Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. It’s a celebration of finding ways for your family, community, company, or organization to come together and give to those less fortunate – who have been hit especially hard this year. It also highlights charitable service on the heels of celebrating Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping days of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday inspires people to contribute to their communities in some way or another, even those who may not have done so in the past.

In addition to giving back yourself, consider celebrating this year by giving the gift of charity in a family or friend’s name as a unique present you will both feel good about. Or maybe forego your cup of coffee a couple days a week and use the money saved to help someone in need. Giving back to the community does not have to mean a monetary donation; consider volunteering your time to a cause you are passionate about, or donating household items that need a new home.

Here are some ideas for giving back within the Corridor:

CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank Project Holiday

You can donate money or time to help those less fortunate through CommUnity’s Project Holiday annual food distribution (formerly the Crisis Center of Johnson County). Learn more.

HACAP Adopt-A-Family

Provide gifts and food to struggling families this holiday season, and help parents create wonderful memories with their children. Visit hacap.org to learn how you can help during the holidays.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Volunteer with the Salvation Army of Johnson and Linn Counties to help reach their campaign goals this holiday season. If you can’t volunteer to be a bell ringer, then be sure to throw some change into the red kettles. Every bit counts!

Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots

The Salvation Army gives Toys for Tots through donations to children who otherwise wouldn’t have Christmas presents. Select a tag from a tree at participating businesses and purchase toys for a child, or volunteer to help sort, pack, or distribute toys.

United Way

Find organizations in need of volunteers and other donations such as adopting a family, transporting the elderly, or preparing food boxes for those less fortunate. Visit the United Way of East Central Iowa and the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties to learn more about holiday and volunteer giving.

Help make the Corridor a better place by donating to area non-profit programs for #GivingTuesday, and help inspire others to do the same!

Source: givingtuesday.org