Following our national day of thanks, then a long weekend of shopping deals in big box stores, local boutiques, and online, is a day that has been recently dubbed #GivingTuesday. In 2012, the day was founded as a movement toward coming together “for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.”
This #GivingTuesday video concisely describes what the day is all about:
Beverly-Hanks encourages you to join the nearly 37,000 organizations nationwide who are already involved in the #GivingTuesday movement. Give 10 minutes or $10, but find a way to give back to your community in a way that is meaningful to you.
Here are a few ways that you can use #GivingTuesday to give something back to your community:
1. GIVE YOUR SUPPORT
In 2015 alone, 1.64 million people participated in #GivingTuesday, raising $177M online for organizations in 98 countries. That’s a lot of support for those in need! Even so, the median online gift was just over $100, proving that a little can indeed go a long way. We encourage you to give back to an area nonprofit that means something to you.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider participating in Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local program, running through December 31. The site allows you to bundle your donations to 37 local nonprofits, and donors of $20 or more receive a coupon book in return for their gift.
2. GIVE YOUR TIME
Time is money, and no one understands that more than nonprofits. Help them kick off the holiday giving season by giving of your time to their cause. Volunteer an hour or an afternoon—they’re sure to value your help! Beverly-Hanks is a big supporter of the United Way, and we recommend finding holiday volunteer opportunities through them. For volunteers near Asheville, sort opportunities by time and topic on handsonasheville.org, the volunteer center of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.
3. GIVE A TWEET
Sometimes, even a retweet or a Facebook like makes a big difference to the mission of small, local causes. Especially during the holiday fundraising season, nonprofits love all the love they can get—even if it’s just online. Get the word out about the mission of your favorite organization, their successes, and their ongoing needs. Don’t forget to use the #GivingTuesday hashtag!
4. GIVE A (DOT)ORG SOME (DOT)LOVE
How much do you really know about EcoForesters, Ministry of Hope, or the POP Project? Did you know that you can donate to the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) through LoLo, or how many organizations are involved in Code Purple scenarios?
Take some time to learn about what local nonprofits do. Explore their websites and learn about their missions. Read through blog posts and social media feeds, and comment on stories that spark your interest. Share email newsletters with a friend, or sign up for one to keep up with news and volunteer opportunities for a cause you care about.
GET MORE BY GIVING BACK
Beverly-Hanks is immeasurably proud of our agents and staff for their regular involvement in strengthening the community through service and financial support. Here’s a list of many of the local events and regional nonprofits we’ve supported in 2017:
Alzheimer’s Association of WNC
Art League of Henderson County
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM)
Biltmore Park Town Square Summer Block Party
Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, & Families
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
Daniel Boone Council, Boy Scouts of America
Free Clinics of Hendersonville, NC
Four Seasons Compassion for Life
Head Start, Community Action Opportunities
Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra
Literacy Council of Buncombe County
Make-A-Wish Central and Western NC
Meals on Wheels of Asheville & Buncombe County
Mountain Area Pregnancy Services
Rotary Club of South Asheville
Salvation Army of Hendersonville
Upstairs [Artspace] Art Trek 2017
WNC Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
We encourage you to get involved, too—and what better day than #GivingTuesday! Support local business now and in the future by giving of your time and money to an organization that means something to you. Click through to the agencies above to make a contribution today. Or contact your Beverly-Hanks agent to learn about local nonprofits in your community.
