GivingTuesday 2018: How To Help Charities In Central Indiana

CENTRAL INDIANA — When it comes to holiday gift exchanges, it can be difficult knowing what to get those close to you, especially parents and grandparents. Whether you plan on shopping for a friend or family member, consider donating in their names to a charity in central Indiana on #GivingTuesday, a global day of philanthropic giving and volunteerism that follows retail shopping events Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

This year, #GivingTuesday is on Nov. 27, and it’s a good opportunity to start your end-of-the-year giving early. Some charities have already signed up, including Fishers Youth Assistance Program, Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc., Best Buddies Indiana, Humane Society of Indianapolis, and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. But we know there are hundreds of charities across the Indianapolis area and central Indiana deserving of a contribution, and their names and sites are listed online.

Tell Us: What charities in the Indianapolis area do you recommend people give to on #GivingTuesday? Tell us in the comments, or if you’re a charity, start a free user account and post your GivingTuesday event directly on Patch.

Charities fill gaps in communities like ours. No matter how tough your life is, it’s not hard to look around and find someone who has it worse. Plus, it makes you feel good and, if you have children, teaches them the importance of charity.

The global movement got its start in 2012 at the Belfer Center for Innovation at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City. It harnesses the power of social media — you’ll see the #GivingTuesday hashtag popping up on your accounts — and the generosity of people and corporations to unite people around the values of community service and giving.

Businesses and individuals can show their generosity on #GivingTuesday. Last year, more than $300 million was raised online for a broad range of organizations, but cash gifts were only part of the story. People also gave volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and, less tangible, performed acts of kindness. (Get Fishers and local news delivered straight to your inbox with the free Fishers Patch daily newsletter and breaking news alerts here and don't forget to 'like' Fishers Patch on Facebook).

RELATED:

• The Indiana Stores That Will Be Closed On Thanksgiving
• Small Business Saturday: Shop Deals At Fishers Businesses

If you crave shopping those Thanksgiving weekend deals, you might also consider purchasing some goods to bring and donate to local organizations.

Beth Dalbey contributed to this piece.

Image via Shutterstock