Valley charities aim to benefit from a global day of giving
Dee Mitten, like many others, believes the holiday season is a time to give back.
That’s why her organization, Waste Not, is among those participating in #GivingTuesday this week.
Since 2012, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been designated as a global day of giving, an idea launched by a coalition of national companies. It comes on the heels of two heavily promoted seasonal shopping days.
“Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s nice to put the focus on kicking off the holiday season for giv-
ing, for helping your community, for helping your neighbors, for caring,” said Mitten, CEO of Waste Not.
Scottsdale-based Waste Not is one of the oldest perishable-food rescue programs in the country, marking its 30th year.
The organization collects excess food from places like restaurants, hotels, food stores and events, then delivers it directly to more than 100 agencies and organizations that feed the hungry.
Mitten said the #GivingTuesday campaign has gained traction each year and is a natural fit for her organization.
“To have a worldwide movement that is focusing (on) and encouraging giving and support of the less fortunate is a wonderful, wonderful thing,” she said.
This year, with an increased social-media presence, Waste Not is participating in #GivingTuesday with two partners “who have a heart for feeding the hungry.” They will match donations up to $90,000.
Like Waste Not, another local organization, UMOM New Day Centers, is encouraging the community to contribute to #GivingTuesday and will also be receiving a match for donations.
UMOM provides an emergency-relief shelter for families with children, youths and single mothers.
Dana Bailey, director of development, said #GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people to make an online gift.
“It’s a big time of year for people who have a philanthropic heart to look for organizations to contribute to,” she said. “(#GivingTuesday) is a natural day to do this.”
Bailey said that while the organization holds drives and special events throughout the year for resources and support, cash donations are always the greatest need.
“The way it’s making a difference is that it really will go towards the basic needs,” she said. “That way, they can really focus on that permanent housing that will stabilize their family.”
You can help support local organizations like Waste Not and UMOM by donating to The Arizona
Republic and azcentral.com’s Season for Sharing campaign.
Since the start of the campaign in 1993, more than $60 million has been awarded to non-profits. Last year alone, 159 agencies benefited from $2.4 million — including Waste Not, which received $20,000 from last season’s campaign, and UMOM, which received $40,000.
A full 100 percent of donations to Season for Sharing stays in Arizona and goes directly to nonprofit organizations across the state. In addition, the Gannett Foundation and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust will increase gifts by matching donations 50 cents on the dollar up to $600,000.
The campaign continues through Jan. 31.