Dec. 1, 2020 is Giving Tuesday, the initiative launched in 2012 that encourages people to do good by donating their time or money or doing an act of kindness. Over the years the event has grown into a global movement, inspiring hundreds of millions of people to give generously and collaborate selflessly and in 2019, nearly $2 billion was raised in offline and online donations. Everyone has something to give, whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill or giving to a cause–and every act of generosity counts.
There are lots of worthy organizations and programs in the area that could use your help; after you’ve done your shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, be sure to save some dollars, hours or both.
Giving Tuesday in Alexandria
On Dec. 1, Alexandria’s stores and restaurants will donate a percentage of their sales to five local charities: Alexandria Tutoring Consortium, ALIVE, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation and Neighborhood Health. Check the website for participating locations and spread the word by tagging posts with #ShopDineGive, #OldTownBusiness and #VisitALX
Volunteer Fairfax
Volunteer Fairfax is striving to carry out its critical mission to mobilize volunteers and resources for growing community demands, and is committed to helping the community heal, recover and rebuild from this turbulent time. To address the work that needs to be done they launched United As One, an end-of-year giving campaign; for added incentive, the Volunteer Fairfax Board of Directors is matching gifts up to $5,750. Donate, then spread the word on social media by tagging posts #UnitedAsOne.
The Community Foundation For Northern Virginia
This year, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has witnessed a remarkable, unprecedented outpouring of caring and support from local individuals, foundations, corporations and corporate foundations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, they have raised more than $2.3 million to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the virus in the community. They have also awarded more than $3 million in funding through their discretionary grant cycles, responding to need and seeding innovation in areas of child and youth development, education, mental health, aging, poverty relief, military personnel, arts and the environment. Donate to a cause that aligns with your philanthropic interests here in Northern Virginia by selecting one of their community funds.
Assistance League Northern Virginia
This organization relies on its loyal donors and hopes to encourage new supporters to sustain their philanthropic programs and possibly expand them. Before the pandemic, programs focused on feeding, clothing and educating at-risk students at 11 elementary schools. Since schools closed in March, the nonprofit has suspended most of its usual programs, including the Weekend Food for Kids program; instead, ALNV now provides $20 grocery store gift cards each month to the families of the students it serves in Fairfax and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria, helping to feed the families of students who would have received the food bags. In addition, they provided nearly 1,400 new books to students so they had reading materials when schools and libraries were closed. To help the organization continue to fulfill its mission, donate here.
BEACON for Adult Literacy
This nonprofit has provided accessible and quality English language classes and services for low-income adults in the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park for 28 years. BEACON is participating in the official DC region’s #GivingTuesday campaign, hosted by the Catalogue for Philanthropy,. Visit the website to learn more about their program, how the organization adapted to ensure safe continuation of its classes and how your generosity can make a difference.
Give Kindness
If you are not in a position to donate money or have health or other concerns that also prevent you from giving your time in-person, you can still help. PowerOf partners with #GivingTuesday to bring you tools and ideas for daily acts of giving, and small actions can have a big impact in your community. Here are some creative things you can do today to help someone and spread kindness, including checking on your neighbors, starting a board game or puzzle exchange and hosting a virtual storytime.
For more information about getting involved on #GivingTuesday, visit the website.
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