We’ve all heard of Black Friday,
Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday.
But what exactly is Giving Tuesday?
Did you participate in Giving Tuesday? If not, there’s still time!
We love giving back to our community., which is why we look forward to Giving Tuesday, and really any opportunity to share. Yes, we do this all year (typically quietly), and do enjoy encouraging others to help out when they are able to as well. So we’re highlighting this great day!
Where?
Anywhere. Online, a local shelter, food pantry, church, etc. You can choose just about anything you like, since the object is simply to give back.
When?
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving… and often through the end of the year, as many causes run an extended campaign that kicks off on Giving Tuesday.
Who?
Anyone! We encourage family, friends, and even children to do their part!
It’s absolutely heartwarming watching kids shop for or pick from their own toys, either outgrown or just not played with, to donate to those who are less fortunate.
How?
There’s a multitude of options here. You can donate money directly to a cause. You can volunteer your time by helping with making food, serving, organizing, etc. You can participate in a charity run or event. The sky is literally the limit, and depending on the area you live in, there could be hundreds of different options for you to choose from!
Allen Realty Group regularly donates to Red’s Good Vibes, a food truck who offers free meals to anyone who shows up, no questions asked. While Catherine and her husband Caleb tend to donate home-cooked foods like smoked brisket to the truck for their meals, it’s Tiffany who shows up each week to help dole out the food and liven up the atmosphere with her effervescent positive energy.
Another new addition to the community (and our hearts!) is the Seacoast Fridge. Located at the Kittery, ME Community Center, this is an amazing idea which really took off with its introduction. Not only is there a fridge to store homemade meals and other refrigerated items, there’s also a small pantry which has plenty of room for those shelf-stable items folks might need. The Seacoast Fridge is another option for those who need a little help, with no need to go through the lengthy proof of income process. If you need it, the fridge is there.
It’s not just people who need help, but we also have animals to think of.
Especially in the wake of the current pandemic, many people are struggling to take care of their families – with their animals often included in this unit. Allen Realty Group has helped found a local non-proft which aims to keep cats and dogs with their families. NH Pet Aid is a way to help with unexpected veterinary bills which inevitably pop up from time to time, typically when we don’t need anything else to happen. This program is free to join, free to apply, and can grant up to $500 towards procedures.
Right now, it’s in a pilot program as the non-profit gauges local need. Now’s the time to become a Founding donor for this new non-profit.
It’s not just our domesticated friends who need help either – there are plenty of injured wildlife stories to be found, and rehabilitating them takes time and money as well. Our favorite independent charity is the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, ME. Housed in a brand new facility, and with plenty of ambassador animals to help educate the public, this amazing organization cares for abandoned and injured wildlife. The handful of unreleasable animals are kept as educational animals, living out the rest of their natural life at the facility.
Last but not least, you can find the Allens participating monthly in the local Lions Club Chapter for Dover, Rollinsford & South Berwick. They’re presently helping collect shelf-stable foods, personal care items and warm clothing this year for people in need. If you’re cleaning out and need to donate any of these items, don’t hesitate to call them. They’ll help arrange local delivery and get these much needed items to community members in need. Thinking of participating? Ask Catherine about joining the Lions Club!