OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If there’s a day to give back to those in our community today is the day!
It’s Giving Tuesday across the globe and right here in the metro area.
Giving Tuesday is a day where the focus is on giving back to area nonprofits, who in turn support the community and those in need.
Danielle Davis visited Turner Park where the Secret Kindness Agents are at work.
The day-long fundraiser in the Omaha area and southwest Iowa is organized by Share Omaha.
Share Omaha is a nonprofit for other nonprofits. Its mission is to help local nonprofits achieve their goals by raising more support and service from the general public.
The organization supports the approximately 645 nonprofits in the area year-round but puts the most emphasis on today.
“We just love that it is a day to maybe recenter on the meaning of the season, but also just remembering the things that go well in your community and what you want for your community, and putting that energy and action out there for the next year,” SHARE Omaha Executive Director Marjorie Maas said.
Jon Kipper is reporting on Collective for Hope, Tinsel and Tears event.
The best way to donate and to learn about nonprofits is by visiting shareomaha.org, where you will find everything you need to know.
“Those nonprofits all maintain profiles where they post their cash, in-kind, volunteer, and event needs. We think it’s the best shopping experience that you can have,” Maas said. “You can go on and sort by who it helps, what it impacts, and any cause that almost comes to mind A-Z. So, figure out what nonprofits address what you really care about and be generous today.”
3 News Now reporter Zach Williamson has more below.
When you go to donate it will take you to a PayPal interface. You do not need a PayPal account to donate.
You can check out as a guest with your debit or credit card.
Isabella Basco was in Council Bluffs at TS Bank to discover ways to participate in western Iowa.
Since Share Omaha was founded in January of 2019, the amount of money raised for area nonprofits has seen exponential growth.
In 2019, they helped nonprofits raise $1.6 million, doubling the 2018 total.
35% of donations were from first-time donors.
That same year, 8,247 items were donated.
175 volunteer applications were filled out, and 397 people 432 people volunteered.
Last year they doubled down again, raising $3.16 million.
32% of donations came from first-time donors.
28,962 items were donated, valued at $32,784.
275 volunteer applications were filled out, and 397 volunteers served on that Giving Tuesday.
The goal this year is to raise $4.5 million.
We will be following all of Tuesday's donations and will give updates on the day's events here on our website and on social media.
Tonight at 6:30 p.m. we will highlight the entire day as part of our KMTV Shares Kindness Special.
