Your Guide to Giving Tuesday: Ways to give this holiday season

'The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.' - Confucius

Now that we've wrapped up Cyber Week, I want to shift the focus to something far more meaningful and what the holiday season is truly about: giving. I update this post every year and have since 2015; it’s one of my favorite traditions. 

Giving Tuesday is a nationwide day devoted to generosity in all its forms. Time, resources, kindness, whatever you have to offer. While giving is something we can do year-round, today serves as a global reminder to pause and look outward.

I know this community is incredibly thoughtful, so this isn’t a lecture. But I’ll admit, I sometimes get swept up in the busyness of everyday life, and I find it grounding to have a gentle nudge to think of others. I’m also reminded that giving doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Many people don’t know where to start, or they assume a small donation isn’t impactful, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every bit of time, compassion, or support matters, and it always feels good to show up in whatever way you can.

Now, as a disclaimer, I couldn't share every non-profit, nor could I donate to every single one, and I'm sure I'm leaving out SO many wonderful organizations. I'm also mainly focusing on the Pittsburgh area. This is a positive post to inspire you to give and provide you with a jumping-off point- NOT exhaustive.

When donating financially, it is important to do your own research to ensure the organization you are donating to is legitimate. Unfortunately, so many scammers try to take advantage of altruistic people, so just be cautious and donate to legitimate causes close to your heart! Charity Watch is a resource you can check out for more information on researching before you donate!

Give to Organizations:

Ronald McDonald House
Since I met my husband, the Ronald McDonald House has really hit home for me. My husband's brother passed away from leukemia when they were young children, and although I have heard of the struggles, it's still so hard for me to fathom the loss of a sibling or having your child pass away. Life is hard and stressful even when it's going OK; the added heartbreak of having a sick child is just too much. The goal is to provide families with hospitalized children with a place to stay for an extended period. This is so they can keep their other worries to a minimum and focus on their child's health. At the house, meals are served daily, there are common rooms/playrooms for children, and the locations are very close to the hospitals.

Make-A-Wish

This non-profit fulfills the wishes of children with critical illnesses. This is where you can donate to the local PA/WV chapter. And this is where you can find your local chapter! My husband's brother made a wish when he was ill. My husband tells me how selfless his brother was, even in this instance. He had a few wish options, but his brother ultimately chose Disney World so his siblings could join him and share in everything. That is so incredibly touching... I really can't even think about it without tearing up. Hearing about something like this firsthand, I see that the wish was not only wonderful for my husband's brother, but also how priceless the memories my husband holds from this are. 

Wesley Family Services 

WFS provides behavioral healthcare services and support programs to children, adults, and families throughout their lives, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Project Bundle-Up

Nothing is worse than being cold in winter, and in Pittsburgh, the cold can be unbearable. No one should ever have to be without a coat. Project Bundle-Up has helped since 1986!

One Warm Coat

This is similar to Project Bundle-Up, but on a national level. I just learned about it a few years ago. You can put in your zip code and see if there are local chapters; many of them will come and pick them up. They take gently used coats, but Costco has many affordable coat options if you don't have any on hand to donate. 

No Kid Hungry

1-in-5 kids are hungry in America. NKH is working to change that by advocating for feeding children in local communities. They don't provide actual food; instead, they provide research, grants to schools, advocacy, and more.  

Shriners Hospitals for Children
The organization raises money for Shriners Hospitals nationwide, which provide care to children at no cost to families, specifically burn care, orthopedics, cleft lip and palate, and spinal cord injury treatment and care. My dad and grandfather are both Shriners! They've helped many, many children in need.

Pittsburgh Food Bank
Unfortunately, the need is great here in Pittsburgh, and with high grocery costs, food banks need financial support to keep up. Sadly, this situation is similar in many other cities and towns across the country. Donate, donate, donate! If you are physically donating food, they have guidelines on what they accept, so be sure to review their website. I just donated earlier this month! 

