How We’re Giving Back on #GivingTuesday
In honor of the ninth annual GivingTuesday, we rounded up some of our favorite local and national organizations supporting causes that are important to us. GivingTuesday is a globally recognized day of giving that was created in 2012. Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, US nonprofits still raised $2.5 billion dollars last GivingTuesday, an increase of 25% from 2019.
With so many individuals and families still facing extreme hardships, donating is more important than ever. This year, we’re matching donations you make to these organizations and giving you 15% off as a thank you for your generous support. Simply donate via the organization’s website and DM us a screenshot of your receipt.
Allison, Copywriter
My charity: LGBTQ Center Orange County
Why did you choose it? As one of the oldest LBGTQ centers in the county, they provide a network of support for the members and allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Their life-affirming programs focus on empowerment, and their advocacy efforts focus on speaking out against hate and discrimination. They exist so that every segment of the LGBTQ population of Orange County has the resources needed to thrive in their own lives and communities. They provide services to more than 14,000 individuals annually across a broad spectrum of culture, ethnicity, age, and economic background.
Why is this cause important to you? Some of the people I love most are part of the LGBTQ community so protecting and supporting their rights has always been a priority of mine. The need has become even more critical for younger generations as they’re figuring out who they are and how they identify. What they need most is a place, like the Center, to feel safe and seen and to receive the services they need to succeed.
Linda, Brand Manager
My charity: Downtown Women’s Center
Why did you choose it? The DWC is the only Los Angeles based organization focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women. The DWC hosts a day center where women can take a shower, enjoy a hot meal, or just decompress - things we often take for granted. They also provide training and real world experience for the women at their resale boutique and coffee shop.
Why is this cause important to you? I first started volunteering when I moved to DTLA from Long Beach as a way to connect to my new community, but have since tried to give back in whatever ways I can. There are a *ton* of ways for people to volunteer not just money, but their time and individual expertise to help out.
What are you doing to acknowledge Giving Tuesday? I host a holiday party every year, and I ask my guests to bring a pack of new socks or undies to donate to emergency kits. This year I’ll be collecting $20 Target gift cards and buying a few of my own to gift the ladies for the holidays.
Gia, Designer
My charity: Food Forward
Why did you choose it? For people experiencing food insecurity, access to wholesome and nutritious food is essential. The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables through food recovery programs like this can promote a healthier environment, greater economic resilience, and more equitable communities. Since 2009, Food Forward has prevented food waste and created more food security in our communities by recovering surplus fruits and vegetables.
Why is this cause important to you? 80 billion pounds of food goes wasted every year. Food Forward creates a sustainable solution to this problem by recovering fruits and vegetables that would have been wasted from backyard fruit trees, public orchards and farmers markets and donates them to communities in need. Food has always played an important part in my life, especially during the holidays and I believe that all families should have access to fresh, healthy foods. I want to help create a future where everyone in our communities has access to healthy produce.
What are you doing to acknowledge Giving Tuesday? I’ll be donating to Food Forward and the Long Beach Rescue Mission
Cory, Public Relations
My charity: Our Own
Why did you choose it? Our Own is a non-profit with the mission to dismantle systemic barriers and create the access needed in nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, maternal health, mental and physical fitness to further bridge the gap to ensure racial equity and social justice. What I love about Our Own is their holistic and multi-faceted approach to creating long lasting and intentional change and impact.
Why is this cause important to you? I had the honor of connecting with one of their Founders, Dustin Young- hearing his passion and thoughtful approach to changing lives for underserved communities was truly inspiring. There is so much intention behind every event, program and opportunity they create for their community. Simply put, I just believe in the work they are doing to create a positive impact in the world.
Dayna, Founder
What charity did you choose? Surfrider Foundation
Why did you choose it? The Surfrider foundation fights for plastic reduction, ocean protection, coastal preservation, beach access and clean water. I love the beaches of California so much and believe they are working to make a difference.
Why is this cause important to you? I grew up on the beaches of SoCal and it's very important to me that we work on decreasing our pollution and damage to our beautiful oceans. I was recently devastated to hear about the oil spills in Orange County and felt that this was a good charity to support at this time.
What are you doing to acknowledge Giving Tuesday? I will be matching all donations made by our customers!
To find out more about each organization and how you can help, you can head to their websites or follow them on IG.
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