There will be no parade on the Corniche this morning or fireworks at night to mark Qatar National Day.

Instead, charity boxes are being set up across the country to help people who are suffering in Syria as the humanitarian situation there deteriorates even further.

And officials in Qatar are urging residents to show their national pride by donating money, jewelry and even vehicles to the cause.

Though most celebrations, including organized activities at the Museum of Islamic Art and at Asian Town, have been called off, there are still a few things going on around town.

Aleppo theme

This includes an operetta on Aleppo at Katara Cultural Village’s amphitheater this afternoon.

The performance, which is at 4pm and aimed at children, will include the participation of several Qatari artists.

Later on in the evening, five local charities will host a fundraising campaign at Darb Al Saai. The event kicks off at 7pm in the flagpole area of the Al Sadd grounds.

According to the Peninsula, 100 charity boxes have been installed at Darb, with Qatar Charity, Eid Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF) and Afif Charity all participating.

“All types of donations are welcome such as vehicles, money, and jewelry. We will continue receiving donations as long as there are people to donate, and there is no specific time frame,” an organizer told the newspaper.

More information on how to help with the relief effort can be found here.

What are your plans for today? Thoughts?