Blogmas Day 2: Giving Season
FIRST OF ALL, it’s Giving Tuesday! There will be lots of opportunities to take your donations further today!
It’s beginning to look a lot like giving season. Jk, giving is seasonless, but if you’re feeling called to lend an extra helping hand this holiday season, I have some ideas for you! As always, I’m sharing some organizations that feel close to my heart, but I encourage you to do your own research and help in a way that is meaningful to you! There are so many ways to give outside of monetary donations - organizations can benefit from your time, skills, and platforms as well! Speaking of platforms, shoutout to the Tiktokers who’ve made Angel Tree giving viral this year ♡
**Helping your local community is amazing! Not sure where to start? Get to googling! All communities will likely have options to donate food, coats, gifts, pet supplies, etc. Also, I recommend asking your employer if they’ll match your donation to any local organizations. Warmest virtual hugs to you as you brighten the holiday season for someone in your community!
First, and forever close to my heart is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Paraphrased from their site: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude, so their main focus can be their child’s survival. There are plenty of ways to donate to St. Jude, but if you feel inclined help year round, consider becoming a Partner in Hope with a monthly donation.
Next up, RMHC (Ronald McDonald House)! From their site: While we don’t administer medical care, we keep millions of children and families close to the critical care they need - and to each other. Our programs are designed with the community in mind.
They provide essential care for parents and children alike, and pair them with communities of support for all family members dealing with a child’s medical crisis. Learn how to get involved here! *Today, on Giving Tuesday, donations of up to $50k will be matched with the help of DIRECTV!
The Mid-Ohio Food Collective has one main goal: end hunger. They provide more than 170,000 meals every single day to people in need in central and eastern Ohio. There are a few ways you can help, and they’re all so simple. You can give money, give time, give food, and raise awareness. Not local to central Ohio? Check out ways to combat hunger in your neck of the woods via Feeding America. *MOFC does a double your donation day in mid-December, and your donation will be matched by local contributors! Be on the lookout for that date!
Speed round!
If you’re able to donate your crafting skills, take a look at Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children in need, and Cards for Hospitalized Kids, distributing handmade greeting cards for children spending special occasions in the hospital.
When it comes to helping out our furry friends, check out American Humane, or donate time and supplies to your local shelters!
Give the gift of a magical Christmas morning to kids in need - check out Toys for Tots and find your local campaign here.
Doctors Without Borders is another organization on my heart. Paraphrased from their site: Doctors Without Borders offers medical humanitarian assistance to people based solely on need… Our teams of doctors, nurses, logisticians, and other frontline workers are often among the first on the scene when peoples’ lives are upended by conflict, disease outbreaks, or natural or human-made disasters. Learn more and donate here.
The Trevor Project – The Trevor Project is a wonderful organization supporting LGBTQ youth. From their site: The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round. You can donate to the Trevor Project here.
Happy Giving Tuesday!
Currently listening to: “Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran & Elton John
xoxo Leigh Ann