Cultivating The Spirit Of Giving In Brecksville

BRECKSVILLE, OH -- The global social media initiative titled "Giving Tuesday" is tomorrow, Tues., Nov. 28. According to the organization's Web site, GivingTuesday.org, Giving Tuesday is a day of giving that is observed around the world. And, the movement, powered by social media collaborators and sites using the hashtag #GivingTuesday, is honored each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. After giving thanks with friends and family and bargain shopping, it's time to switch gears and kick-off the season of giving.

According to the Web site, people can participate in #GivingTuesday in many ways including volunteering time, or by donating money saved from #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday. Communities and organizations can come together for #GivingTuesday or individuals can chose their own ways to give back. The point is only to give, and no effort is too small.

At the time of this writing, the #GivingTuesday Web site reported that in over 98 countries, $1,640,000 gifts have been donated and $177,000,000 has been raised online. In this global spirit of giving, then, below please find a list of area nonprofit organizations that need help in many ways including monetary donations, volunteers or toys, clothes and other items. Have fun and Happy #GivingTuesday.

Brecksville & Broadview Heights Meals on Wheels Program, Volunteers, 440-526-2499

• Meals on Wheels Program needs volunteers. Please call the Department of Human Services for more information: 440-526-2499

City of Brecksville, Department of Human Services, Volunteers, 440-526-2499

• Office Volunteer -- To Answer Phones, Make reassurance calls
• Volunteer Nurses -- Need nurses to do blood pressure screenings on Monday mornings.
• Volunteer Drivers -- We need drivers for the Senior Transportation program. During the winter months, many of the town's drivers head south. If you can drive even just one day per month, we’d love to have you join us. Please call the office at 440-526-2499.

The Brecksville Theatre -- accepting tax-deductible, charitable gifts.

• Friends of The Brecksville Theatre $25 – Front Row $50 – Spotlight $75 – Center Stage

• Director's Circle $100 – Actor $150 – Director $200 – Playwright

• Producers's Circle $300 – Associate Producer $500 – Producer $1,000 – Executive Producer

Call 440-736-7749 or email admin@thebrecksvilletheatre.org for more information.

Providence House, a children's crisis organization, is accepting monetary donations, children's clothes, shoes and more. See their Holiday Wish List here.

The City Mission -- Accepting a variety of donations

• Asking for "Comforters and Joy" for Crossroads Mens Crisis Center.
• Christmas List for men, women and children.

Cleveland MetroParks, Volunteers

• Cleveland Metropark Zoo Volunteers -- To be considered for the 2018 Zoo Volunteer Program, you must attend one of the January Volunteer Info Sessions. 1. Wed., Jan. 24 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 2. Sat., Jan. 27 | 10 a.m – 11 a.m.

Muttley Crue -- Based in Berea, Ohio, Muttley Crue is a nonprofit organization that helps shelter dogs on deathrow. Along with donations, they need volunteers for the following:

• Dog walkers for pups in boarding kennels.
• Transporting dogs to and from vet appointments, meet-and-greets, etc.
• Helping out at fundraiser and adoption events
• Handling dogs at events
• Foster dogs who are waiting for their forever home. (It's FREE to do this.)

Check out their Web site to learn how to volunteer, foster or donate.