Give on Giving Tuesday: Charities in need this holiday season
Inflation is hitting our wallets hard, which might make donating hard for many people on Giving Tuesday. Local nonprofits say support for their work is needed now more than ever.
At Dominion Energy on Tuesday, employees will begin assembling food baskets at 9 a.m. with plans to distribute more than 125 meals and nearly 200 gifts to families in need.
Hunger on the rise
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is one of many local organizations seeing a need for support skyrocket this year because of inflation and the economy. According to the Food Bank, the need is up 25% to 40% over pre-COVID levels because of the increased cost of groceries, rent and the general cost of living.
On Giving Tuesday, the Food Bank will triple all donations made online thanks to supporters.
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The Food Bank will also accept food and donations of needed supplies like toiletries, cleaning supplies and baby items, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their facility at 1924 Capital Blvd. Finally, people can volunteer their time by signing up for a shift online.
Help warm homes this holiday season
Dominion Energy works annually with the Good Neighbor Fund Christmas Project, a non-profit that provides financial assistance to families facing unexpected tragedies or emergencies.
“We are seeing an increase in the need and support," said Persida Montanez, a Dominion Energy spokesperson. "So it's good to know that the Good Neighbor fund is an already-established organization that is ready and prepared and wanting to do its part to help communities in need and that also includes energy assistance funding.”
People can donate money to Dominion Energy's Heat Care Fund online to help neighbors stay warm this winter. 100% of contributions go to help others warm their homes.
"We have doubled our contribution this winter for customers that are facing financial hardship and need a little extra help with their heating bills this winter," Montanez said.
Salvation Army Angel Tree program
The Salvation Army of Wake County also needs help.
The public can still adopt angels at Crabtree Valley Mall (near the Kanki entrance, lower level) or adopt an angel online. You can also purchase toys from the Salvation Army's Walmart wish list.
People can look for the Salvation Army's festive red kettles at Walmart, Sam's Club, Lowes Foods, and Hobby Lobby locations throughout Wake County, at Cabela's in Garner and at Bass Pro Shops in Cary. People can also donate to the Virtual Red Kettle online.
If you plan to donate on Giving Tuesday, the Better Business Bureau is urging people to research charities first to make sure they're legitimate before giving them money. Verify who you’re donating to by vetting the charity and using sites like the Better Business Bureau's give.org.
