDC’s efforts to renovate its conservancy and play spaces. The Blackland CDC was created in 1983 to provide transitional and permanent supportive housing for families, and it continues its mission to maintain the Blackland neighborhood in East Austin as an “inclusive, affordable place families can thrive through a variety of social services and housing options.” RECA has held its Christmas in October project since 1991, raising more than $1 million for local community groups. Last year, SafePlace was the beneficiary, and the event won a “National Make a Difference Day” award from USA Today. This year’s event will take place on Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Blackland CDC, located at 1902 East 22nd St.