Across the area, people are participating in Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday unofficially kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources.
It’s not just in the United States but is global.
While it is good to give all year long–to your church, local homeless shelter, women’s clinic or other worthy charitable organization– Giving Tuesday puts the spotlight on the needs of local groups that are serving our communities after a crazy Black Friday weekend.
You can find a list of local organizations online at givingtuesday.org.
But Metro Voice has a better idea. While their website is a great way to look at national organizations, what about the local ministries and non-profits that serve our communities?
Consider donating to your local lay clergy organization. In small communities they often oversee the local thrift store or food pantry. How about the Salvation Army? They are a national organization with regional and local offices. There are also other local organizations like City Union Mission and the Kansas City Rescue Mission. It’s suppose to be terrible winter. Help them prepare early before they are overwhelmed by the need.
Pro-life and adoption causes are also a great option for your giving. These organizations work all year long to support young women in crisis pregnancies, offering counseling, medical assistance, paying for births and, if they choose, helping with an adoptin process, and also training young women in life skills, education and work training. See our list and the description of local organizations that would benefit from your generosity.
Know a teacher in your life? Teachers are our unsung heroes in our communities. They are often forced to purchase school supplies out of their own funds. Why not send your child’s or grandchild’s teacher a gift they can use for the classroom. Ask for a specific item you can purchase or just give cash. They’ll put it to good use in the classroom.
While many people give weekly to their church, there are also unexpected expenses that arise during the holiday season as people in the community reach out to our places of worship for help. Ask your church staff if there is a fund that helps families with food, utilities, clothing or transportation.
Giving Tuesday is a great way to put the right focus back into the season leading up to Christmas. Don’t let the day slip by without considering what you can do to make your community better.