You've made it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and now it's time to show your holiday generosity for this Giving Tuesday.
Thousands of nonprofit groups in the Sacramento region and around the globe plan to use the power of social media for the next 24 hours to help boost their budgets during an online fund raising campaign dubbed Giving Tuesday.
You can help feed rescued tigers at the Performing Animal Welfare Society in Calaveras County, buy art supplies for kids who take classes through the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento or give the gift of transportation to clients of United Cerebral Palsy of Northern California.
Another organization taking part is the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. Executive director David Heitstuman says they provide an array of programs, including help for the estimated 40% of homeless youth who are in need of warm shower and a fresh pair of socks.
"You can't imagine the sort of dignity that it restored to someone's day," explains Heitstuman. "If they can take a shower, have a hot meal, and have an opportunity to do the things we take for granted every day."
Karen McClaflin with Goodwill Sacramento Valley says money you give not only goes to their own efforts to help people find jobs, but to partner agencies, which help spread expenses so your donations go a little further to places like Wind Youth Services.
"They can get their resumes done, practice with an interview and get some nice clothes to wear to those interviews," says McClaflin.
This Giving Tuesday, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is providing some tips on how to avoid becoming the victim of charity scams.
The California Attorney General has the primary responsibility for supervising charities and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf. Under Government Code section 12598, the Attorney General may investigate and bring legal actions against charities that misuse charitable assets or engage in fraudulent fundraising practices.
“As Californians give back to our communities this holiday season, it’s important to ensure the charities that support causes near and dear to our hearts are the real deal,” says Attorney General Becerra. “Unfortunately, some bad actors will try to take advantage of this generosity. I urge all Californians to be vigilant and do a little research to ensure that their charitable giving goes directly to those who need the help and not to unscrupulous scam artists.”
Donation Tips:
- Check Registration Status
- Give to Organizations You Trust
- Don’t Be Pressured By Telemarketers; Ask Questions Before Donating
- Be Cautious Of "Look-Alike" Websites
- Be Wary Of Social Network Fundraising
- Protect Your Identity
For more information about participating organizations in the Sacramento area, go to www.givingtuesday.org and click on the “search nearby” button.