Giving back on Giving Tuesday

SALT LAKE CITY — Today is Giving Tuesday, a day meant to inspire “radical generosity.” Many local nonprofits hope that Giving Tuesday will boost aid and donations. 

Help the Red Cross help others

Known worldwide, the Red Cross is there to help when disasters of all sizes strike. 

“We can help those across the country that quite possibly are suffering the worst day of their life,” said Executive Director for the Red Cross’s Central and Southern Utah Chapter, Benjamin Donner.

“The very best way to help the American Red Cross is financially. Financial donations are easily implemented right where they are needed, in the moment that they are needed to get those supplies that are very specific for that type of disaster,” said Donner.

According to Donner, donors can choose the types of things their money helps with. One example is house fire relief.

If you can’t give financially, Donner said there are other ways to help. You can sign up for a blood drive or volunteer again, on their website.

However, he says that doesn’t mean they won’t accept other kinds of donations. Donner invites people to sign up for a blood drive or volunteer at redcross.org.

Donating to vending machines on Giving Tuesday? 

In just a few short years, Giving Machines from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have raised more than $22 million.

However, Karl Cheney, who manages the Giving Machine program for the church wants people to focus on the lives that are being changed by these donations. Cheney says it’s important to note that the church doesn’t keep a dime from the donations made to the Giving Machines.

While donations can always be made online, donating at one of the machines is meant to be an experience.

Heidi Ruster with the Red Cross said they’ve been a part of the Giving Machines program from the beginning. 

“It makes me feel good inside. It fills my cup when I can support a needy family or needy individuals,” said Ruster. “I hope it does that for others and giving to this Giving Machine is a way to do that.

The charity benefits multiple causes including housing and shelter, clean water, refugee help, education, and more. 

People can check out their favorite charities to give on Giving Tuesday.

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