Keep giving, Miami — and help Wish Book brighten the holidays

This Thanksgiving Day, it’s good to know Miami has a heart. A big one. This despite the ravages of a pandemic.

No surprise there: Tell a Miamian some needs help, and they’re on it.

Case in point: Last week’s annual Give Miami Day, sponsored by the Miami Foundation, almost doubled the amount of last year’s total take of $18 million.This time, about $33.4 million was raised for South Florida nonprofits. There were 62,251 donations to 976 organizations, according to The Miami Foundation.

“I am beyond proud of what we as a community can achieve when we stand together to support the incredible organizations that make up the fabric of our community,” Richard Berkowitz, board chair at The Miami Foundation told the Miami Herald.

It’s a strong showing that reveals we’re a community that care for those in danger of being left behind.

The beauty of Give Miami Day is that during its 24-hour online fundraising drive, anyone — well-resourced or otherwise — can play the role of philanthropist and give to organizations they believe in.

Just click an amount to donate to your favorite charitable organization. There is an elegance and personal satisfaction in targeted donating.

Up next is GivingTuesday a global fundraiser set for Nov. 30. Last year, GivingTuesday estimated people in the United States donated a record-breaking $2.47 billion, a 29% increase from 2019.

According to Jobcase, the social platform dedicated to empowering and advocating for workers, that number may rise again this year as nearly 42% of American consumers say they plan to be more generous this year. That hopeful news for disadvantaged communities.

To top that off, the study found millennials to be the most generous of any group, with 73% saying they plan to give back this holiday season, according to Jobcase.

We would like to invite all philanthropists, budding and experienced, to consider donating to a local, 40-year-old charity sponsored by the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald, the Wish Book Program.

With our charity, you will read gratifying stories about how your donation is making life better for those who struggle to get by not just during the holidays, but all year round.

Here’s how it works: Local agencies refer special cases to us. There might be child who wants a laptop for Christmas; or a handicapped teen who has outgrown their wheel chair, or a single mother of four living at the Miami Rescue Mission who needs help finding a job and an apartment. That’s where Wish Book comes in and that’s where it gets its name.

We try to make those small wishes come true. You can help us help them.

To read our latest Wish Book stories, visit .miamiherald.com/ wishbook.

For more information, call 305-376-2906.

If you prefer to mail your donation, send your check to Herald Charities, Inc., 11410 NW 20th St., Ste. 222, Miami, FL 33172.

And Happy Thanksgiving.