#GivingTuesday originated back in 2012 as an awareness campaign to counter the consumer spending of the holiday season. Last year alone, an estimated $274 million was raised online in the U.S.
Which Pittsburgh organizations deserve the cash this year? Well, if we're being honest, almost all of them.
We recommend browsing through the full list if you have time. Visit givingtuesday.org and type in your location to browse through a list of participating local organizations, broken down into types: corporation, faith-based organization, foundation, nonprofit, school, small business, and universities. Each lists their website so you can do your research before Tuesday.
Short on time? If you want to give, but don't have the time to look through all 300 of the local organizations participating, we've highlighted a few worthy nonprofits, broken down into categories, to get you started.
1. #PittsburghStrong
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
5738 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hilljccpgh.org
As the Post-Gazette posted after the Tree of Life synagogue tragedy, "If Squirrel Hill is the center of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, the JCC is its anchor."
Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh
826 Hazelwood Ave., Greenfieldhcofpgh.org
The Holocaust Center provides an art gallery, an archive of over 3,000 books, educational programs, and hosts events. It also publishes CHUTZ-POW! comic book series, about ordinary heroes who survived during Nazi Germany, illustrated by occasional City Paper contributing artist Marcel Walker.
2. Protect Victims of Sexual Abuse and Violence
Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
wcspittsburgh.orgPittsburgh's women's shelter provides help for victims of domestic abuse in its shelter, on its 24/7 hotline, and, with Aspirant, on its RUSafe App.
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
81 S. 19th St., South Sidepaar.net
PAAR is dedicated to assisting victims of sexual abuse and ending sexual violence.
3. Support Immigrants
Casa San Jose
2116 Broadway Ave., Brooklinecasasanjose.org
Casa San Jose is a community resource center that advocates for Latinos by promoting integration and self-sufficiency. We've covered Casa San Jose's work with immigrants and their protests calling to strip funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
4. Help the Environment
Grow Pittsburgh
6587 Hamilton Ave., Lincoln-Larimergrowpittsburgh.org
Grow Pittsburgh teaches people how to grow food in local gardens and promotes benefits that gardens brings to Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
5. Save Homeless Animals
Hello Bully
hellobully.com Hello Bully is a pit bull rescue organization that has been rescuing, rehabilitating and providing homes for homeless dogs since 2005.
Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road, North Hillsthinkingoutsidethecage.org
If you want to see how much Animal Friends means to me personally, check out my Instagram page for photos of my cats Banjo and Nori, both rescues from Animal Friends!
6. Support Local Artists
Artists Image Resource
518 Foreland St., North Sideartistsimageresource.org
AIR is an artist-run nonprofit gallery and workspace known for its screen printing open-studio nights, which give local artists and activists a cheaper way to make prints and signs. Political poster-making is common.