Champaign-Urbana is certainly one of the most generous places we’ve ever had the fortune of living. But there is so much need out there, whether an organization is helping the less fortunate, or adding to the cultural dynamism of our community, or augmenting educational resources.
Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to highlight many of those organizations. We’ve put together a list of some of the opportunities to give back to the Champaign-Urbana community this year. Each year, they get more and more creative. Some specific efforts for Giving Tuesday include:
Eastern Illinois Foodbank: Donate in-person at one of the following locations on November 28 from 7:30am thru 5:30pm:
Pekara Bakery and Bistro‘s second location (813 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign)
NewsTalk 1400 WDWS (2301 S. Neil St., Champaign)
Your family can also volunteer to be part of the Foodbank’s Day of Giving repack event. A few slots were available when we last looked.
Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, Champaign: This #GivingTuesday the DMBGC is asking for community members’ support to hopefully purchase a new van or repair the current vans, to assure that Kids have access to the Club to benefit from all the Boys & Girls Club has to offer. To join the DMBGC Giving Tuesday movement, community members can visit the Clubs website to donate. All gifts contributed on November 28 will be designated for the purchase or repair of Club vehicles.
Art Theater, Champaign: This year, to celebrate this global day of giving, the Art wants to give back to you! As a Thank You to our members and community, this #GivingTuesday the Art Theater is hosting a free screening of “Moses and Aaron” (1973), a stylized cinematic version of the Schoenberg opera by the same name. Admission is free to all with a suggested donation of $10. Memberships also make great gifts! Check out the different membership levels on its membership page.
Prairie Rivers Network: Help PRN raise $2,120 on November 28th. Every dollar you donate on #GivingTuesday will be doubled by a generous donor in honor of our 50th Anniversary! To donate and for more information: https://prairierivers.org/front-page/2017/11/givingtuesday-you/
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois: Seeking to raise $7,500 on Giving Tuesday. Will support scholarships for scouts as well as camp.
Crisis Nursery, Urbana: Together, we can keep children safe in our community. Keep your donation dollars local AND double your impact by donating to Crisis Nursery! ALL donations received on #GivingTuesday (up to $25,000) will be matched by a member of the Crisis Nursery Board of Directors and his family. Giving is easy. Make a donation safely and securely at www.crisisnursery.net, click the Donate Now button on our Facebook Page or call us at (217) 337-2731 to make a donation by phone.
Habitat for Humanity: Partnering with WCIA to make Giving Tuesday a Day of Giving that impacts the lives of families struggling to keep a roof over their heads. On Tuesday, November 28th from 6:00am – 7:00pm we will be at WCIA’s back parking lot off of Randolph Street in Champaign graciously collecting your donations. We’ll even have some people to cheer you on as you give back to your community!
Some more of our favorite Champaign-Urbana non-profits, who are supporting local children and families in many ways:
CU Schools Foundation: Be a leader for the next generation! Join us as we elevate the excellence in Champaign and Urbana public schools by investing in educators and students. Join chambanamoms.com in the 365 club!
Champaign Parks Foundation: At the Champaign Parks Foundation, we’re the official sponsor of childhood memories and the keepers of quality sites for family time. Supports parks, plants trees, and most significantly, provides scholarships for programming.
Salt and Light Ministry: Salt & Light is a 501(c)3 ministry serving families and individuals in Champaign County who are at or below the poverty line.
United Way of Champaign County: Supports many non-profits throughout the county and special efforts such as the recent one to establish a new winter shelter for homeless men.
Champaign Public Library Foundation
Urbana Free Library Foundation
Champaign County Humane Society
Boy Scouts of America Prairieland Council
There’s no way we could cover every Champaign-Urbana area non-profit on this Giving Tuesday. We invite you to add more in the comments below.