How you can support locally on ‘Giving Tuesday’
JACKSON, Tenn. — It’s a movement that unleashes the power of generosity around the world. Giving Tuesday is celebrated the day after Cyber Monday and was created more than a decade ago as a simple idea: A day that encourages people to do good.
Over time, it has grown into a worldwide movement. But here’s how your contribution can benefit the local area.
American Red Cross
The Jackson Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is one way to spread generosity this year.
The Coca-Cola Company is matching all gifts donated to the American Red Cross, dollar-for-dollar, up to $250,000. They say your giving will stay local and you can make a difference by giving something that means something.
“But just knowing that the giving is going to stay in the communities where many of your relatives live, where your neighbors are from; I know that’s very encouraging and doesn’t get lost in all of the national giving,” said David Hicks, executive director for the Midwest chapter of the American Red Cross.
If you go online there is an opportunity to designate your giving for: ‘your local chapter.’ The Jackson chapter also accepts checks dropped off or mailed-in to their location on Stonecreek Circle. Checks must be dated December 3 to be eligible for a match from The Coca-Cola Company.
Isaiah 117 House & Jackson Arts Council
Donors can also give to Isaiah 117 House. This benefits Gibson, Dyer and Crockett counties. The goal is to raise $200,000 across the entire organization on Giving Tuesday to help change foster care and the way it begins for children.
You can also give to the Jackson Art Box program through the Jackson Arts Council. The goal is to raise $5,300, all you have to do is text ARTBOX to 50155.
RMHC & Salvation Army
Other local organizations include the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis-Jackson. This donation would benefit families of children receiving medical care at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
The Salvation Army of Jackson is also calling on the community to donate. Contributions made on Giving Tuesday will help provide shelter, food, emergency rent and utility assistance and Christmas support for local families. You can donate online, support Red Kettles, join the Angel Tree Program or sign up to volunteer.
Leaders Education Foundation
Another nonprofit is the Leaders Education Foundation.
“People can give to the Leaders Education Foundation through leadersgives.org. That is our website. They can go on there and see all of different programs we support, all the different grants we give out, all of the different scholarships we partake it, and it’s such a great organization and we just love people to give back to the community. It’s fun being a part of giving Tuesday with so many other nonprofits,” said Leigh Ann Bentley, president of the Leaders Education Foundation.
Be sure to show others how you’re celebrating! Tag ‘@givingtuesday’ and use ‘#GivingTuesday’ to share your moments of generosity. To find more national organizations participating in Giving Tuesday, click here.
For more local news, click here.
