Community Corner

'GivingTuesday' Promotes a Day of Personal Philanthropy

More than 7,000 nonprofits nationwide, including many in Pacifica, are reaching out for support.

We hear enough about Black Friday and Cyber Monday but do you know about GivingTuesday? It’s a campaign to add a new date to the national calendar. GivingTuesday, which is today Dec. 3, is a daylong event designed to help charities raise awareness and money for important causes everywhere. 

Spearheaded by the United Nations Foundation and 92nd Street Y, a nonprofit cultural and community center in New York City, GivingTuesday promotes a day of personal philanthropy on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Last year, GivingTuesday drew donations to about 2,600 nonprofits, according to event sponsors.

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To participate in this growing movement which was first launched just last year, organizations must be a registered non-profit [a 501(c)3 in the United States] with a specific GivingTuesday initiative, or a for-profit business, school, religious or community group who commit to spearhead a project that will benefit at least one registered charity or non-profit.

Organizations can't get donations through the GivingTuesday website. All donations need to be made directly to the nonprofit or online through their website. Official partners are responsible for their own fundraising initiatives. 

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For example, Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center in Half Moon Bay sent out a letter to their "Friends of Elkus Ranch," providing information on how to make a tax deduction donation using their website or by mailing checks. $20 can purchase a bale of hay. $100 will cover the staffing and material needed for a classroom serving children with special needs at Elkus.

On GivingTuesday, people are encouraged to be generous in whatever ways matter to them, whether that means volunteering at a local charity or donating funds to a favorite cause.

Consider these local charities from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay and Pescadero.

Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside

Vida Verde Nature Education

Wildlife Associates 

For more information: www.GivingTuesday.org or #GivingTuesday on Twitter.

Did we miss your favorite local charity in our listing? Tell your neighbors about it in the comments section below.


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