With “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” now behind us, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated as “Giving Tuesday.”
Giving Tuesday was begun in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to the consumerism and commercialism associated with the beginning of the holiday season. In 2017, an estimated $217 million was given to charity as a result of this initiative.
Just as we commemorate Thanksgiving by remembering all we have to be grateful for, we can celebrate all of the hard work and dedication that goes into the many incredible not-for-profit organizations throughout DeKalb County by making donations on Giving Tuesday. If you are short on cash at this time, many of these organizations will also take donations of items. Or you could volunteer your time and skills!
Below are just a few of the more popular not-for-profit organizations in DeKalb County that would do great things with your support.
You can also see more DeKalb County non-profit organizations here: https://dcnp.org/members/member-list/
Shelters
Hope Haven
Hope Haven’s mission is to provide shelter, meals, and life skills programs for homeless individuals and families while preparing them for re-housing. Hope Haven will advocate for the rights of the homeless, and those at risk for becoming homeless, while working in collaboration with others to end homelessness in DeKalb County. GIVE NOW
Safe Passage
They provide services including crisis intervention, medical advocacy for victims, short and long-term housing for survivors and their children, counseling, legal advocacy, children’s services, prevention programming and a partner abuse intervention program for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. All services are free and confidential. GIVE NOW
Assistance for People with Developmental Disabilities
Opportunity House
For over 50 years, they have helped persons in DeKalb County with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead happy, healthy and productive lives. They offer: 24 hour Residential Care, Supported Community Living, Supported Community Employment, Sheltered Employment, Developmental Training, Recreation Activities, and Participation in Special Olympics. GIVE NOW
Open Door Rehabilitation Center; Sandwich, IL
They have been providing vocational, residential, day and community support services to adults with developmental disabilities for over 53 years. Open Door today provides services to 129 individuals in a variety of programs. GIVE NOW
The Gracie Center; Kingston, IL
They supports adults with developmental Disabilities to reach their highest potential through innovative collaboration with staff, families, and communities. Their goal is for all adults with developmental Disabilities to be genuinely appreciated and fully integrated into their communities. GIVE NOW
Family Medical Assistance
Pay-It-Forward House, NFP
The mission of Pay-It-Forward House is to provide physical and emotional rest in a homelike environment to the loved ones of patients receiving medical treatment in DeKalb County, thanks to the hospitality of local volunteers and the generosity of donors from near and far. GIVE NOW
Northwestern Medicine Hospice – DeKalb
KishHealth Foundation, part of Northwestern Medicine supports the caring mission of Northwestern Medicine Hospice-DeKalb (formerly KishHealth Hospice). Funds raised will benefit donor supported programs and services such as music therapy, bereavement programs and volunteer training. All donations stay local, right here in your community and will be used to help all families in need of hospice services regardless of their ability to pay.
GIVE NOW (Under “Gift Designation” select “Hospice (Unrestricted)” or “Hospice Music Therapy”)
Hunger Relief
DeKalb County Community Gardens
DCCG is an innovative approach to ending hunger and food insecurity in DeKalb County by providing access to fresh, local, sustainably-grown organic vegetables for all who may be in need. GIVE NOW
Barb Food Mart
They are a school-based food pantry located at Huntley Middle School that has been serving families in DeKalb School District #428 since June 2013. This food pantry was established as an agency partner with Northern Illinois Food Bank to address the growing number of school children eligible for free or reduced lunch. GIVE NOW
Youth Services
CASA DeKalb County, Inc.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a Guardian ad litem (GAL) appointed to abused and neglected children in DeKalb County. These children are in the court system through no fault of their own. CASA advocates interview the child and all relevant parties in his or her life and share this information with the judge so the judge can make decisions that enhance the child’s well-being. GIVE NOW
Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Inc.
They are a non-profit, nationally accredited, community-based outdoor behavioral healthcare organization, serving ages 0-26. In conjunction with the use of adventure activities, their therapists provide an engaging way of counseling to promote growth and change. They provide counseling services to youth regardless of their ability to pay using a sliding fee scale, supplemented by grants and donations from the community. GIVE NOW
Kishwaukee Family YMCA
They are about helping kids and families develop healthier lifestyles and developing character and leadership skills in kids so that they can have hopes and dreams for tomorrow. GIVE NOW
Senior Citizen Assistance
Elder Care Services of DeKalb County, Inc.
Their compassionate, trained and licensed staff provides education and coordination of services to DeKalb County seniors, their caregivers and family members. Their goal is to enable seniors to remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes for as long as possible or to provide education and resources to assist with the transition to a higher level of care. GIVE NOW
Voluntary Action Center
Incorporated in 1974, they provide services that address the basic transportation and nutrition needs of the community, including: Meals on Wheels—hot nutritional meals to the elderly, disabled, and homebound; Nutritional Programs such as lunches, for local daycare providers and senior citizens; TransVAC—rides for local seniors, the disabled, and general public; and MedVAC—rides to medical appointments, hospitals, and testing services. GIVE NOW
Animal Rescue
Tails Humane Society
They are a limited admission animal shelter providing a safe haven for over 2,400 animals each year. They are committed to providing each animal the time and medical care they need to have their best chance at adoption. GIVE NOW
Oaken Acres Wildlife Center
Oaken Acres has taken in more than 11,000 wild animals since it opened in 1984. Located on 33 acres of wildlife habitat in rural DeKalb County, Illinois, the property is set aside as a wildlife refuge, incorporating conservation acreage, woodlands, riparian habitat and natural grasslands. GIVE NOW
Performing Arts
Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc.
The Egyptian Theatre is operated and maintained by Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre, Inc. – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Support from individuals and the community is essential as there is no operational funding received from outside sources. GIVE NOW
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra
They are a non-profit community orchestra which provides a place for area musicians to use their talents in an orchestral setting. The orchestra consists of professional, student, and dedicated amateur musicians. It began informally in 1976 and now engages in weekly rehearsals and an annual series of concerts. GIVE NOW
Sandwich Opera House
For 140 years the Sandwich Opera House has brought enjoyment, enrichment, fulfillment, laughter and memories to many thousands of visitors of all ages in near and far communities. They depend on contributions to help make much needed repairs and offer more of the shows you want to see with quality and comfort. GIVE NOW
Comprehensive/Other
Family Service Agency
They serve as an “umbrella agency” of four distinct community programs: Youth Mentoring, Children’s Advocacy Center, Center for Counseling, and Senior Services. They organize the efforts of many local agencies to provide the best care possible to our community. GIVE NOW
Kishwaukee United Way
They support 23 local human service agencies investing in early childhood education, food security and transportation, youth mentoring, counseling, elder care services, homelessness and violence prevention and many others. GIVE NOW
DeKalb County Community Foundation
Their mission is to enhance the quality of life in DeKalb County, IL by proactively addressing community needs and expanding, managing, and distributing philanthropic resources. Their roles and services include: Endowments & Donor Services, Stewardship, Grantmaking, & Community Initiatives. GIVE NOW
* If we did not mention your favorite non-profit organization, feel free to promote them by commenting below!
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