Kicking Off the Charitable Season :: Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is slated for November 27th this year. Fueled by our connected and collaborative world, it is designed to kick off the giving season by inspiring people to give back in impactful ways. Whether it’s a gift, donation, time, or your voice, Giving Tuesday uses the collective power of individuals to make a difference in communities across the globe.
To celebrate Giving Tuesday, we asked our team to share what causes they support and why. See the responses below and find out where we’re making a difference.
Gary Comer Youth Center
Justin Graeff, Network Engineer, is giving to the Gary Comer Youth Center this year. Gary Comer Youth Center, located in Chicago, provides a safe and supportive environment for youth after school, on weekends, and during school hours. Justin told us he enjoys what the organization represents as well as the cause behind it. Learn more about Gary Comer Youth Center by visiting www.garycomeryouthcenter.org
Meghan’s A.R.M.Y.
Molly Reid, Senior Account Executive, is participating in Giving Tuesday by giving to Meghan’s A.R.M.Y (Addiction, Recovery, Movement 4, Youth). Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Molly started this organization in honor of her daughter to reduce the stigma of addiction and to promote awareness of substance and opioid abuse. Learn more about Meghan’s A.R.M.Y by visiting www.meghansarmy.org
Reading Is Fundamental
Leo Reap, Vice President & Senior Partner, is participating in Giving Tuesday by donating to Reading is Fundamental (RIF). As the nation’s largest children’s literacy non-profit, RIF aims to create a lifelong passion for reading among all children. Leo tells us that because his wife is a teacher, he sees firsthand that 63% of 4th grade students are reading below grade level. He supports RIF because the ability to read is a primary skill required for success in life and every child should have the fundamentals for success. To learn more about RIF, visit www.rif.org
Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary
Jenn Buchin, Director of Sales, is giving to Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary this Giving Tuesday. Located just outside Grand Rapids, in Lake Odessa, Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary is the Midwest’s largest sheltered no-kill sanctuary and aims to save dogs in need and place them in loving homes. Jenn recently adopted her bassett hound terrier mix, Shandy, from Mackenzie’s and she admires all they do to help find their puppers a good home. This year, Mackenzie’s is looking to “fill the bowls” to raise enough money to provide food for one month for all their pups! If their tummies are full, their tails are waggin’! Learn more about Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary by visiting www.mackenzies.info
Hope For Paws
Lori Brandt, Helpdesk Manager, is giving to Hope for Paws this Giving Tuesday. Hope for Paws rescues animals suffering on the streets or neglected in the wild. Through rescue and education, they work to raise awareness for abandoned animals. Lori donates to Hope for Paws once a month, year round. Her continuous support of the organization simply stems from her love of animals. To learn more about Hope for Paws, visit www.hopeforpaws.org
Angel Tree Prison Fellowship
Leigh Williams, Sales Account Executive, is donating to Angel Tree Prison Fellowship this Giving Tuesday. The goal of Angel Tree is to invest in children who are vulnerable because of challenging home situations that stem from having a mom or dad in prison. Leigh tells us that this charity is special to her because it helps children feel loved and valued, even during difficult times, which can unlock their potential for a brighter future. To learn more about Angel Tree Prison Fellowship, visit www.prisonfellowship.org
If you’d like to get involved, check out the directory on www.givingtuesday.org to find organizations and charities in your own community!
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