Giving Tuesday, our region’s largest annual giving celebration, is on Nov. 29, 2022. To boost its impact, SHARE Omaha and SHARE Iowa are encouraging local leaders to take philanthropy even further.
Several local companies have events planned for Giving Tuesday, including donation matches, community drives and volunteer opportunities.
Community-minded investment and development company City+Ventures is committed to enhancing and promoting growth in Omaha. To strengthen Giving Tuesday participation, the company is matching $50 employee donations.
“Growing communities is what we’re all about,” said Brittany Zeoli at City+Ventures. “Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for our employees and company to support the Omaha community.”
Fusion Medical Staffing is hosting an employee blood drive on Giving Tuesday, led by Fusion’s Be the Change Committee, to help address blood shortages.
“Fusion gives us the opportunity to make an impact on the causes we’re passionate about,” said Holly Fenn, a member of the committee. “There’s a severe need for blood all across the country right now, so I knew hosting a drive would be a great way to give employees a chance to help out. It’s amazing to be able to live out our core purpose of ensuring everyone we touch has a better life.”
Erin Van Zee, APR, communications director at RDG Planning & Design, is working to expand Giving Tuesday into a “Giving Week” at the company by organizing daily opportunities for colleagues to come together in support of important causes and nonprofits. Activities throughout the week will include staff presentations to raise awareness about local organizations and dedicated times for people to create or collect items to support those in need.
“Community is a core tenet of who we are at RDG, both as a business and as individuals, and I’m honored to be a part of encouraging participation in Giving Tuesday,” Van Zee said. “Whether through volunteering with nonprofits, participating in civic organizations or engaging in mentorship programs, we all have the ability to positively impact our communities.
In western Iowa, Valley View Dental in Council Bluffs is hosting “Purposeful Purses” through the month of November. They are encouraging the community to donate a new or gently used purse with a special accessory inside such as a scarf, jewelry, or sunglasses. Valley View Dental team will fill each purse with toiletries and donate them to a local women’s shelter.
Owner of Valley View Dental, Dr. Mary Rock states, “It’s that time of year when we can look around and be thankful for what we have and give back to community members in need.” Donations are being accepted at Valley View Dental, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 – 4:30.
Five Iowa businesses are joining TS Bank to collect items: Nesting Grounds in Underwood (kid hats and gloves), Destinations Coffee in Oakland (kid hats, gloves and diapers), Heartland Properties (kid hats, gloves and diapers), Castle and Associates (diapers) and Caddies Kitchen & Cocktails (kid hats and gloves). Hats and gloves will go to local elementary schools and diapers to FAMILY, Inc.
There are many ways your business can support Giving Tuesday efforts, whether it’s matching gifts, collecting items or organizing a volunteer day. If you’re interested in leading a Giving Tuesday initiative, contact Marjorie Maas at marjorie@shareomaha.org. For Iowa-based businesses, contact Donna Dostal at ddostal@givewesterniowa.org.
