By now, many people have taken advantage of sales at retailers and online websites to get a jump on Christmas shopping.
Scoring a good deal is part of the holiday tradition to find that perfect present. For some, it’s about saving a few bucks.
But today, everyone in Jackson County has an opportunity to make an impact on their community by donating to nonprofits.
Today is Giving Tuesday, the social media-promoted holiday that follows Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
The movement is being promoted locally by Jackson County United Way, which supports more than 20 local nonprofits. The organization works to promote the health, education and financial stability of everyone in the community.
“You’ve done some of your shopping and you’ve spent some. Hopefully, you’re saving some, and now, you can share a little bit with your community,” said Sean Hildreth, resource development director for the organization. “It’s the giving time of year.”
There are some good “deals” this Giving Tuesday, as dollars can be stretched to make an impact.
United Way has distributed a flier that shows $5 can provide 25 meals, $10 can provide 50 book for preschoolers and $100 can bring a year of after-school enrichment programming.
“We encourage people to give so we can increase the health, financial stability and education of every person in our community,” Hildreth said. “We do that through a lot of great partnerships and great collaborations and through community partners.”
Promoting Giving Tuesday gives the organization an opportunity to reach a new audience. Jackson County United Way is a certified nonprofit through Facebook, which means the social media giant does not take fees.
“One hundred percent of what you donate through Facebook goes to Jackson County United Way,” Hildreth said.
Hildreth has created a specific fundraiser for Giving Tuesday called Sean’s #GivingTuesday Fundraiser for Jackson County United Way, and users can search for it on Facebook. It will be shared on the Jackson County United Way and Tribune Facebook pages today.
Users also can search for Jackson County United Way’s page and look for the check mark by the title name on the page. That check mark signifies the page has been confirmed through Facebook.
Donations can be made by clicking the blue “Donate” tab on the top right-hand side of the page any time.
Users can then select the payment method and amount. One-time donations or monthly contributions can be set through the page.
Donations also can be made through the organization’s website, jacsy.org.
The impact of first-time donors or those who give a little more goes even further this year, thanks to a matching grant from Indiana United Ways, Hildreth said.
If someone hasn’t given, the organization will match $100 in contributions dollar for dollar.
Donations of $100 or more are matched when increased by $25 over the previous donation.
“We’re encouraging people to either give a $100 gift or increase a little bit more,” Hildreth said.
Facebook also is matching the first $7 million in donations nationwide on Giving Tuesday.
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Jackson County United Way partner agencies
American Red Cross
Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry
The Arc of Jackson County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana
Boys Scouts of America Hoosier Trails Council
Boys & Girls Club of Seymour
Child Care Network
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana
Girls Inc. of Jackson County
Human Services Inc.: Head Start
Meals on Wheels
Mental Health America of Jackson County
Read Jackson County and Plaza Latina
The Salvation Army
Senior citizens centers in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, Medora and Seymour
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services
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