Making Giving Tuesday Hit Home in Texas: 5 Worthy Local Charities — and Why This Day’s Grown to Mean So Much

Last Thursday, we gave thanks. On this Tuesday, we’re giving back. It’s the sixth annual #GivingTuesday, and we’re hoping it’s the best one yet.

Some charities hit close to home — here are five worthy Texas charities to consider. Or pick a cause close to your own heart. Lend a hand to your community. We all need somebody to lean on.

Tahirih Justice Center

Support the women and girls in Texas fighting to gain freedom from violence. Tahirih Justice Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to making sure “women and girls enjoy full equality, live in safety and with dignity,” serves women in the greater Houston area, Galveston, and across the United States.

The center provides legal and social services to women and girls escaping devastating gender-based violence. Unfortunately, Tahirih only has the resources to help one in 10 survivors who come to them for protection.

Tahirih hopes to reach $30,000 in donations from this year’s #GivingTuesday. Donation options range from $500 to $5,000. Your donation could cover expenses for legal and social services, doctors’ visits, or even reuniting mothers with their children overseas.

https://www.classy.org/campaign/tahirihs-givingtuesday-campaign/c153097

Friends For Life Animal Rescue and Adoption Organization

 Friends for Life, the only non-kill shelter in all of Houston, was called upon to manage the care for the hundreds of animals displaced during Hurricane Harvey. The organization developed shelter solutions on short notice. Now, Friends for Life is continuing to care for the huge number of uprooted animals. Many of them need extensive medical treatment, and contributions could go a long way.

While the effects of Harvey linger, Friends for Life continues its normal operations. The nonprofit is committed to rescuing the most vulnerable animals from high-kill shelters.

http://www.friends4life.org/how-to-help/donate/

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

Spread the word and fight back against the literacy crisis in Houston. This #GivingTuesday, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation shares several opportunities to help Houstonians reach their full potential through literacy. Your time, traditional contributions, books, and even your voice mean more than you know.

Volunteers are needed throughout December for a variety of events. Barbara Bush Literacy Young Professionals Group is even hosting a Tacky Holiday Sweater and Book Wrapping Party for members.

Monetary contributions from $30 to $1,500 will provide economically disadvantaged children with home library books. General donations will go toward building home libraries for children in need. You can even donate your own loved and gently used books to the foundation or its partner organizations.

Don’t forget that your voice can be just as life-changing as words on a page. Learn all you can about literacy and inspire five people to sign up for the foundation’s newsletter.

https://www.bushhoustonliteracy.org/giving-tuesday

Star of Hope

Star of Hope works to transform the lives of roughly 1,000 homeless men, women, and children in Houston every day. The community’s structured programs on education, spiritual growth, employment, substance abuse recovery, and life management nurture those in need and encourage independence. Star of Hope’s holistic approach addresses both long-term and immediate challenges facing homeless families and individuals.

Today, your support counts double. Friends of Star of Hope, Sandy, Karl, and Isabella Willmann, have promised to match every $1 donated up to a total $50,000. Select gifts from $50 to $1,000 or choose your own amount — and make twice the difference.

Click here for more info or to donate 

Houston Habitat for Humanity

 For 30 years, Houston Habitat for Humanity sponsors and volunteers have built homes for low-income Houstonians. Their actions go beyond building physical shelters. They help individuals build strong foundations for their futures through completing financial and home maintenance training and purchasing an affordable mortgage.

You don’t have to handle a power tool to volunteer. In addition to working at the build site, volunteers can help in the office with clerical duties. The ReStore home improvement and donation center can always use extra hands merchandising and pricing, assisting customers, and more.

Donations for #GivingTuesday are welcome, and you can contribute to many other relief funds on their site. Car donations assist families in their goals of self-reliance, and you can support the future of the charity with legacy giving.

 https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HoustonHabitatforHumanity/givingtuesday-1.html