United Way asks community to give back on Tuesday, Nov. 27
By From staff reports
Published in News on November 18, 2012 1:50 AM
As the clock strikes midnight Friday, millions of Americans -- Wayne County residents included -- will head out to capture some of the after Thanksgiving sales that officially usher in the Christmas shopping season.
But after the flurry of a weekend of shopping and the clicks on Cyber Monday, the United Way of Wayne County hopes local residents will take a moment to think of others -- and the real reason for the season on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
The local organization has partnered with a national effort, GivingTuesday.org, to encourage residents to give back to their communities after spending the weekend shopping.
The idea is to give a little time, to make a donation or to help promote a worthwhile community effort as residents begin their annual march through the holiday season.
In Wayne County, some local charities have already turned in a few suggestions on how residents can help them make a better day for local families -- but any bit of giving is welcome, United Way Director Steve Parr said.
"It does not have to take hours or hundreds of dollars to make a difference," Parr said. "The idea is just to take a moment or two to think about those whose holidays might not be as bright. A small gesture can have a big impact on those who need our help the most."
The United Way staff came up with the idea after seeing some of the projects registered on the national site.
They decided to spearhead a local effort to connect Wayne County residents to local charities.
It is all a part of the United Way's mission of neighbors helping neighbors, Parr said.
"Giving Tuesday offers a great chance for our community to start off the holiday season in a thoughtful, positive and meaningful way. There's going to be a lot of holiday shopping over the coming weeks, so while folks are out and about, perhaps they can pick up a little extra something to help a local non-profit."
Some of the charities already registered include:
* Literacy Connections -- an organization focused on giving Wayne County adults the chance to learn to read.
* Color and white binders.
* Wide and regular rule notepads.
* Dictionaries
* Individually wrapped hard candy.
* Photocopier paper
* Color photocopier paper.
* Small spiral binders.
* Partnership for Children -- championing children and families through educational support and helping to encourage and maintain proper childcare options for local families.
* New or gently used board books.
* Children's books (also can be gently used)
* Educational toys (no stuffed animals).
* WATCH -- helping provide health care for families who need it most.
* Bottled water.
* Hard candy.
* Cotton balls
* Rubbing alcohol.
* Kleenex
* Black pens
* Hand sanitizer
* Rubber bands
* Communities in Schools -- offering support that shows young people the importance of education, while encouraging them to pursue their own dreams and to develop the habits and responsibility that will allow them to realize their full potential.
* Chapter books
* Binders
* Looseleaf paper.
* Salvation Army -- giving those who are the most needy a place to turn for shelter, food, support and a chance to get back on their feet.
* Bell ringers to assist with the holiday fundraising campaign. Call The Salvation Army directly for locations and times (919-735-4811).
Are you a local charity with a need? Call the United Way at 919-735-3591.