#GivingTuesday During COVID Era: Nonprofits Need The Help Now More Than Ever
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's GivingTuesday, and nonprofits need the help now more than ever.
Organizers of the global event say everyone has something to give, even if things are tight.
As CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas reported, the sound of a bell ringing by a Salvation Army red kettle is a familiar signal that the holidays are here.
But this year, the Salvation Army is stepping it up a notch by unveiling the world's largest red kettle in Times Square.
MORE: GivingTuesday Website | #GivingTuesday On Twitter
"While this year, in anticipating the decrease of more than 50% in funds being raised because of less foot traffic, because of less cash being used," said Major Kevin Stoops of the Salvation Army.
In many ways, the size of the kettle is a reflection of the organization's growing needs, that are already up 150% as the pandemic rages on.
Usually the Toys for Tots warehouse is already filled with toys, but this year they're having to get creative to meet their goal of bringing joy to 100,000 children.
MORE: Giving Tuesday: 6 Ways To Donate Without Even Trying
"You can go online, purchase a toy from our third party company that we're working with -- yougivegoods.com -- and they'll palletize all those donated toys and ship it to us," said Staff Sgt. Robert Bacchus, NYC Toys for Tots Coordinator.
In addition to online giving, Toys For Tots continues to have donation bins -- far fewer than usual -- across the city through Dec. 14.
"By this point, we would've probably been slammed with toys, just trying to get them sorted and processed through," Bacchus said.
That's why GivingTuesday is more important this year.
MORE: Giving Tuesday: How To Make The Most For Charities
"The day has been built on everyone has the ability to give something, anywhere and everywhere. We all have something to give," said Celeste Flores of GivingTuesday.
Even during these difficult times.
"I'm here to snowboard and donate food," said Long Island resident Katie Vicente.
At Big Snow, American Dream customers brought in non-perishable food before hitting the slopes.
In our own way, if we all come together, it can make a big difference.
Giving doesn't always have to be cash -- organizations also need volunteers.
To give to the Salvation Army, you can text GiantRedKettle to 41444.
From the Better Business Bureau:
- Do you know the charity's mission, program and finances? See: www.give.org
- What info is available from the state charity officials? See: www.nasconet.org
- Is the organization a tax exempt charity? See: irs.gov/charities-non-profits
- The Federal Trade Commission says avoid any charity that refuses to provide detailed information about its identity or how the donation will be used. Also beware if the charity won't provide proof that your donation is tax deductible. For more information, click here.
- Another way to give: Donate blood. Click here to donate in New York City.
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