This year, to celebrate Giving Tuesday, Maps Credit Union is donating $10,000 to local non-profits, and our members helped us select the winners! Throughout November we collected nominations from members across the state for all kinds of amazing organizations—from arts organizations and pet shelters to housing providers and food banks. Congratulations to the following 10 organizations, which were randomly selected from a pool of almost 2,000 nominations!
1. Silverton Cat Rescue
Silverton Cat Rescue is a foster-based cat rescue organization—and it received more nominations than any other non-profit! Since its founding in 2020, Silverton Cat Rescue has rescued and found placement homes for hundreds of cats. It has also helped spay and neuter countless cats, which not only helps them live longer, healthier lives but also helps control pet overpopulation. “Vivian Palm started this non-profit many years ago and has been overseeing the rescue of hundreds, probably thousands of cats and kittens in the Silverton area,” said one nominating member. “Her home caught fire, and they suffered a lot of loss, and are still offering their services. They are a gift to our community and to all of the feline friends of Silverton.” Said another member, “Silverton Cat Rescue saves lives and educates the public, all while using every cent that is donated wisely and purposefully.”
2. Children’s Educational Theatre
Children’s Educational Theatre is a non-profit organization that provides a 5-week program designed to immerse kids (8 to 18) in the performing and technical arts. Said one nominating member, “[CET] is extremely well organized, with professional staff members who focus as much on being good people as being good actors. CET accepts and works wonders with all kids—from the superstar straight-A kids to SPED kids. My daughter loved CET 40 years ago, and now my two grandchildren have LOVED their experiences for 5 years. If any organization deserves this award, it’s definitely CET!”
3. Ella Curran Food Bank
Ella Curran Food Bank is a volunteer-run food bank located in Independence. The food pantry, named for a Monmouth resident who devoted much of her life to supporting the community, provides food for people in need living in or near Independence and Monmouth, Oregon. In their submission form, one member noted, “Ella Curran Food Bank serves a part of the community that is invisible. Many homeless, low-income, and migrants use their services just to keep themselves afloat.”
4. Casa de la Cultura Tlanese
Casa de la Cultura Tlanese is a family-run cultural organization that supports the expression of Mexican heritage in the greater Salem area through dance, music, and community cultural events. “I like the vision of Casa de la Cultura Tlanese because it is to create a sustainable community through the preservation of values, culture, and traditions,” said a nominating member. “I see that as an organization they cultivate community solidarity by sharing knowledge and arts with the purpose of guiding the development of new leaders and professionals in our Latino community.”
5. JLAD
JLAD (a.k.a. Joys of Living Assistance Dogs) is a non-profit with a mission to provide skilled, devoted canine companions to veterans, first responders, and those living with disabilities. It’s a much-needed service that offers these individuals independence through companionship and practical assistance. However, the organization is unique because its service dogs are trained by incarcerated adults from three of Oregon’s Correctional Institutions. “Everything they do helps others,” noted one nominating member. “The inmates learn empathy and care; the recipients receive necessary assistance for a more fulfilling life.”
6. Punx with Purpose
Punx with Purpose is a non-profit organization in Salem that focuses on supporting our community’s at-risk youth. Their mission is to empower the youth of Marion and Polk Counties by offering guidance rooted in understanding. Punx with Purpose provides peers with lived experiences and safe spaces where youth can gather and gain the resources they need to succeed and grow into functional community members. “Punx with Purpose has broken the traditional mold of youth outreach in an effective way that prioritizes…youth voiced needs over the assumed and status quo,” said a nominating member. “Punx fosters relationships with the youth community and local resources in an effort to provide efficient solutions that are directly relatable and that meet the youth where they are at.”
7. HART
HART (Horses Adaptive Riding & Therapy) is a non-profit organization that harnesses the healing power of horses to empower, strengthen, and support individuals and their families facing physical and neurodiverse challenges. They believe (and have proven) that equine-assisted activity can contribute to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. “This non-profit works hard to provide adaptive therapy for special needs children,” said one nominating member. “They do amazing work and run off of pure volunteer power!”
8. Jordan Hess Memorial Trust
Jordan Hess Memorial Trust is named for Jordan Hess, a Western Oregon University student who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2019. Hess was a junior studying early education with an emphasis in special education and loved working with children with autism. In memory of her hopes to change the world, the trust supports scholarships for college students pursuing degrees in Special Education or Early Education, those attending Western Oregon University, those receiving special education services who wish to post-high school programs, and those who participate in or have a passion for dance. Said one nominator, “The work that [the Jordan Hess Memorial Trust] does to honor an amazing girl lost too soon directly impacts the lives of people who have intellectual disabilities as well as those who want to help support those with intellectual disabilities.”
9. Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality
Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality is a non-profit organization that values equity, education, and empowerment. Its mission is to empower Spanish-speaking immigrant parents and families by educating them on how to access healthy family services, training, education, and leadership opportunities. The coalition also partners with policymakers, local organizations, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools to ensure equitable educational outcomes for Latino/a/x students and families. “[SKCE’s ]parenting classes help families understand the upbringing of their children with the cultural values that they bring from their countries of origin…and how to combine them with the culture of this country,” said a nominating member. “The literacy programs are a great tool for families as they support their children to reach their reading level.”
10. Center for Hope & Safety
Center for Hope & Safety (CHS) is a non-profit organization that started in 1973 as a rape crisis line. Today, CHS (formerly known as Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service) averages approximately 20,000 contacts per year and offers five support groups (in English and Spanish) across urban and rural Marion County. CHS is a grassroots volunteer operation that offers crisis line and shelter services. They also help direct agency policies and take on a wide range of projects to meet the needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence in our community. “The Center for Hope & Safety is constantly adapting to the changing needs of the women and children of our community,” says one nominating member. “For example, with the hiring of a staff member devoted to ending human trafficking, and with the opening of Hope Plaza to offer housing and services to women and children escaping violence.”
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and, to our winners, THANK YOU for the inspiring work you do to lift our community!
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 fell on December 3, 2024.
How Can I Participate in Giving Tuesday?
Missed the opportunity to nominate your favorite non-profit? Here are other ways to give back to your community on Giving Tuesday and every day going forward.
1. Donate Blood
The American Red Cross has a critical need for blood donors of all blood types. Learn about the eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment, or download the Blood Donor App to learn more. You can donate in Salem at the Salem Blood Donation Center (1860 Hawthorne Ave NE, Salem) or find a blood drive in your area any time of year through the American Red Cross website.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
- 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.
6. 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.
7. Help Animals
If you love animals (and clearly our members do!), there are lots of ways to give them a little love. 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.
8. 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 host events 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 live a zero-waste day, week, or month.
9. 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. The best part is, 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. Each year for #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 come back next year and nominate your favorite non-profit for our next Giving Tuesday campaign!