Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving back – so I wanted to highlight some worthy organizations I am passionate about, and encourage my readers to donate today to one of the below (or to any other cause you care about)! I know it sounds cliché, but every little bit counts. A donation can also make a really great gift, as well. If your friends or family are really passionate about a cause – consider making a donation in their name as your gift, this holiday season.  Below are some organizations I’m personally passionate about, as well as a November-specific movement to put on your radar.

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Children of Promise

I only recently learned about Children of Promise, and since my dad has been in prison for most of my life, it immediately tugged at my heart strings. Children of Promise supports children with incarcerated parents through mental health services, academic support, arts and culture, recreational activities, and mentoring. This #GivingTuesday, Children of Promise, NYC is raising $30,000 to support the agency’s mental health services which help their participants heal from the emotional challenges and traumatic loss of parental incarceration. Their team of social workers, art therapists and psychiatrists work to provide children with the individual, family and group therapy needed to build and transform #TraumaToTriumph. All donations up to $5,000 will be MATCHED this GivingTuesday by the Limo Almi Foundation, so your dollar goes twice as far!

Foster Dogs

If you have been following me for some time, you know Foster Dogs is a nonprofit I work closely with. Their mission is to find foster homes for rescue dogs before they are adopted to their forever homes! They work with local NYC dog rescues and help place dogs with foster homes and even help new dog parents navigate the adoption process. Sarah from Foster Dogs was actually one of people who brought us our foster pup Coco. Please consider donating to Foster Dogs – they are a local NYC charity and your dollar will make a large impact.

Susie’s Senior Dogs

I love Susie’s Seniors because they focus on bringing awareness to homeless senior dogs. Because of their age, senior dogs are most often overlooked by adopters. Along with Foster Dogs and Beastly Rescue, Susie’s Seniors also helped match us with Coco, and generously assisted with her surgery costs. We would really love for you to consider donating to any of them in honor of sweet Coco. I still can’t think or talk about her without my heart breaking, but I’m so grateful we were able to care for her in her last months of life. I can’t imagine her being in a shelter, not knowing what it’s like to be loved. Please consider adopting or fostering a senior dog and give them the golden years they deserve. <3

Sanctuary for Families

I’ve been a long time donor to Sanctuary for Families, and though I’ve talked about them on here in the past, they deserve a post of their own. Their mission is so important and close to my heart. Sanctuary for Families is dedicated to the safety, healing and self-determination of victims of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence.

Movember

You’ve probably seen men online not shaving their mustaches for Movember, but if you aren’t aware they are actually a wonderful charity dedicated to supporting men’s health. They are working on bringing awareness to men to live healthier, happier and longer lives. They work on funding research and education about prostate and testicular cancer, along with mental health and suicide prevention to increase awareness and prevention.

 

Whichever organization you decide to give to today — whether one of these or another you’re passionate about — please also make sure to spread the word. Your dollar goes further when you inspire others to give their dollars, too. Happy Holidays!