Dan Davis
The holiday season brings shopping, Thanksgiving, shopping, Christmas and yet more shopping.
There’s Black Friday, although many big retailers seem to have been pushing holiday sales since before Halloween. There’s also Shop Small Saturday. And Cyber Monday.
Amid all of those shopping plans is #GivingTuesday, set this year for Nov. 29. The Community Foundation of Jackson County asks that you consider giving to local charities, including perhaps to one of the more than 250 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 the Big Brothers Big Sisters? We have a fund for that. Girls Inc. or the Boys & Girls Club? Ditto. Jackson County United Way, Jackson County Public Library, the Conner Antique Print Shop Museum or maybe the Jackson County canine shelter? Of course we do. And others. Many 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.
Many nonprofits are reporting they are struggling economically again this year. The economy is blamed for much of that slowdown, which of course is coming on the heels of a slowdown for many in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 Hornet’s 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 16 fall grants totaling more than $103,000.
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 website, 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 and a merry Christmas this winter.
Dan Davis is president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Jackson County, 107 Community Drive, Seymour, IN 47274. For information about donating opportunities with the foundation, call 812-523-4483 or send an email to [email protected].