Today is Giving Tuesday Atlantic cares about our community, and we believe in helping our local neighbours as much as we would our close friends and family. In honor of that strong value, we’d like to encourage our customers to give others a helping hand in the form of volunteering, donations, care packages, and share the love, too.
We’ve got some great local charities you can support in the area, along with some ideas on doing some work on your own! Help others stay safe and warm for the holiday season, and experience a little comfort and joy this year.
Great Ways You Can Help Others Directly
-
Give support directly to the people who need it. Find a social media Mutual Aid Fund, or donate directly to individuals via PayPal, Venmo, Cashapp, or GoFundMe, and then reshare those campaigns and encourage others to do similar. Let’s get to know our neighbours and friends and online social circles by lending a hand when we can!
-
Create care packages for the community’s unhoused population. Packing up sturdy freezer zip-close bags, or reusable grocery bags with personal essentials and distributing by car or on foot can impact individuals on a grand scale. Fill one bag with personal toiletries: travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash; travel shampoo + Conditioner, body wash, deodorant; toilet paper, wipes, menstrual products. Fill the second bag with protein bars, granola bars, bottled water, and other sustainable snacks. Pack them up together and distribute them to people in your city or housing encampments.
-
Volunteer at a local food pantry to do meal prep, serve food, or help with other necessary tasks. Consider bringing boxes and cans of shelf stable foods including allergen friendly items such as gluten free, vegan, dairy free, and meatless options. Food pantries need specialty food items for recipients to have safe options for dietary restrictions. Consider also providing a box filled with pantry seasonings such as herbs, seasoning salts, seasoned pepper, etc.
-
Donate unwrapped books, toys, and blankets, along with diapers, and toiletries to women’s and family shelters. The children and families affected by the housing crisis or economic distress could use some holiday cheer, security and comfort. Help them have a holiday season with a little extra joy with donations made directly.
-
Consider donating blood, platelets, and plasma to a local blood bank. Many chronic illnesses and disabilities require the use of donor blood product derived treatments. Donating your healthy cells can save lives and improve quality of life for so many! If you’re feeling very brave you may also sign up for bone marrow and other donation pools for those who don’t have a familial match.
-
Check in on your neighbours who live alone, especially of they are elderly, disabled, or single parents. Consider asking them if they need help running errands, grocery shopping, any rides to medical appointments. Offer them companionship with an invite to your holiday get togethers, or send them a plate of dinner or dessert with in a festive package. Let them know you’re there, you care, and are there to lend a helpful ear or helping hand as necessary.
Local Charities and Donation Organizations to Support
