This year, to celebrate Giving Tuesday, Maps Credit Union will donate $10,000 to local non-profits, and our members will help us select the winners! Use the form to nominate your favorite Marion or Polk County-based non-profit or charity between now and November 22, 2024. We will randomly select 10 nominated organizations and award each with $1,000! The winning charities will be announced on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
What is Giving Tuesday?
Put simply, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to be charitable and generous—particularly with nonprofits and charitable causes. The initiative began in 2012 as a joint project between the United Nations Foundation and New York City’s 92nd Street Y (a.k.a., YMCA).
In the years since, the concept has amassed a large following and the hashtag #GivingTuesday has become a popular tool to inspire generosity among social media users. In 2019, Giving Tuesday became an independent organization with the goal “to create a more just and generous world, one where generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.”
When is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is always celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, that means giving Tuesday falls either on the last Tuesday of November or the first Tuesday of December. This year, it falls on December 3, 2024.
How Can I Participate in Giving Tuesday?
1. Nominate your favorite charity for our Giving Tuesday campaign!
We are giving a total of $10,000 to local non-profits, and you can help pick the winners! Eligible organizations must be based in Marion or Polk County and must qualify as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization.
2. Donate Blood
The American Red Cross has a critical need for blood donors of all blood types. Learn about the eligibility requirements and schedule and appointment or download the Blood Donor App to learn more. There are several local blood drives scheduled for the week of Giving Tuesday including one at the Salem Blood Donation Center (1860 Hawthorne Ave NE, Salem) and one at Blanchet Catholic High School (4373 Market Street, Salem).
3. Give nourishment
Volunteer at a local food pantry like Marion Polk Food Share. The organization—which feeds people in our community—runs on the time, talents, and resources of volunteers. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities, including repacking food, gardening, delivering Meals on Wheels, and other ways to assist in the fight against hunger.
4. Donate to a Nonprofit
If you have funds to give, choose a nonprofit or community organization that aligns with your values. Love the theater? Become a one-time or monthly donor or a member at Pentacle Theater (or just see a show). Want to help the homeless? Make a financial donation or give much-needed items to Northwest Human Services. Want to encourage literacy in kids? Make an endowment or donate money to SMART Reading. Their organization is funded almost entirely by private gifts from individuals, foundations, and businesses. Every gift ensures that the organization can provide vital reading support to more than 11,000 Oregon kids every year.
5. Pay it Forward
Look for simple ways to send kindness out into the universe. Want some examples? Send a gratitude email to a coworker. Offer to babysit for some new parents. Leave quarters at the laundromat. At the coffee shop? Instead of paying for the next person’s order (after all, they can already afford to pay, or they wouldn’t be there), give the baristas the biggest tip you can afford.
6. Distribute Essentials
Assemble kits of essential items (like toothpaste, deodorant, non-perishable snacks, first aid supplies, lip balm, socks, gloves, and hand warmers) to share with those in need. Keep the kits in your car to distribute or drop them off at a local shelter. Follow the tips from The Portland Rescue Mission for ideas on what to include. Or donate to one of these organizations that help distribute useful things like blankets, coats, and sleeping bags to those who need them most.
- Drop off some pajamas for the United Way Pajama Drive (now through November 31, 2024). Stop by one of their donation sites or drop off donations of new, unworn pajamas in sizes 0 to teen at the Maps High Street Branch drop-off location.
- Donate a blanket or coat to the Windermere Share the Warmth Blanket & Coat Drive by bringing new or gently used blankets, coats, and knit caps to the Windermere tent at OSU and U of O games in November and December. You can also bring your donations to participating Windermere offices across the state (including three locations in Salem).
- Donate children’s books, coats, educational toys, and more to Chelsea’s Place (2425 Lancaster Drive, NE, Salem) during their Hope for the Holidays campaign or purchase and ship an item from their Wish List.
- Donate much-needed items to Helping Hands Resources (like waterproof footwear, sleeping bags, backpacks, blankets, and hygiene items). Check their list of needs and bring items to their location at 1755 13th Street, SE in Salem.
7. Help Your Neighbors
Offer to rake the leaves or do other chores for an elderly neighbor. Surprise a new mom with a casserole or a couple of hours of babysitting time. Adopt a Street or start a community project—like a community garden, a park cleanup, a Little Free Library, or a piece of public art.
8. Help Animals
If you love animals, there are lots of ways to give them a little love for Giving Tuesday. For example, you could donate money or time to the Oregon Humane Society. You could also sponsor a pet, become a pet foster care volunteer, or host a fundraiser. Love horses? Support the awe-inspiring work of an organization like HART (Horses Adaptive Riding & Therapy) by sponsoring or donating to cover farrier service, veterinary services, and other necessary care.
9. Help the Environment
Plant a tree. Give money to an environmental charity. Or, sign up for a volunteer shift with one of these local environmental non-profits:
- Sign up to clear blackberries and other invasive plants from the Audubon Nature Reserve (480 Eola Drive NW, Salem) by calling 503.364-9325.
- Volunteer for or get involved with Willamette River Keeper. They are hosting the Wapato Planting Day at Willamette Mission State Park on November 8, 2024, where volunteers can come together to plant newly harvested aquatic plants that will benefit the habitat and improve watershed health.
- Connect with SOLVE Oregon to clean up litter and restore neighborhoods and natural areas across the state. They have year-round events happening almost seven days a week, so it’s easy to find an opportunity that fits into your schedule.
- Help build resilient water systems and enhance natural ecosystems alongside Greenbelt Land Trust. They host regular Thursday Volunteer Stewards sessions for habitat restoration, land stewardship, and trail maintenance projects around the Central and Southern Willamette Valley.
- No time to volunteer? Educate yourself on how to reduce waste and energy consumption. Then, try to make your #GivingTuesday a zero-waste day.
10. Give Thanks
Don’t have a lot of money or time to give? You can still do your part by offering gratitude and kindness to people at home, work, or out in the community. Send a thank you note to a healthcare professional who went the extra mile for you. Leave a basket of goodies and drinks for delivery and postal workers. Send a letter to someone who helped you or mentored you.
Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages us to give back in whatever ways we can. What’s more, you don’t need a lot of money (or time) to participate. Whether it’s offering a smile or a helping hand, raising money, or organizing volunteers, we all have something we can contribute. Before this year’s #GivingTuesday, think about your gifts and talents. Consider what you can offer—even if it is just words of encouragement and gratitude to those around you. AND, don’t forget to nominate your favorite non-profit for our Giving Tuesday campaign!