'Giving Tuesday' Urges Donations to Local Charities
We have passed Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and are on to Cyber Monday, but soon it will be time for something more meaningful this holiday season.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, is "Giving Tuesday," and organizations and individuals throughout the community are encouraged to use the occasion to promote a cause or charity that is meaningful to them. Launched in 2012 and celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday's purpose is to inspire giving, resulting in greater financial donations, increased volunteer hours, and participation in activities that bring about real change in communities.
The Williamstown Community Chest will mark the day by distributing "Sand for Seniors." Aubuchon Hardware in the Colonial Shopping Center in Williamstown has donated 50 one-gallon pails, which will be filled with sand and distributed to seniors in town in anticipation of slippery walkways during the coming winter.
"When the weather turns cold, sidewalks and steps can get icy and treacherous," said Kathy McKnight, president of the Community Chest board of directors. "We want to help people stay safe. We're grateful to our community for supporting the Williamstown Community Chest for close to 90 years and we felt this would be a good way to give back on Giving Tuesday."
Friends of the Community Chest and members of its board of directors will fill the buckets with sand and assist in distribution. Participating board members are Rich Alley, Joe Bergeron, Susan Briggs, Juliet Flynt, Jane Frado, Polly Macpherson, Jim Mahon, Kathy McKnight, Kathy Morris, Mary Morrow, Steve Narey, Brian O'Grady, Susan Puddester, Tom Sheldon and Bernadine Williams. Persons interested in joining in this outreach activity, may contact Kathy McKnight at 413-458-1694. Requests for pails of Sand for Seniors can be directed to the Community Chest office at 413-458-2443 or to the Williamstown Council on Aging at the Harper Center at 413-458-8250.
Founded in 1927, the Williamstown Community Chest's mission is "to strengthen the community by raising and distributing resources to organizations that help our neighbors in need." It currently supports 16 local agencies by funds raised in its annual neighborhood campaign, all of which would welcome Giving Tuesday donations. For further information or to donate, visit the organization’s website.
For lists of other charities to support this year, visit the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Berkshire United Way websites. The Northern Berkshire Santa Fund is also in need of donations to help make sure North Berkshire children have toys on Christmas morning.
Tags: Berkshire United Way, charity, corporate giving, Northern Berkshire United Way, williamstown community chest,
