By Dan Davis

The holiday season brings shopping, Thanksgiving, shopping, Christmas and yet more shopping.

There’s Black Friday, although we’ll have to see if the logistics conundrum puts a dent in that occasion. There’s also Shop Small Saturday. And Cyber Monday.

Amid all of those shopping plans is #GivingTuesday, set this year for Nov. 30. The Community Foundation of Jackson County asks that you consider giving to local charities, including, perhaps, to one of the 252 funds we administer. You can find them listed on our website at cfjacksoncounty.org or in our annual gift guide, which should be delivered to your home the week of Thanksgiving.

Want to help Big Brothers Big Sisters? We have a fund for that. Girls Inc. or the Boys and Girls Club? Ditto. United Way, Jackson County Public Library, Conner Antique Print Shop Museum or maybe the Jackson County Dog Shelter? Of course we do. And others.

#GivingTuesday is an effort to raise awareness of the needs of charitable programs at home and around the world during a time when so many seem more focused on spending for wishes and wants rather than the needs of others.

This year, most likely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving to charities is down. Circumstances and uncertainty appear to be keeping many checkbooks closed and pocketbooks snapped shut. It’s an understandable reaction but one with consequences for those in need.

The foundation asks that you consider helping turn that trend around through making a gift on #GivingTuesday. The event, after all, can be – and really should be — about much more than one day each Christmas and holiday season. We also ask that you consider pledging to do more next year. Donate your talents, time and treasure. Volunteer for The Arc of Jackson County, the Jackson County History Center or the Hornets Nest.

You could make a gift to the foundation’s community funds. The earnings from those help finance our fall grant cycle when charitable organizations across our community apply for grants to help with important programming needs that touch the lives of people of all ages in all corners of the county. Last month, the foundation awarded 19 fall grants totaling more than $93,000.

I’d be happy to speak with you about donating to one of the funds or perhaps starting your own. Either way, your gifts to endowed funds can benefit others in perpetuity, a gift that keeps on giving, making a difference forever.

You can donate through our web page, cfjacksoncounty.org. Click on “Donate Now” and let us know to which fund you’re donating. Or you may send a check to the foundation at P.O. Box 1231, Seymour, IN 47274.

Thank you, and on behalf of the foundation staff and our board of directors, we wish you a happy holiday season this winter.

Davis is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Jackson County. Send comments to [email protected].