Today, November 27, marks the seventh annual Giving Tuesday. This movement has become a campaign that celebrates and supports the power of giving, philanthropy, and charity around the world. Following the mass consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday encourages sharing with the less fortunate throughout the holiday season.
This season, it is important to recognize just how blessed we are and help our those in our communities. There is no better feeling than helping someone in need. Below is a list of local Philadelphia nonprofits that work to better our local neighborhoods. Please consider donating even the slightest amount of money or time to help.
Fight to Cure Illnesses
Action Wellness
If you’re shopping for holiday gifts online, you can give back to Action Wellness, too. Go to smile.amazon.com, select Action Wellness* as your charity, and shop as you usually would. You’ll get your holiday gifts, and Action Wellness will receive a small portion of your total. You can also support Action Wellness and their mission to offer those living with chronic disease supportive services by donating on their website.
Unite For HER
We all know someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. This holiday season consider donating to the nonprofit ,Unite for HER.* Unite for Her is an organization that is committed to helping women diagnosed with breast cancer navigate their way through treatment by providing complementary therapies designed to promote physical and emotional wellness. Unite for HER began in 2009 and since then has become the cornerstone bridging that gap for breast cancer patients, focusing on wellness initiatives that will positively impact their health, as well as the health of all women and girls.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is changing the lives of children with cancer. By funding impactful research and supporting families, they empower everyone to help cure childhood cancer. Since Alex’s first lemonade stand, ALSF has funded more than 800 cutting-edge research projects at 135 institutions in the U.S. and Canada. They’ve also supported families through much needed programs like “Travel For Care,” that helps make cutting-edge treatments accessible to children.
Give the Gift of Warmth
One Warm Coat
From snowstorms to below-freezing temperatures, winter weather can be unpredictable. For those who do not have a home, things can become unbearable. One Warm Coat was created to collect new or gently-worn coats to donate to those who cannot afford one. Check over 15 locations in the Philadelphia region to find one near you.
Warm Coat Warm Hearts Drive
Donate a new or gently worn coat to your local Burlington** and help a person in need of warmth this winter. By making a difference in the community, you’ll receive 10% off your entire purchase at checkout. Don’t forget to spread the word to your friends and family to make giving back a community event.
Provide Food for the Table
Philabundance
Every day, more than 700,000 people in the Philadelphia area are forced to fight against hunger. Philabundance strives to feed those who are in need, while also helping them create a better future. There are numerous ways to get involved with Philabundance, from volunteering to hosting a food drive or simply donating items.
Broad Street Ministry
Broad Street Ministry was originally formed as an alternative church community. This facility encourages people of all backgrounds to gather together and connect spiritually. BSM welcomes everyone and anyone of all races, sexual orientations, etc. Every week BSM hosts “Breaking Bread,” an event that feeds over 450 guests. This season, help out with feeding those in need or donate clothes and/or personal care items.
Support the LGBTQ Community
The Attic Youth Center
This fall, The Attic Youth Center* celebrated their 25th anniversary as Philadelphia’s only agency exclusively serving the city’s LGBTQ youth. You can help The Attic provide free programs, services, and activities for our youth by donating on their website. You can also give back to The Attic by sponsoring an event, performance, dinner and more.
Make an Impact on Animals
Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Humans are not the only ones who struggle during this season. We can’t forget about our furry friends. Become a PAWS volunteer and help save homeless pets. Assist at adoption events, comfort and bathe the animals, transfer them to adoption locations, and more. If you’re unable to volunteer time, donate directly to the shelter instead.
Pennsylvania SPCA
The Pennsylvania SPCA is looking for warm hearts to take in some very special pups. Jacob, an adorable tan mutt, is currently the longest term shelter resident. He’s been there for more than 960 days, becoming a staff favorite. While he can’t live with other pets, Jacob is ready to be brought home to a loving human family!
Give the Gift of Communication
Global Philadelphia
GPA* was created in 2010 to assist and to encourage greater interaction among the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, Philly PR Girl worked on the Global Philadelphia campaign. In addition their mission is to To promote the development of an international consciousness within the Region and enhance the Region’s global profile. GPA Philadelphia would very much appreciate your donation this Giving Tuesday.
TEANA
TEANA’s* mission is to create and maintain a forum for our networked expeditors to facilitate the exchange of information and services that allow our member companies to enhance, improve, and expand their services to their customers with safety and security while maintaining the highest levels of quality. Their purpose is to provide opportunities throughout the year to network and communicate in person with member companies, industry vendors, purchasers, government officials and regulatory industry agencies and to raise awareness in the industry of our organization, its members and the services they offer.
Where do you love to donate to or volunteer? Share your story with us in the comments below or on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
* Attic Youth Center, Action Wellness, Unite for HER, GPA, and TEANA are clients of Philly PR Girl. ** Our Editor is a current employee of Burlington Stores.
