Dear Hand Raisers and Game Changers,

GivingTuesday, observed on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is about small acts of generosity changing the world. These small acts come in many forms – from making a financial contribution to volunteering your time or talent to make our community a better place. That’s why this GivingTuesday, we aren’t just asking for a check, because we know you have so much more to give.

This week, we are kicking off the 12 Days of Caring, where we will share 12 simple ways that you can give back through United Way and make an immediate positive impact in Martin County. We’ve included the information below, but be sure to follow along on our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and join in the discussion.

We hope you will share your small act of generosity on social media to inspire others, tag us @unitedwaymartin and use the hashtags #12DaysofCaring #LiveUnited.

Together we can rise to any challenge.

Sincerely,

Carol G. Houwaart-Diez
United Way of Martin County President/CEO

12 Days of Caring Calendar

Get involved

1.  Give a gift to the Community Impact Fund

You know it’s the end of the year when your mailbox (and inbox) is overflowing with requests from your favorite nonprofit organizations. By giving one gift to United Way of Martin County’s Community Impact Fund, you can support many of the causes that are important to you. Contributions to the Community Impact Fund support 47 programs right here in Martin County – everything from providing mental health services to keeping the shelves stocked at local food pantries. Cross off all of your charitable giving on your year-end to-do list with one click. Learn more. 

2.  Donate a Bike

Everyone remembers their first new bike because a bicycle is so much more than a present. It represents a sense of freedom, a rite of passage, and most importantly can mean the difference to a kid getting to school safely. You can ensure a local child wakes up on Christmas morning with a shiny new bike underneath the tree. Learn more. 

3.  Sign up for a volunteer shift for the United Way Holiday Project

We will be making the holidays bright for thousands of local children, and we need your help to make it happen! If you’re looking for an occasion to wear your ugly Christmas sweater (or the cute one), we have just the opportunity – volunteer for a few hours to help families in need. Learn more. 

4.  Donate a toy for the United Way Holiday Project

According to Buddy the Elf, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. But, we think the best way to spread holiday joy is by donating a new, unwrapped toy! As the local coordinating organization for Toys for Tots, we rely on generous folks like you to donate toys for hundreds of children right here in Martin County. You can find a list of collection sites and an Amazon wish list on our website. Learn more. 

5. Amazon Smile

You shop. Amazon gives. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to United Way of Martin County. Support us every time you shop (which for some of us, is quite often) Learn more.

6.  Make a gift through your IRA 

Are you 70 ½ or older with a traditional IRA? If so, you may be eligible to make a tax-free gift from your IRA called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)! QCDs are a great way to gift wisely this holiday season – they are always tax-free, regardless of whether you itemize deductions on your tax return. To make your tax-free gift in just a few minutes, use our free online tool. Learn more. 

7.  Sign up to Volunteer United

If you’re looking to find your volunteer niche, registering through Volunteer United is a significant first step! Dozens of opportunities are available through our network of agency partners. Even if you already volunteer, chances are you’ll find options that you didn’t know existed. Want to feed the hungry? Tutor kids? Deliver meals to seniors? We can help you find a great place to volunteer! Learn more. 

8. Support Tools for Success

Something as simple as having the necessary school supplies can make the difference in a child being able to focus on the things that matter, like academics. Donate to Tools for Success, our school supply drive, to help students do their best this year! Learn more

9. Give to an Impact Area

Many people have a strong passion for one of our impact areas – Education, Health or Financial Stability. That’s why we provide the opportunity for donors to direct their Community Impact Fund gift to one of these areas. Learn more.

10. Connect with us on Social Media

Connect with us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to get updates on how your support is making a difference, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and more. Learn more.

11. Give the gift that keeps on giving - your legacy

One of the most powerful ways to advance Martin County for the common good is to include the United Way of Martin County in your will. To make this process easier than ever, we’ve partnered with FreeWill to allow all of our supporters to write their legally valid wills online for free. In less than 20 minutes, you will have a will that is valid in all 50 states. Learn more.

12. Sponsor Students United

Students United represents the next generation of community leaders and philanthropists. Your sponsorship of Students United supports our community’s future leaders and provides a separate pool of funds for students to invest in local social service programs while also boosting your corporate social responsibility. Learn more.