It’s hard to believe GivingTuesday, set for Tuesday, Dec. 3, is less than 10 years old. According to the website givingtuesday.org, it was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
According to the website, “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.”
Various organizations in the Jewish community conduct fundraising campaigns on or around GivingTuesday. The Chronicle contacted agencies and congregations in the area about their plans for GivingTuesday and heard from a few. Information about their campaigns is below, in no particular order. And if you are so inclined, you can look up what other charitable organizations in the city and across the country are doing by going to givingtuesday.org and clicking on “find participating organizations.”
JEWISH FEDERATION, THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK — Federation, which works to sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world, is in the midst of a fundraising campaign being conducted via social media and email to coincide with GivingTuesday. Donations are accepted on the website, JewishKansasCity.org/GivingTuesday, through Federation’s Facebook page (facebook.com/jfedkc/) or by phone at 913-327-8100. All donations go toward Federation’s annual giving campaign. Federation will also match whatever amount an individual may have increased over what was donated in 2018. Or if a donor is making an additional donation on GivingTuesday, Federation will match the increased amount given on that day. During this time, any increase or match can also be designated to go toward Federation’s 2019 Security Campaign if desired or toward the annual giving campaign.
VILLAGE SHALOM — The Jewish community’s continuing-care retirement community is highlighting three areas for GivingTuesday: volunteers, give and donate.
Volunteers are needed to read or play games with residents, download music to iPods for its Music & Memory program, deliver meals between 4:45 and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or volunteer as a front porch visitor to share conversations with residents on most mornings and afternoons. Interested individuals should contact Lorena Williams at 913-266-8431 or .
Village Shalom is currently in need of the following donated items: fresh flowers for dining tables, art supplies including markers and construction paper, and plastic magnifying cards. If you can assist with any of these items, contact Williams at 913-266-8431 or .
Monetary donations are also always welcome. To make a donation, contact Nikol Terrill at 913-266-8119 or .
JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICE —Through GivingTuesday, donors to JVS will be able to double their impact through a matching gift challenge. Gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Donations can be made online at jvskc.org/give. Contact Malinda Kimmel ( or 816-629-8935) to make a donation to JVS.
In addition, JVS will be sharing success stories of its clients on Facebook throughout the end of the year. Follow @JVSKC on Facebook to see these stories and the impact a gift can have.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES — For GivingTuesday, JFS is raising funds for essential services for people in need in our community. This includes food, counseling, mental health support for teens, care management services, transportation and home repair for older adults, and emergency assistance. Stan Bushman has offered a generous match of up to $20,000 for gifts made from GivingTuesday through Dec. 31. Donate online at jfskc.org, call 913-327-8250 during normal business hours or donate by mail to: Jewish Family Services, 5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211.
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (JCF) — For GivingTuesday this year, JCF is having a special promotion: If you buy a JCF Charitable Gift Card on GivingTuesday, you’ll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Charitable Gift Card. Cards are available for purchase exclusively by JCF fundholders at jcfkc.org/giftcard.
CONGREGATION BIAV — At this time of year, Congregation BIAV specifically solicits donations for two of its funds:
• The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund helps those who could use some extra financial assistance to pay for utilities, food and clothing for the cold winter months.
• The Goldstein Youth Fund, which provides camp scholarships and supports some NCSY activities.
In addition, for those who have family members in Sheffield Cemetery, BIAV solicits contributions of at least $36 a year for the ongoing care of burial plots, monument foundation maintenance, caretaking services and cemetery operations.
As always, the Orthodox congregation welcomes “donations to any of our funds” at any time during the year, not just GivingTuesday, BIAV Administrator Alisa Kartch said.
KU CHABAD — On GivingTuesday, KU Chabad is asking parents, alumni and friends “who all care about the vibrant Jewish life at KU” to donate at JewishKU.com/donate. KU Chabad’s big fundraising push for the end of 2019 will take place on Monday, Dec. 9, with its annual “huge one day matching campaign” to raise $200,000. Watch KU Chabad’s Facebook page (facebook.com/chabadatku/) for additional details.
PRIYA FUND — Dollars raised by Priya, which supports local Jewish couples struggling with infertility, on GivingTuesday will help offset the costs of expensive fertility treatments or the high expense of adoption. Donations are accepted online at priyakc.org. For more information, contact Annie Glickman at .