ARIZONA, USA — Giving Tuesday is a yearly global day bringing communities together to support their favorite nonprofits.
The Alliance of Arizona Non-profits said donations and volunteer hours have taken a big hit because of COVID-19. The alliance is estimating a $433 million dollar overall loss in revenue for Arizona nonprofits by the year’s end.
Jennifer Purcell, with the Arizona Alliance of Nonprofits, said there’s still time to give and make a big difference.
“There are opportunities everywhere you look and a lot of times we don’t think about simply helping an elderly, helping a neighbor next door,” Purcell said. “Those are all part of Giving Tuesday in addition to those who are able to financially give.”
Besides financial giving and volunteer hours, Arizonans who want to participate can also donate items, their talents and give small acts of kindness on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year.
In the East Valley, Giving Machines make it very simple to swipe a card to make donations. The vending machines can be found in Downtown Gilbert near the Water Tower. They donate everything from food, to clothing, toys, vaccines, health care worker protection and more in Arizona and around the world.
The Giving Machines are part of the Light the World campaign that was started in 2017.
United Food Bank, which distributes food to agencies in the East Valley and Gila County, is attempting to raise at least $50,000 by accepting donations online for Giving Tuesday. A $25 donation to the organization is enough to provide about 125 meals.
In four years, the machines have raised more than $9 million in donations and they’re found in 10 different places in the United States. Some local charities benefiting from the machines are St. Mary’s Food Bank, Child Crisis Arizona and the United Food Bank.
In Phoenix, Project Roots, a community garden, is looking for volunteers and financial donations as well. The organization promotes wellness in Phoenix through free kids gardening classes, wellness collective with free yoga classes, garden boxes with fresh produce and more.
If you don’t know who to give to across Arizona, here are some nonprofits you can donate to.
Don't see an Arizona-based nonprofit you support? Email us at connect@12news.com and we'll add it to our list!
Animals
Children
(cancer, disabilities, recreational, etc)
• MeHug
Adult health
Veterans
Education
(you can always donate to your kids’ school)
Religious
• Arizona Faith Network
Community
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