HOW CAN I HELP?
It is difficult at times to feel like we can make a difference. We feel overwhelmed by the negative events we hear about in the news and think there is little we can do to help. However, when we have the ability to make an impact, no matter how small, it’s imperative to act. Making a difference doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, and it’s true, no problem can be solved instantaneously. We have to work together. Helping others starts with spreading kindness. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving to charity. If you’ve been considering getting involved in a local cause, Giving Tuesday is your chance to take a pledge to help others. There are many ways to get involved. Take a look at our list below to get started.
Dedicate your time to others that need help. Trust us, there are plenty of them! We rely on over a hundred volunteers each year to help with mediation, delivering meals to isolated seniors, mentoring children in foster care, and more. Find your passion, reach out to local organizations, and spend your time making an impact.
Host your own fundraiser to raise awareness for your chosen cause and donate the proceeds to a nonprofit organization or family in need. For example, our supporters have held food, clothes, and children’s book drives, hosted parties at their homes, and even held creative performances.
Life gets busy and hectic. Sometimes we don’t have extra time between work and taking care of the family to volunteer time. When that’s the case, you can donate to the organization of your choice, but don’t just donate to anyone. Do your research. Ask, who or what does this organization serve? How will my donation be spent? What amount of my donation is used for programmatic purposes and what portion is used for administrative costs? Remember that overhead, or the amount used for administration, is important as well and goes to supporting the underlying foundation, which programs rely on for support.
If you want to make a difference, start now.
Support us for Giving Tuesday.
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Cassandra Huneke was the Special Events Coordinator for EAC Network. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a B.A. in English and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Media Studies at The New School University in New York City.