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What is Giving Tuesday?

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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).

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?

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.

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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

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