Cultivating The Spirit Of Giving In Mentor

MENTOR, OH -- After giving thanks with friends and family and bargain shopping, it's time to switch gears and kick-off the season of giving. The global social media initiative titled "Giving Tuesday" is Tues., Nov. 28, 2017. According to the Web site, GivingTuesday.org, Giving Tuesday is a day of giving that's observed around the world. The movement, powered by social media collaborators and sites using the hashtag #GivingTuesday, is honored each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

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.

Lake Metroparks offers a variety of giving opportunities that support and sustain the parks for current and future generations. Specific donation opportunities include:

1. A Gift that Grows
2. Adopt an Animal
3. Back a Breed
4. Pave the Way with Bricks
5. Lake Parks Foundation
6. Citizens for Lake Metroparks

Lake Humane Society (LHS), accepting monetary gifts and donated supplies

As a private, non-profit organization, Lake Humane Society relies solely on donations made by the community to fund its efforts to save lives and make a difference. Each year thousands of animals, whether they are stray, injured, abandoned or abused, come to Lake Humane for a second chance at a happy and healthy life. Without loyal supporters, LHS could not continue to care for these innocent animals who so desperately count on them.

Start the holiday season off with the warm feeling of knowing you've made a difference in the life of a homeless animal at Lake Humane Society by donating today.

LHS is always in need of donated items in order to care for the animals need. Please view the LHS wish list to get some ideas.

Providence House, a children's crisis nursery in Cleveland, is accepting monetary donations, children's clothes, shoes and more. They need volunteers, as well, to help with childcare and special event projects.

• See the Providence House Holiday Wish List here.

The City Mission -- Accepting a variety of donations

• Asking for "Comforters of 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.

The Animal Rescue Center (ARC) -- Donate, adopt, volunteer, foster.

ARC is a non profit, no-kill 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and adoption of domestic animals in Northeastern Ohio. ARC strongly supports spay/neuter efforts in order to decrease the number of homeless pets.

The Animal Rescue Center differs from other rescue organizations in several fundamental ways. To learn more about the organizational aspects of ARC, please review our philosophy.