People encouraged to give to local charities on #GivingTuesdayNow

The nonprofit behind the national #GivingTuesday movement is asking people on Tuesday to give to local charitable groups.

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Each year since its inception in 2012, #GivingTuesdayhas been marked on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, just before the start of the holiday shopping season.

Because of the current need caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a #GivingTuesdayNow campaign will be held to cultivate contributions of any size or type to support charitable organizations.

People are being encouraged to give to local charities by reaching out to them directly with donations.

“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another,” said Asha Curran of #GivingTuesday. “We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities.”

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Jim Mescher, a volunteer with the Greene County Community Foundation, said many nonprofits stand in need.

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“Food pantries locally are in dire straits, and so a request for #GivingTuesdayNow would be the network of food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, Kids Café sites and school backpack programs feeding the hungry,” he said.

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The Greene County Community Foundation, Dayton Foodbank, Homefull, We Care Arts, SICSA, Crayons for Classrooms, Dayton Peace Museum, Aullwood Audobon Center, Artemis Center, Hannah’s Treasure Chest, United Way, Salvation Army, Bridges of Hope, United Rehabilitation Services, Cross Over Community Development, Senior Resource Center and The Contemporary Dayton, are among several nonprofits in the area that are hoping for assistance on #Giving TuesdayNow.

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Edward Marrinan, executive director of the Greene County Foundation, said at this time the foundation is usually awarding scholarships through the Beavercreek Education Foundation, Bellbrook Sugarcreek Education Foundation, Fairborn Education Foundation and Alumni Association and Greene County College Partnership - versus relying on virtual interactions for students’ choices.

“Some high school students are considering deferring colleges in light of the uncertainties, and people involved with public education even say one in six of graduating high school students are thinking about options other than colleges,” Marrinan said. “The Special Committee on Public Education at the Community Foundation is looking at a campaign to be held on #GivingTuesdayNow to support various scholarships.”

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