Washington Area Humane Society
This is a no-kill 501(c)(3) animal shelter and where we saved Mac, our Australian Cattle Dog- he passed away almost 8 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long), but he was the absolute BEST. I miss him every day. I'm a huge dog person, and really an animal person in general. Tracy's Dogs, where we adopted Henry, is no longer functioning but has since changed to Tracy's Paws. If I could adopt all the dogs in the world and give them safe, warm, happy homes, I would. Since I can't, and most can't, adopting just one dog can help! I know SO many of you have done that this year, and seeing our local shelter's adoption posts warms my heart. If a dog is not for you, you can also donate your time or money to help!

Another shelter in the Pittsburgh area is Animal Friends, which is also a no-kill.

I am a huge advocate for pet adoption. There are SO many dogs who need good homes, and giving a pet the gift of a wonderful life is so selfless and wonderful. Adopting Henry was the best thing I have ever done, and I'm pretty sure I benefited even more than he did. When you adopt from any organization or shelter worldwide, you are saving 2 dogs. You save the dog you adopt, and the dog that gets that open spot in a shelter. If you go through an organization like Tracy's Paws, you save 3 dogs by opening a spot there, too. 

Meals on Wheels
This serves older Pittsburghers and those who are unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. It's a great organization, and you can help by donating your time, money, or in-kind donations such as food and/or kitchen supplies.

Children's Hospital
One of the worst things is having something happen to one of your loved ones. It's truly heartbreaking. If you are a Pittsburgher, consider donating to Children's Hospital. There are Children's hospitals all over the country, so be sure to look up one near you if you are not in the Pittsburgh area.

Dress for Success
This promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women. I love that one of my favorite brands, Talbots, hosts a big drive for this non-profit every year.

United Way
There are so many ways that you can help the United Way of Allegheny County, and there are so many ways that the United Way helps the people in your local community. From children to adults to senior citizens, some programs support every member of the community.

The Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
The Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh offers safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic and intimate-partner violence.

Toys for Tots
Looking back on Christmases growing up, my sister and I were so fortunate to always wake up to gifts from Santa under our tree. Many are not that fortunate. Toys for Tots provides gifts for kids who may not have received gifts for Christmas. 

Pittsburgh Parks

Because you want where you live to be beautiful, well-kept, and conserved! Such a wonderful way to support the area where you live. 

St. Jude

I learned about St. Jude through my sister, who was a Tri Delta. This is their philanthropy; it supports research on childhood cancers and other illnesses, treats sick children, and never presents the parents with a bill. 

Spread Love and Happiness...

- Pay for someone's coffee- it is so easy to do at the drive-through at Starbucks or any other café!

- Help the elderly by delivering their groceries to them or placing an online order for them so that they can get the items they need delivered safely. Check on your neighbors and see if they need anything.

- Tip your total bill amount. To me, this one is SO much fun. 

- Give someone a genuine and encouraging compliment. Whether that be on social media, in person, or by text. 

- If you are having your annual holiday party this year, in lieu of gifts, ask for donations to a charity of your choice. 

- Use a local florist to send flowers to someone 'just because.' You are supporting a small business and making someone's day!

- If you pray, say a prayer for someone. I strongly believe in the power of prayer. 

- Recognize those who help you on a day-to-day basis: Mailmen/UPS/FedEx/etc, coaches at your local gym, neighbors, valets, doormen, coworkers, etc. We put out the treat basket for our delivery people, we always tip our garbage men, and I give holiday bonuses to our housekeeper, my hairstylist, etc. If you don't have money to give, show your appreciation by writing a note of thanks! It's always nice to be appreciated for the job you do! 

- Help local businesses that you love in your community by reviewing them online or recommending them to your friends and family on social media. 

- Take on an in-kind project. For example, if you are a web designer and have extra time, help design a struggling startup's website. Or if you're an accountant and know a struggling family, offer to help them create a budget.