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Giving Tuesday as important as ever
TGM
While monetary donations to Turlock Gospel Mission help the organization provide shelter, food, service and more to the homeless community, volunteer coordinator Deena Dutra said there are other ways to give back as well.

In a community full of nonprofits organizations that help out Turlockers most in need, it isn’t hard to find ways to give back during Giving Tuesday.

After the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a new trend has formed over the last decade that aims to encompass what the holidays are really about — giving. Giving Tuesday, set for Dec. 1, is a response to the commercialism and consumerism that this time of year has come to be about, encouraging community members to donate to a good cause rather than a Playstation fund. 

According to GivingTuesday.org, there are official Giving Tuesday national movements in 75 countries. At the grassroots level, people and organizations participate in Giving Tuesday in every single country in the world. In the United States alone, more than 230 community campaigns will join thousands of nonprofits, foundations, grassroots organizations, small businesses and generous individuals to give back this year, which is unlike any other.

In 2019, at least $1.97 billion was donated in 24 hours in the U.S., with 13% of the adult population participating in some way. Though the pandemic has uprooted almost everyone’s lives, a bonus Giving Tuesday in May, #GivingTuesdayNow, managed to raise $503 million in online donations as an emergency response to COVID-19.

There are countless ways Turlock community members can pay it forward on Giving Tuesday, like donating money to a local organization. For example, the Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center, which serves those faced with an unplanned pregnancy by offering services like pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and post-abortion support, is hoping to $4,500 this Giving Tuesday.

The organization is currently undergoing renovations to its center and is trying to raise $2,000 for one of its consult rooms, $2,000 for the update of its medical and resource reception rooms as well as another $500 for the completion of a new exam room.

“These are rooms that we will be serving our clients in daily and we are wanting to ensure they are not only fully equipped, but that they also provide a warm and inviting atmosphere,” TPHC said. 

Through organizations like Turlock Together, which Turlockers can donate to via the nonprofit’s iconic blue barrels around town, and The Salvation Army, whose dedicated volunteers can be seen ringing bells for donations in front of stores, there are a variety of not only avenues, but methods through which one can give back locally. 

While monetary donations to Turlock Gospel Mission help the organization provide shelter, food, service and more to the homeless community, volunteer coordinator Deena Dutra said there are other ways to give back as well. During a year which has hit some hard financially, those who are unable to donate money to local charities can also consider volunteering their time.

“For me, Giving Tuesday is all about the community coming together and here, it’s helping those who are homeless or in need not feel like they’re alone,” Dutra said. “People can come in and sit and pray with someone, or even just sit with them while they’re having a meal. There are all kinds of ways the community can give back. It doesn’t necessarily have to be financial support.”

Community members have even knitted blankets, hats and scarves for TGM to hand out to homeless individuals, Dutra said — just another way Turlock shows it cares.

Whether it’s your time or whatever amount you can afford to give this year, find a local nonprofit and continue the tradition of Giving Tuesday. For more information on the unofficial holiday itself, visit www.givingtuesday.org