Tue. December 3, 2013
Chicago, IL -
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, and now Giving Tuesday. Unlike those other days, Giving Tuesday is about philanthropy.
A national social media movement started in 2012 by the UN Foundation, the goal of Giving Tuesday is to shift the focus from buying to giving back to a good cause.
Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan told ChicagoPride.com that between 80-90 percent of their individual support comes from end-of-year gifts.
"It is also a time when people who are in need tend to be more vulnerable...to weather...to poverty...to loneliness and psychological depression," Sloan reminded.
Chicago House is among a number of LGBT non-profits, including AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Center on Halsted, accepting online donations.
"The holiday season is the best time to give back to the community," Center on Halsted CEO Modesto Tico Valle told ChicagoPride.com. "Many of us are able to spend time with our families in the warmth of our homes, but so many other people don't have that luxury. That's why organizations like Center on Halsted exist."
Today between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on Giving Tuesday, Center on Halsted is giving back to the LGBT community with a Feel Good Health Fair featuring over 40 local vendors, dance and fitness demonstrations, and a panel of wellness experts.
Valle invited members of the community to stop by Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, to see their donations at work.
#GivingTuesday continues to catch on thanks to social media. Last year there was a 53 percent jump in nationwide donations compared with the previous year.
Make online donations to Chicago LGBT non-profits:
AIDS Foundation of Chicago (Donate online); Center on Halsted (Donate online); Chicago House (Donate online); Howard Brown Health Center (Donate online)
Editor's note: We recognize this is only a partial list of the numerous organizations helping our community.
Related: #GivingTuesday: support LGBT non-profits (Make a Difference)
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Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com