Local non-profit organizations are taking part in #GivingTuesday, a global day of sharing, on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Founded in New York City in 2012, #GivingTuesday offers people the chance to help others by supporting causes important to them. It is estimated that over the past five years $300 million has been raised online to benefit organizations large and small.In the Homewood-Flossmoor area, several organizations will be participating.
Local non-profit organizations are taking part in #GivingTuesday, a global day of sharing, on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Founded in New York City in 2012, #GivingTuesday offers people the chance to help others by supporting causes important to them. It is estimated that over the past five years $300 million has been raised online to benefit organizations large and small.In the Homewood-Flossmoor area, several organizations, including Respond Now, the Homewood Science Center, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cancer Support Center, are participating.
And South Suburban Family Shelter is calling it Gratitude Tuesday. The agency is sending “thank you” emails and cards to donors and volunteers who have given to SSFS during the past year.
Respond Now
Respond Now, a helping service organization based in Chicago Heights, will use #GivingTuesday donations for its Holiday Gift Drive. Donated toys do come in to Respond Now, but the fundraiser makes certain the organization can help all families during the holiday season despite their financial situations, according to Carl Wolf, Respond Now’s executive director.
The agency assists at least 400 clients through the annual toy drive, “giving parents an opportunity to choose the gifts and donations their children will receive,” Wolf explained. “Allowing this degree of autonomy provides some feeling of liberty for those seeking help.”
Donations can be made at respondnow.org.
Homewood Science Center
Girls STEAM Ahead will be the beneficiary of this year’s #Giving Tuesday. The program for girls in junior high through high school is designed to support girls’ exploration of education and careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) and to make connections by meeting women in these professions.
The theme for the March 2 event is “Major Decisions,” giving girls insights into decision-making and goal setting. It is hoped that 250 girls will be able to join the 2019 program. In 2018, Girls STEAM Ahead served 91 students from 13 school districts.
This year, the Homewood Science Center is receiving a donation from the Flossmoor Service League to provide transportation to the event. That gift will allow more girls to attend, according to Holly Kelsven, marketing, events and fundraising coordinator.
Donations can be made at homewoodsciencecenter.org
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
Now in its 41st season, the IPO is a 75-member professional orchestra led by Stilian Kirov. It has gained national recognition and draws audience members from not only the South Suburbs but also from Chicago, Indiana and Michigan.
As part of its seven scheduled performances this season, the IPO will next present Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 8.
Giving to the IPO will help maintain its professional status, as well as its outreach through a new composers competition, its arts-in-the-school program and other education and community engagement initiatives.
Donations are accepted at www.ipomusic.org.
Cancer Support Center
An anonymous donor will match all donations made on #Giving Tuesday, up to $25,000. Contributions toward this match can be made online or at the Center’s two locations at 2028 Elm Road in Homewood or the Mokena center. Donations on Tuesday can be made at www.cancersupportcenter.org/givingtuesday.
In addition, the center is working with local businesses that have agreed to use social media to raise awareness of the Cancer Support Center’s work and encourage customers to consider making donations to CSC.
The Cancer Support Center offers various programs for those affected by cancer at no charge to participants, including cooking demonstrations, health and wellness programs, emotional support and a host of other programs for those dealing with cancer and their caregivers.
