With the holiday season in full swing, cheer and gratitude emerge from nearly everyone you meet. This year’s Giving Tuesday is right around the corner – an incredible day dedicated to giving back to those in need.
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving lets the Spirit of Giving stretch her legs and bless people far and wide. People across America are encouraged to donate to charities and organizations and show their support for their causes.
Concern for community is one of the core values of all cooperatives. In that spirit, we share a few organizations we serve that you may want to consider when deciding where to spread cheer this season.
This no-kill shelter has been saving the lives of animals in our community for over 30 years. They balance high-quality care with a loving heart; never euthanize animals to make room for more.
Second Chance often takes in animals from other shelters that would have euthanized them. They are the only non-profit animal shelter in Norman and limit the number of animals they take to ensure the best care possible for all their furry friends.
Ways to give: Monetary donations are always accepted. Common pet goods such as food, litter, toys, treats, leashes, collars, harnesses and the like are also appreciated. You can learn more about this organization and how to get involved at Second Chance Animal Rescue.
Since 1984, South Central CASA of Oklahoma has advocated for children’s best interests in Cleveland, McClain and Garvin Counties. Their volunteers, known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), undergo rigorous screening, training and ongoing support to ensure every child in foster care receives the services they need.
CASAs are appointed by court order and serve as impartial fact-finders in the child’s case. They gather vital information from court files and agency records while engaging with the children. With the authority to communicate with family members, school staff, healthcare providers and other professionals in the child’s life, CASAs are crucial in ensuring their voices are heard. Children with a CASA find permanent placements almost six months faster than those without.
Ways to give: Financial donations, clear plastic totes, snacks and gift cards are requested. Gift cards buy the children snacks, clothing, shoes, and other items. Restaurant gift cards from McDonald’s, Braums, and Sonic treat the children during visits and help them feel more comfortable and open up to their CASA. You can also volunteer to become a CASA by visiting South Central CASA of Oklahoma.
Richard Virtue started a grassroots effort to help those in his community suffering from substance use disorders and related mental health conditions in 1972. Now, The Virtue Center provides outpatient treatment to help these individuals get back on their feet.
They are a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to qualifying participants. But it goes beyond that. They offer comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment plans for everyone in their facility. They also provide education and awareness initiatives to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
Ways to give: Financial donations fund programs for a wide range of groups and facility needs. You can also provide healthy snacks, lifestyle education materials, binders and other resource books. Learn more by visiting The Virtue Center.
Thunderbird Clubhouse is forging a fresh path for adults on the path to recovery from mental illness. They harness the transformative forces of meaningful work, community, choice and hope. Established in 1990, they have experienced substantial growth and expansion since their inception.
With a membership exceeding 900 individuals and a daily attendance of over 40, they work to shape a brighter future for adults on the journey to recovery from mental illness, prioritizing their strengths over symptoms or conditions.
Ways to give: Monetary donations fund various work and life programs to help people get back on their feet and live independently when recovering from mental illness. Learn more at Thunderbird Clubhouse.
The United Way of Norman helps several organizations. They mobilize the power of their community to improve health, expand education, grow livelihoods and address essential needs for more than 63,000 people in their community each year.
The scope of work this organization does is far-reaching. They address a wide range of needs by supporting multiple programs focusing on education, financial stability and health. No single agency can meet all the needs of a community. Still, United Way is dedicated to the collective effort to support local programs and initiatives that tackle the most critical issues in our communities.
Ways to give: Monetary donations are the best way to help support their work. Every dollar stays local. Donations can be made to a general fund or designated for specific causes close to the giver’s heart. Learn more about United Way of Norman by visiting www.unitedwaynorman.org, and follow them on social media at @UnitedWayNorman.
From its humble beginnings as a solo wildlife rehab operation in 1984, WildCare Foundation has grown into a recognized non-profit organization. Their mission encompasses educating the public about wildlife, resolving human/animal conflicts and providing a refuge for animals in need of care, all with the ultimate aim of returning them to their natural habitat.
What sets WildCare apart is that they rely solely on donations and volunteer support to sustain their vital work. Remarkably, 96.5% of their revenue directly funds their service programs. Unlike many other organizations, they do not receive any government funding.
Ways to give: Financial donations can be made through their website, wildcareoklahoma.org. They also have an Amazon Wish List full of items to help meet their animals’ needs.
The Spirit of Giving is undeniably one of the most enchanting aspects of the holiday season. We encourage you to let one of these options inspire you to embrace the joy of giving back this year. Join us in making this holiday season magical for those in need on Giving Tuesday, November 28. Your generosity makes a world of difference.
There is more than one way to support your community. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to support your local economy and give the places we live and work strong. Find a list of local businesses you can support this holiday season in our 2023 Small Business Showcase.
