Giving back is true spirit of this season

Snow’s arrival this week is making it feel a lot like holiday season around here. Soon loved ones will gather for the cherished traditions that mark this wonderful time of year.

We also have the opportunity to make this a more wonderful time for those in need by supporting local agencies on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29.

The Community House is asking supporters to “Commit to Community” by making a donation to its annual fund. The dollars enhance the lives of others by providing funds for program equipment, counseling services, community outreach, facility operation and more.

Give by texting C2C by 72572 or on the website at http://www.thecommunityhouse.org/annual fund.

At the Hinsdale Humane Society, staff plans to share stories of animals and humans who have been impacted through their work in their #GivingTuesday2022 campaign.

Contributions will help the humane society provide shelter for stray animals in 12 cities and villages, adopt out more than 1,600 homeless pets and help provide veterinary care for animals in need. To donate, visit http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org.

At Wellness House, gifts made before Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, by the Greer Foundation. Gifts of $225 or more made between now and Dec. 15 also will be matched by The Coleman Foundation. To make a donation, visit http://www.wellnesshouse.org/give.

Other nonprofits in town that would benefit from your support include HCS Family Services (www.hcsfamilyservices.org), Candor Health Education (www.candorhealthed.org) and the Hinsdale Historical Society (www.hinsdalehistory.org).

November is also the month when we start publicizing opportunities for residents to participate in drives or attend events that will raise money for various causes. The Spirit of Giving listing on Page 42 has all the details, but here are just a few of the outreach invitations close to home sure to have a far-reaching impact:

• Herb Melin is once again collecting unwrapped toys the weekend after Thanksgiving for kids ages 1-14 to be donated to a local Marine Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.

• New or used blankets will help keep the homeless warm on Christmas Eve. Donate them to Hinsdale Covenant Church through Nov. 27. They also are accepting lap throws, baby blankets, spreads, sheets and towels.

• Get a great picture for your Christmas card and support the Hinsdale Humane Society’s Pet Rescue and Resource Center by schedule a photo session during Photos with Paws Nov. 30 or Dec. 3.

• Remember a loved one while supporting AdventHealth St. Thomas Hospice by making a donation to its Tree of Remembrance, which will stand outside BMO Harris Bank from Thanksgiving through the new year. The names of those honored or remembered will be listed on boards beside the tree.

November is a time for us all to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. And there’s no better way to demonstrate that gratitude than by supporting individuals and agencies in need, many of whom continue to recover from the adverse financial impact of the pandemic.

A little giving goes a long way when we do it together.