Consider local organizations this Giving Tuesday
“Giving Tuesday” falls on Nov. 29 this year. Created in 2012, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and after the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season when many focus on their holiday and year-end giving. Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. In the spirit of giving thanks, I hope that you will consider making donations to some of the many local organizations that need your support.
In the Coachella Valley, the disparities between the rich and poor are extreme. Our government does make an effort to provide a "safety net" for those in need, but it can’t do all that is required. There are numerous non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley that work hard all year to address the needs of those less fortunate. As you prepare to celebrate the holidays, I encourage you to remember these charities.
Great movements often begin with one person’s simple inspiration – such as when Gloria Greene began handing out food to people struggling with HIV/AIDS from the back door of one of her restaurants in Palm Springs. Her strength and tenacity helped to establish the AIDS Assistance Program (now AAP – Food Samaritans) 31 years ago.
To help address food insecurity, AAP – Food Samaritans, Mizell Center with its Meals on Wheels program, Hidden Harvest and others provide nutritional support to their clients. Other charities such as Act for MS, The Center, Well in the Desert, Jewish Family Services, Desert Cancer Foundation and Animal Samaritans all serve countless individuals and together, they make a huge difference. If you are in a position to help, please do so.
Recently, many charities began revising the way they "reward" donors for their support. It used to be that some felt it was necessary to offer event tickets, massive recognition and other benefits in exchange for donations. Thankfully, that practice — which costs charities significantly — is fading away. I believe that if someone is moved by the mission of a non-profit organization, that should be the motivation rather than what they get in return. (My husband says: “It’s not charity if you have to make sure everyone knows about how much you give.”)
The reason the holidays are "the most wonderful time of the year" is that we're reminded to be thankful, reflect on our blessings and do acts of kindness that bless us in return. We celebrate the tradition of giving, the beauty of the season and hope for a New Year of peace and happiness.
On Giving Tuesday, please donate whatever you can to Coachella Valley charities that are dear to your heart. Your contributions will help these organizations that, like AAP – Food Samaritans, make a difference to those in need. Join the #GivingTuesday movement and reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and radical generosity.
Tim O’Bayley is a 25-year resident of Palm Springs and proprietor of O’Bayley Communications, a public relations and advertising agency in Palm Springs focused primarily on non-profit organizations. He can be reached at tim@obayley.net
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Consider local organizations this Giving Tuesday
