As we head into the holiday season, it’s normal to feel stressed by all the planning and logistics that go into making memories with our families and friends. Now more than ever, we are collectively craving connection, normalcy, and kindness, and one way to have those experiences is to look outward and give.
I’m so proud of our team for their commitment to supporting the important outreach of many community organizations in Central Oregon. We agree that our time spent volunteering and gifting is one of the highlights of our work life and feel fortunate to have a robust network of local nonprofits to support.
With that in mind, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to pause and focus on acts of generosity and kindness. Created in 2012 as a way to simply highlight one day during the holiday season that would encourage people to do good in their communities, Giving Tuesday is now a worldwide movement that is recognized annually as well as an independent nonprofit.
This year, Giving Tuesday is on November 30, and there are many ways to honor and take action on this global day of “radical generosity” in Central Oregon. The Giving Tuesday organization defines radical generosity as “the concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable as our own suffering.”
What does radical generosity look like—not just on Giving Tuesday—but every day? We believe that no gift is too small to make a difference. That belief has guided our 1 Percent campaign which has been an important part of our business plan since the Skjersaa Group was founded in 2012. At the time, we knew that donating just one percent of our gross income could make a big difference to the community.
We hope you’ll embrace the idea that every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. Whether you are able to make a financial donation—large or small, provide in-kind gifts of goods and services, or offer your time to help a neighbor, please know that your generosity matters.
Need ideas? Currently running now through December 31, the Central Oregon Gives campaign helps donors find and support nonprofits that serve causes including:
- Animal welfare
- Arts and culture
- Basic needs like shelter and food
- Education, family and children
- Health and environment
With a goal of raising $1,000,000 for more than 80 nonprofits, Central Oregon Gives is also partnering with many local businesses to offer thank you gifts for donations of $25 or more.
There are many other ways to give during the holiday season including a few initiatives near and dear to our team:
- Cole is currently raising money now through November 30 for Real Men Wear Pink of Central Oregon, which supports breast cancer awareness, and you can help him reach his goal here.
- We are collecting Toys For Tots, and you can drop off unwrapped new toys at our office in the annex building on Newport Avenue.
- Furnish Hope, which transforms empty houses into welcoming homes for families in need of basic furnishings and household essentials, is a recipient of Central Oregon Gives and you can make a donation here.
Thank you for all you do to be a part of this unique community. Kindness and down-to-earth attitudes have always made Bend a special place, and we hope this season is a joyful one for all people in our community.
—Terry
