Following the traditional consumerism of the last weekend, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been adopted as Giving Tuesday!
While there are lots of options to give locally, a few Fremont non-profits have asked for our consideration this year:
- Urban Sparks – Begun by Fremonster Jack Tomkinson and inspired by the community development of Fremont Peak Park, this 501(c)3 gives advice and assistance to community groups building public projects around the Northwest, particularly parks and open spaces. Urban Sparks has developed infrastructure that supports the works of community groups, including the Kirkland Greenways, U-District Greenways, Healthy Habits (teaching Native American elders and young adults transitioning from homelessness about eating better,) and Seattle CoderDojo. Give through PayPal to Urban Sparks.
- Moisture Festival – Each spring, this non-profit fills hearts with joy and ears with laughter. Charitable gifts to Moisture Festival are the key to laughter (as Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a wasted day!”) Help continue the tradition (going into its 13th year,) of the largest and longest-running comedy/varieté showcase in the world – based here in Fremont. Give through the Moisture Festival website.
- NalandaWest – A community resource for a contemplative life, NalandaWest provides a venue, maintained by volunteers, for uplifting and educational programs. NalandaWest’s mission is to bring diverse wisdom to illuminate a contemplative life in the 21st century. The NalandaWest website gives specific projects that donors can select for their gift.
Also, for those looking to give and get at the same time, for the month of December Theo Chocolate will give $10 to Food Lifeline from the sale of the Theo cookbook: ‘Theo Chocolate: Recipes & Sweet Secrets from Seattle’s Favorite Chocolate Maker’. The book will make a terrific gift (or a handy tool during holiday baking sessions,) and the money could feed 50 families in need. Food Lifeline is creating a sustainable approach to ending hunger in Washington State. The donation is given on cookbooks purchased at the Fremont factory store or through the Theo webstore.
Learn more about Giving Tuesday through the official website, or simply consider donating to your favorite non-profit this month and sharing the gratitude of the season!