Unsure how or where to give this Giving Tuesday?

Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor out, or showing up for an issue or people we care about, we each have something to contribute. Identify your gifts, pick a cause that gets you fired up, and give back. Each seemingly small act turns a ripple into a wave of good, transforming the Yakima Valley and building a community we all want to live in.

A few ideas to spark your creativity

Give Nourishment

• Clean out your pantry and donate nonexpired items
• Support local food banks - https://www.yakimarotaryfoodbank.org/yakima-county-food-banks.html

Give Blood

• Your gift could save a life – click here to make an appointment

Pay it Forward

• Pay for coffee for the next person in line
• Leave a gift card at the gas pump
• Leave a great online review for your favorite local Valley small business

Distribute essentials to people facing homelessness

• Pack kits that include nonperishable snacks and bottled water, bandages, lip balm, socks, menstrual supplies, hand sanitizers/wipes and don’t forget gloves and hand warmers to fight the cold!

Give of your Voice

• Post about your favorite cause on social media
• Contact your local elected officials in support of fair policies and funding for social services
• Text 10 friends and family members about how they can participate in Giving Tuesday

Give Kindness

• Go for a neighborhood walk and pick up litter along the way
• Clean out your closet and donate items to organizations like Union Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, and Yakima Goodwill
• Cheer up a friend in need of cheering up
• Call someone to talk to them rather than texting
• Smile at everyone you see today

Give Time

• Reach out to your favorite nonprofit and inquire about volunteer opportunities
• Visit Volunteermatch.com to find current local offerings

Give Skills

• Teach your friends how to knit and then give away hats or scarves to people in need
• Utilize your social media skills and offer to help a local nonprofit reach a new audience
• Start a community garden
• Help with yard work for a neighbor who is ill, elderly, or immunocompromised

Help Animals

• Donate to shelters and rescues
• Consider adopting or fostering
• Drop off a can of tennis balls at your local shelter

Give back to our Earth

• Plant a tree on Giving Tuesday
• Commit to using less waste and share with others how you are going to do it
• Join Tuesdays4Trash and clean up a corner of your Yakima on Giving Tuesday

Give Thanks

• Write a letter to someone who’s helped you
• Send a thank you note to a teacher, healthcare worker, or a mentor
• Leave a basket of nonperishable goodies for delivery and postal workers

Got an idea not on this list? We'd love to hear it. Email heidip@yakimavalleycf.org with your idea.