Tired of the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Well, then refresh yourself with "Giving Tuesday."
Billed as a "global day of giving back," the event falls on the Tuesday immediately after Cyber Monday – Dec. 1, this year – and asks people to "give something more."
If "giving back" to you means charity, we've compiled a list of six of the top charities in Central Indiana, as ranked by charity watchdog Charity Navigator. Find those below (in no particular order):
Gleaners is a community food bank that serves 21 Central and Southeastern Indiana counties. It distributes food to pantries, shelters and soup kitchens. The organization estimates that for every $1 donated, it can provide the equivalent of four meals to those in need. Charity Navigator gives Gleaners four out of four stars, and says more than 95% of donated funds go toward its mission of feeding those in need.
Second Helpings is a non-profit dedicated to "transforming lives through the power of food." The organization accepts food donations to feed those in need, as well as teach people how to cook. It provides job training for unemployed and underemployed adults for careers in the culinary industry. Second Helpings has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator.
Ronald McDonald House of Indiana
The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana provides housing for families of serious ill or injured children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children and other Indianapolis-area hospitals. Charity Navigator gives the organization a four-star rating, estimating roughly 80% of donations go toward program expenses.
Little Red Door works to reduce the "physical, emotional and financial burdens of cancer" by providing services including: free nutritional supplements; free medical supplies; free wigs and turbans; free transportation to and from chemotherapy and radiation treatments; and more. The organization has three stars on Charity Navigator.
Timmy Global Health sends medical service teams to support the work of international partner organizations, as well as provides financial, medical and human resources to community health and development projects. The organization was founded in 1997 by pediatric physical medicine specialist Dr. Charles Dietzen.
Christel House works to help children around the world break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their societies. The organization builds and operates learning centers in impoverished neighborhoods which provide quality education, nutritious meals and regular healthcare, among other things. Charity Navigator gives the organization three out of four stars.
---
Download the free RTV6 app to get the latest news on the go and receive alerts to your phone
Sign up to have the latest news headlines delivered straight to your email inbox
