It’s a simple idea: find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give instead of getting.
We already have several days for getting. Doorbuster deals on Black Friday. Online deals on Cyber Monday. Local deals on Shop Local Saturday.
To balance that out, the International Day of Giving is an attempt to kick off the holiday giving season while inspiring people to give to charities and non-profits.
It’s recognized on social media as #GivingTuesday. This year it falls on Tuesday, December 1.
Here in Owensboro, several non-profits and organizations have joined the movement.
The Wendell Foster Center joined the movement in 2014 and raised over $2,000 in a single day.
“Our 2015 goal is to raise $4,000,” said Jeff Hagan, Director of Marketing at Wendell Foster’s Campus. “All gifts, big or small, make a difference, and when our local charities and organizations become financially secure, the community as a whole benefits,” Hagan said.
Those who are interested in joining Wendell Foster’s KY Gives and international #GivingTuesday initiative can visit wfcampus.org/donate.
Junior Achievement of Western Kentucky’s goal is to give 1,000 more students access to join JA programs, and they’re asking the community to support that cause on #GivingTuesday. A $20 donation will fund one JA student. A $500 investment by a local business will provide a JA program to an entire classroom.
Those interested in supporting JA can visit westky.ja.org.
The RiverPark Center‘s goal for the day is $5,000 to aid their Arts4All campaign. A $5 donation can send a child to one of the RPC’s Arts Teach Kids performances.
Those interested in supporting RPC’s Arts4All campaign can visit riverparkcenter.com
Kentucky Wesleyan College followed up their Wesleyan Way Day of Service with their #GivingTuesday campaign, where alumni and friends can give back to Wesleyan. The Advancement Office (Room 105 in the Barnard-Jones Administration Building on the Wesleyan campus) will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Giving Tuesday if donors wish to hand-deliver a gift, or they may call 270-852-3142. Or visit kwc.edu on December 1.
The Goodfellows Club will also be participating. They were listed on the national website GivingTuesday.org.
But even if your favorite local charity is not listed in this post, I’m sure they’ll be very gracious for your support in any amount.
For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit givingtuesday.org, Facebook, or follow @GivingTues on Twitter.
