Ideas for Giving Tuesday and beyond

Following up on the “shopping spirit” of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday … comes a newer concept called Giving Tuesday. It’s part of a “global generosity movement,” created in 2012 to encourage people to do good, collaborate within their communities, and make a difference in the world.

The “Giving” part is not only monetary, but can also include acts of volunteerism and participating in other events–whether local or worldwide. There are many opportunities, both large and small, for giving in and around Manchester. Here are a few that have been brought to our attention:

Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization is running a Facebook fundraiser. This organization that has given so much to Manchester over the years was unable to get one of its expected grants for 2019-2020, so they are reaching out to the community to help make up the budget shortfall. To donate, go to www.riverfolkmusicandarts.org A “donate” button is in the upper right corner of the page.

The Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce has created a “Light Up Manchester $10 Fundraiser Challenge.” The chamber is trying to raise funds for additional downtown Christmas lights to be installed next year. This online fundraiser is also being held on Facebook; you can participate at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/415935119088624/

The Shoppes of Alber Mill has a Giving Tree to benefit Happy Hearts Feline Rescue (located in Freedom Township) in their Workshop Room; pick an ornament or two from the tree and purchase a gift to bring back for the kitties.

Local charity David’s Coat Room currently has a coat rack on the mill porch–take a coat if you need one, or leave a coat if you have one to share.

Old National Bank has its annual Giving Tree for Manchester Family Services’ Adopt-a-Family project.

Comerica Bank, Old National Bank, Linda’s Diner, Manchester District Library, Village Tap, Ash Auto, and Manchester True Value Hardware are all drop off locations for Toys For Tots. As always, toys collected in Manchester will be distributed in the community. For those needing assistance to request toys, please call 734-428-8122. The final pickup day for toys will be Dec. 19.

Acorn Farmers Market & Café has an ongoing fundraiser for their grant matching. This is a huge project that will benefit the entire community with healthy, fresh food. Go to http://www.acornfarmersmarketcafe.org/donate.html to make a donation. Or donate in person at the Winter Farmers Market, Thursdays and Fridays from 3-7 pm and Saturday mornings from 9 am-1 pm. It will be greatly appreciated!

Adiska Family Dental will be accepting Halloween candy and oral hygiene supplies for Operation Gratitude in exchange for free horse-drawn carriage rides during Christmas in the Village.

Also during Christmas in the Village, you can vote for your favorite tree in the Festival of Trees by placing “gifts” of non-perishable donations under the tree. All donations will benefit the Manchester CRC food pantry.

The Manchester District Library is holding a holiday sock drive through Dec 20th.

So this Tuesday–and throughout the holiday season–make someone smile; help out a neighbor (or a stranger); show up for an issue or people you care about; or give some of what you have to those in need. Everyone has something to give, and every act of generosity counts.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.