A global day of giving

By: 
STAFF REPORT

Tis’ the season for giving and giving thanks. In the coming week individuals across the country and around the world will have an opportunity to give a little something to the groups and organizations that have made an impact in their communities. A number of noted days are ahead, but there is one that celebrates the spirit and generosity of giving—#Giving Tuesday. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #Giving Tuesday is a drive to promote charitable giving and benevolence. This day of giving was established in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation in response to the commercialism that comes immediately after the fall holiday. Since its inception #Giving Tuesday has inspired millions to give back and support the causes they believe in. #Giving Tuesday has developed into a global movement and in 2019 it inspired hundreds of millions of people to get involved. The initiative raised $511 million in on-line gifts with total financial gifts coming in at $1.97 billion. Along with the financial support provided, #Giving Tuesday generates much more for worthwhile organizations, non-profits and human service groups as millions of people across the globe volunteer their time and talents, perform acts of kindness and contribute of goods and services. There are many ways to give back from donations to support local non-profits and community organizations, donating food to the local pantry, filling the food and book bins, recycling clothing, taking part in a coat drive, lending your voice to a cause that matters to you or something as simple as shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk or sharing a warm plate of cookies. A number of area groups from local history museums to community theaters participate in the in the global day of giving. The 2021 global day of giving is set for Nov. 30, but the generosity one shares can be any day of the week. Ahead of this #Giving Tuesday, we offer a few suggestions of local organizations that accept charitable donations: Coal City Food Pantry The mission of the Coal City Food Pantry is to alleviate hunger locally. The non-profit is a year- round organization that allows individuals and families in need to shop its shelves for everything from bread and eggs, to meat, milk and fresh produce. To keep the shelves filled, the food pantry accepts donations of non-perishable food items, household cleaning supplies and paper products. Donations can be placed inside the collection box located outside the southeast door of Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 E. McArdle Rd., and monetary donations to support the pantry’s work in the community can be directed to Coal City Food Pantry and sent the McArdle Road address. Help for Hope The non-profit serves to bring hope to anyone; regardless of age, income or residency. A 24/7 help organization, Help for Hope has the ability to provide emergency supplies and direct individuals to the services they need. Monetary donations to support the group’s work in the community can be sent to Help for Hope at 100 S. Baima St., Coal City, IL 60416. To learn more call 815-518-2000. Coal City Backpack Since 2014, the Coal City Backpack Program has provided Unit 1 School District students in need with suplemental food during the school year. Donations are always appreciated. Product donations of snack bars, individual bags of crackers, macaroni and cheese, juice boxes and similar products can be placed in the drop-off box at the Coal City Public Library. Checks made out to the Coal City Backpack Program can be sent to 7855 E. Arrowleaf Trail, Coal City, IL 60416 or donations can be made at Midland States Bank. The program is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Support our soldiers Looking for a way to support veterans? St. Juvin VFW Post 1336 accepts donations to maintain the community’s Veterans Monument on the campus of Coal City Intermediate School. Donations are tax deductible and will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the monument. Donations can be made to Post 1336, P.O. Box 191, Coal City or at First Midwest Bank, 20 S. Kankakee St., Coal City. Hope Helps An autism awareness organization, Hope Helps is dedicated to research and advocacy for those diagnosed with autism and their families. The non-profit raises funds to provide communication devices, scholarships, equipment and medical intervention for those suffering with autism. Founded in 2011, the organization has raised over $600,000 for the construction of an all-inclusive playground in Coal City’s Lions Park and is currently fundraising for an an expansion of the play area. Local residents can help re-build the fund for future projects with a donation sent to P.O. Box 9, Coal City, IL 60416. Unit 1 Educational Foundation Independent of the Coal City School District, the Unit 1 Educational Foundation works to enhance the educational experience by providing grants for classroom activities and initiatives. The foundation also provides scholarships to graduating seniors and alumni of Coal City High School. Learn more about ways to support the non-profit organization including its Learning Tree and Memorial programs visit www.unit1foundation. org. Carbon Hill School Memorial Fund The Carbon Hill Historical Society established the Carbon Hill School Memorial Fund to accept donations from individuals in honor or in memory of a former village resident or school student. Contributions are used to operate the museum and support the society’s efforts to preserve local history. Donations can be sent 875 N. Second St., Carbon Hill, IL 60416. Angels of Hope, Inc. An Angel of Hope stands in the center of Coal City’s Campbell Memorial Park, a place for reflection and remembrance, a symbol of hope for all parents who have lost a child. The park was completed from donations and fund-raisers held for the organization which was founded in 2005. Angels of Hope, Inc., continues to accept donations to support the park, as well as its other initiatives including the Everlasting Footprints grant program that provides financial assistance with burial and headstone fees to families who have lost an infant or toddler. The group also has a Creating Miracles grant program to assist couples unable to conceive a child with the cost of fertility treatments. To learn more about Angels of Hope, Inc., visit www.angelsofhopeinc.org. Donations can be mailed to 265 Richards St., Coal City, IL 60416. Small Town Theatrics Small Town Theatrics is a community theater that produces theatrical performances that give community members an opportunity to be involved in the arts. The mission is to provide individuals in small towns with opportunities to showcase their talent, while exposing them to the diversity of the performing arts. To support this small town group’s effort to produce big city theater right here in Coal City, mail your tax deductible donation to P.O. Box 28, Coal City, IL 60416. Operation St. Nick This unique community organization provides low income families with assistance at Christmas, as well as providing area youngsters with the necessities for heading back-to-school in the fall. They have handed out bicycles to kids and helped military families. Donations to Operation St. Nick can be sent to P.O. Box 781, Morris. IL 60450 United Way of Grundy County The United Way of Grundy County supports 31 partner agencies, including Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Community Nutrition Network and Illinois Valley Industries. To assist the organization in meeting its campaign goal, send donations to 1802 N. Division St., Suite 500, Morris, IL 60450. To learn more about the organization or its partner agencies, which also accept donations log on to uwgrundy.org or call 815-942-4430. Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity of Illinois and Habitat for Humanity International. The non-profit organization was established locally to assist Grundy residents realize the dream of home ownership. Habitat works with families to build homes. Locally, the group has assisted residents in Carbon Hill, Gardner and Morris. The group’s first project was a home renovation in the village of Channahon and since then has gone on to build homes for families both large and small. The organization accepts monetary donations, as well as materials, time and property. To learn more about the organization visit grundy3rivershabitat.org. Donations can be made on-line or by mail at 105 E. Main St., Suite 202, Morris, IL 60450. Grundy Area PADS Grundy PADS provides those without a permanent home a warm place to stay, a meal and basic necessities as needed from mid-October to mid-April. Various churches provide space for the shelter to operate and donations keep the program going each year as it strives to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness. Donations to support PADS can be completed on-line at grundypads.org. WeCare of Grundy County WeCare was established as a resource for people in need throughout the county. The organization’s motto, “A helping hand, neighbor to neighbor,” guides the group’s work to ensure everyone receives the services they need, from food and clothing, to utility and housing assistance. Donations can be made on-line at wecareof grundy.com or by mail to 530 Bedford Rd., Morris, IL 60450.