Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea that has turned into a radical movement across the globe! In preparation for Giving Tuesday, you may be wondering where you can give back. Good news – we live in a city full of nonprofits! In fact, there are so many that it might become overwhelming. We’ve prepared a list of local nonprofit options for several common topics of concern. Having worked with many nonprofits, I can tell you that every contribution is a blessing. If you cannot give financially, then consider volunteering your time.
- Pick the topic you are most passionate about.
- Research and each option.
- Give time, money, and/or resources.
This year Giving Tuesday will take place on December 3rd. We would love if this could become a new holiday tradition for you to take part in with your kids! Take a moment to review the options below and remember this is not an exhaustive list of programs that could use our help during this season.
Health
Community Cancer Association – For more than 50 years, Community Cancer Association (CCA) works with local cancer patients to address some of the financial issues that occur as a result of their health condition. This includes outpatient cancer drugs, medicine for treatment effects, pain control, symptom management, prescription co-pays, necessary medical travel, wound care items, ostomy, mastectomy supplies, garments, wigs, and nutritional supplements.
Cradled – A support group for adults experiencing the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant loss and infertility.
Friends for Life – Friends for Life provide support systems and services that empower seniors and people with disabilities to live their best lives as independently as possible.
Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center – Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center (HOCTIL) is dedicated to the promotion of independence for persons with disabilities through self-determination and to advocate for persons with disabilities for equal access and actively participate in their community.
Talitha Koum Institute – Talitha Koum Nurture Center is a brain development program addressing the mental health and cognitive needs of children from 8 weeks to 5 years. Faith-based and following Jesus’ command, our goal is to love everyone, every time.
Children
CareNet – Offers compassionate care in a confidential atmosphere to discuss pregnancy options and sexual health, while respecting each individual. It also offers practical support for individual, physical and practical needs.
Methodist Children’s Home – Founded in 1890, Methodist Children’s Home serves children, youth and families through residential programs on the Waco campus and MCH Boys Ranch, and through transition services, foster care and a variety of community based programs.
The Cove Waco – The Cove is a teen nurturing center designed to provide a safe space for students experiencing homelessness to access the resources they need to thrive.
Abuse Victims
Advocacy Center – The mission of the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children (ACCVC) is to promote healing of children and crime victims through advocacy, collaboration, prevention, and treatment. They provide crisis intervention, case management, SANE exams, and trauma informed counseling for Human Trafficking victims.
Family Abuse Center – The Family Abuse Center offers a free, safe and confidential place for adults and children to begin to experience life without violence. Our professional staff listen, advocate and provide moral support to all those seeking our services. We offer counseling, transportation help, job and life skills education, and more.
Lovely Village (previously Jesus Said Love) – This is a healing community for survivors of sexual trauma. The goal is to Awaken Hope and Empower Change. Twenty years of experience has shown the need for safe housing, a stable community, living wage jobs and sustainable success and given them the direction for past and current campaigns.
Unbound – Unbound Waco offers comprehensive case management services including crisis intervention; criminal justice system-based advocacy, financial assistance, social service advocacy; transportation services; and assistance with writing victimization statements for law enforcement. Unbound Waco also provides referrals to legal services, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, residential programs, and medical care and other health-related services.
Community Development
Christian Women’s Job Corps – CWJC provides free GED and low cost Job Training Classes to the women of McLennan County. This helps them transform their lives, their families, and their communities through spiritual, personal, and professional success.
Keep Waco Beautiful – For 45 years, Keep Waco Beautiful has worked to keep the city clean and beautiful. Thousands of volunteer hours each year make Waco more beautiful and a sustainable place to live so that its citizens are more likely to thrive.
Prosper Waco – The Prosper Waco initiative is to build an environment in which all members of the Waco community are able to measurably improve their education, health, and financial security.
Startup Waco – Startup Waco serves the community by creating a thriving culture of entrepreneurship. They champion entrepreneurs of all types by breaking down traditional barriers, collaborating with like-minded institutions and filling gaps.
Animals
Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary – Cloven Heart is restoring health and happiness to abused and neglected farmed animals, and fostering a compassionate community through education to inspire change in animal welfare.
Fuzzy Friends – Fuzzy Friends Rescue is an animal welfare organization that cares for homeless and unwanted animals in a life-care environment. They never euthanize an animal to make room for another, caring for the animals until they are adopted.
This is not an exhaustive list of nonprofits, so if these do not resonate, you can still find a group to support from the many, many other incredible options available. And if you aren’t in a season where you can give back, Giving Tuesday also isn’t your only opportunity. Keep this list handy for another time. Thank you for considering giving to our area nonprofits!