Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Anyone who’s looking to lean into that life should circle Nov. 30 on the calendar. Giving Tuesday is the “world’s biggest day of generosity” according to https://www.givingtuesday.org. Of course, it comes on the heels of the traditional shop-o-rama occasion Black Friday and the digital age’s Cyber Monday.
Amidst the delight of acquisitions, let us also experience the joy of altruism through acts that reach beyond ourselves and our circle of family and friends. Here are a few opportunities to partner with local organizations to get those philanthropic juices flowing.
• Donate to the Hinsdale Historical Society Nov. 30 to support the Immanuel Hall Maintenance Campaign. The project, already under way, aims to keep the 1900 former church building in functional condition. Built by German craftsmen, the structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and symbolizes of Hinsdale’s spirit and sense of community, as it was saved from demolition to be a place for public gatherings and special events. Maintenance work needed includes exterior woodwork repair, exterior painting, steeple repair, indoor ceiling patching and indoor painting. Visit https://www.hinsdalehistory.org to learn more.
• The Hinsdale Humane Society is focusing on its underdogs and cats — specifically those that have needed special medical care. The society will post tales about each of these special shelter residents on its social media most days of the week through Nov. 30, such as stories on the sudden paralysis of a dog, bottle baby kittens and parvo puppies. Visit https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org to learn more.
•. Those who donate to Wellness House on or before Nov. 30 have two opportunities to maximize their gifts. The Greer Foundation is matching all gifts of any amount made before the end of the year, and the Coleman Foundation is matching any gift of $225 or more made on or before Giving Tuesday. Visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/WellnessHouseEOY21 to learn more.
Opportunities to give extend beyond Nov. 30, of course.
• The Evangelical Covenant Church of Hinsdale, 412 S. Garfield St., is sponsoring a blanket drive through Dec. 5. Collections are for new or used blankets of any kind as well as lap throws, baby blankets, spreads, sheets and towels. Donations can be left inside the church’s main entrance or placed by the front door on the benches. Pickups are also available. The collected items will be passed on to needy families in the inner city on Christmas Eve. Visit https://www.hinsdalecovenant.com to learn more.
• HCS Family Services is seeking support for its Holiday Assistance Program. The program enlists families and community organizations to shop for gift items that neighbors have requested as holiday “wish list” items. Visit https://www.hcsfamilyservices.org.
And the village has just created the Snow Shoveling Referral Program, linking volunteers with senior residents in need of shoveling assistance (see story on Page 3). That accumulating snow will arrive at some point, so sign up now to help dig a neighbor out. Visit https://www.villageofhinsdale.org.
Check out the Spirit of Giving listing on Page 50 for other channels for charity throughout the holiday season. Let’s make it the most Giving Tuesday yet!
