You can take the fall chill out of this time of year especially today — and in an especially easy way by donating online to a nonprofit amid Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
In the United States alone, more than 250 communities participate in the day, according to givingtuesday.org.
Asha Curran, Giving Tuesday’s CEO and co-founder of the movement, summarized the day’s impact.
“Giving Tuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to make an impact on the causes and issues they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” Curran said. “With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity to come together to create a more generous world.”
Here is just a sampling of some of the local nonprofits participating in Giving Tuesday:
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services: Dedicated to protecting clients and their dependents from interpersonal violence. A large part of this effort includes the thousands of safe shelter nights that Turning Point provides annually at its emergency shelter located here in Bartholomew County. Information: turningpointdv.org
Love Chapel: Bartholomew County’s largest food pantry also provides some utilities assistance for residents in need. Information: lovechapel-bartholomew.org
Clarity of South Central Indiana: Offering everything from pregnancy testing to counseling to sex education. All gifts up to $75,000 will be matched this year. The agency’s Giving Tuesday efforts have been among the most pronounced of any local nonprofit in recent years. Information: claritycares.org
Columbus Indiana Philharmonic: The local orchestra devotes more of its annual budget to education programs than nearly any other ensemble of its size in the country. Their program involving local students has grown over the past few years. Information: thecip.org
Mission Resource International: The faith-oriented, Columbus-based agency gives low-interest, small business loans that create jobs and boost economic stability throughout Africa. Looking to match a $16,000 gift this year. Information: missionresource.org
Thrive Alliance: Helping vulnerable individuals, especially older adults, access resources that improve their lives and build stronger communities. Information: thrive-alliance.org
Foundation for Youth: Serving young people in Bartholomew County with everything from the gymnastics center to mentoring programs. A current post on its Facebook page reads: “Together we can help kids who are struggling right now — a healthy snack, a meal, help with school work, a friend to listen to, an adult who will be there no matter what.” Information: foundationforyouth.com
Check with your favorite nonprofit and see if they are participating in the day.
