Giving Tuesday is a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world." Since COVID-19 has prevented us from carrying out many of our normal operations, this year we are again making the focus of Giving Tuesday financial donations to other nonprofit organizations in our community. Here is where each member of our Board of Directors allocated their $250 donation:

• Brittany Pierick: "I have chosen Project Babies for my Giving Tuesday donation. Project Babies donates necessary care items to families with infants and other young children (i.e. diapers, formula, car seats, etc.) who are struggling financially. Many of these families would otherwise have to choose between buying food or essential care items for their children, and I love that Project Babies is easing that burden for these families."

• Christina Harvey: "Friends of the State Street Family takes care of our friends experiencing homelessness, not only do they make sure individuals have food to eat, they also support them in cold weather gear. As the weather gets colder, they make sure people have dry socks, sleeping bags, coats etc. When the weather gets too cold, they help to get people into places for the night. We should all have this kind of compassion to help others.

• Heather Tyler: "I have chosen Little John’s as the recipient for my 2021 Giving Tuesday donation. Little John’s passion for providing a home cooked meal to those in need in our community is truly inspiring! Their capital campaign aims to secure a larger location on Verona Road to multiply the number of meals they can provide for those in need, along with a pay what you can restaurant. Some of my fondest memories are centered around a delicious meal. I’m hoping this donation will contribute to Little John’s providing full hearts and belly’s throughout our community."

• Kate Hattery-Groskopf split her donation between the Literacy Network and the Dane County Humane Society: "The reason I have chosen the Literacy Network is that they teach reading, writing, communication, and computer skills to Dane County adults so they can achieve financial security, well-being, and deeper engagement with their families and the community. The Dane County Humane Society's Adoption Guarantee ensures that all animals they take in can remain at the shelter until they are adopted and their pet food pantry enables individuals and families to provide food for their beloved companions. 

• Katy Hager: "The Road Home Dane County seeks long-term solutions to homelessness by helping families find and maintain affordable housing. Because of The Road Home's supportive services, which include case management, nearly 90% of the families they support remain in stable housing after one year. The Road Home Dane County assists with both rapid rehousing for those facing a short-term crisis and also permanent supportive housing, which addresses and works to end chronic homelessness."

• Laura Felker: "I have chosen Briarpatch Youth Services as my Giving Tuesday donation of choice. In Dane County it is estimated approximately 300 youth go to bed homeless each night. 1 in 3 youth will be approached for sex in exchange for food, shelter, drugs, etc. within 48 hours of leaving home; 75% of these youth have already or will drop out of school. These are good kids in bad situations and they need our help. The staff at Briarpatch Youth Services work with these youth to make sure they have the resources and support they need in order to succeed. "

• Mollie Simms: "I want to make my donation to MUNCH, The River Food Pantry's mobile lunch program. I have chosen MUNCH because now more than ever families are struggling to put food on the table, and due to the instability we still see as a result of COVID-19, it is vital that children and families have access the free lunches provided my MUNCH."