By: Ashmar Mandou
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement demonstrating the power of generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. While you begin your Christmas shopping spree with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, perhaps you can take a moment to contribute to a few of the many worthy causes here in Chicago helping to make their communities shine a little brighter this year.
Chicago Learning Exchange
Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX) networks educators, parents, employers, technologists, and researchers; ignites innovation through grants; champion’s ways to remake learning; and equips educators, youth, and families with skills demanded in the digital age. During this year’s giving season, Chicago Learning Exchange is embarking on a $10,000 #MentorshipIsLove fundraising campaign to raise funds in honor of Brother Mike. This campaign will ensure CLX’s ability to support mentors and the youth they learn with for years to come. If you would like to make a donation, visit www.chicagolx.org.
Pilsen Neighbors Community Council
Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC) serves as a voice in the Pilsen community, advocating for social justice, education reform, healthcare, immigration reform and civic engagement. Through leadership training and coaching, Pilsen Neighbors empowers individuals to enact positive change for themselves, their families and their community. Pilsen Neighbors acts as a facilitator for the community, leveraging their network to find solutions to common issues. PNCC’s goal is to reach $20,000 to help with their community work. To learn more or to donate, visit www.pilsenneighbors.org.
Casa Central
#YouAreTheChange Casa Central needs as we head into a new, post-pandemic normal and they are pleased to kick off their year-end campaign this GivingTuesday. Casa Central is one of the largest Latino social service agencies in the Midwest, Casa Central served approximately 10,000 individuals in Fiscal Year 2019, pursuing their mission to transform lives and strengthen communities with a special focus on Hispanics. To make a donation, visit www.casacentral.org.
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is the only non-profit in Illinois dedicated to advocating for public policies that curb and can ultimately end homelessness. Their organization leads strategic campaigns, community outreach, and public policy initiatives that target the lack of affordable housing in metropolitan Chicago and across Illinois. This #GivingTuesday donate to their cause and learn how you can get involved, www.chicagohomeless.org.
Red Door Animal Shelter
Red Door Animal Shelter’s mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, rescue, sheltering and adoption. Red Door Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill shelter committed to helping animals in need. Their primary focus is on cats, dogs and rabbits – the three most popular pets in the United States. The shelter also rescues the occasional stray pet duck or backyard chicken. To help in their mission, to donate, or volunteer, visit www.reddoorshelter.org.
The Aparecío Foundation
The Aparecío Foundation believes in a holistic approach that develops and maintains strong relationships between student and mentor participants enabling a complete support network. The eight-year curriculum schedule is designed to incorporate developmentally appropriate activities, while simultaneously exposing students to new experiences and academic enrichment. To get involved or to donate this #GivingTuesday, visit www.apareciofoundation.org.
