(Photo by Paul Conrad/Getty Images for JCPenney)
I'm Adam 12 and I make lists of 12 and today's list is 12 Causes Worthy of Your Cash on Giving Tuesday because it's Giving Tuesday!
Below you'll find a breakdown of causes and charities that are near and dear to my heart. First and foremost, I love the outdoors. And I'm a firm believer that protecting the planet is priority number one, especially nowadays. If your house is on fire, you put that fire out before you do anything else, right? So I'm doing what I can with my time and my money to support national organizations that are doing the important work to keep green spaces green and advocate for the planet.
I'm also a big neighborhood and community guy. I'm of the mind that if more of us took more of an interest in what's going on in our own communities, we'd all be better off. You may or may not remember last year I spearheaded Free Food Friday. Every week, I'd spotlight a local food pantry or food bank that was doing the work to keep kids and families fed in the Commonwealth.
So yes, you'll find a few local charities that need our money to feed folks this holiday season. As always, though, I encourage you to find those organizations in your own back yard so that you can do the good work of helping out your neighbors in need.
12 Causes Worthy of Your Cash on Giving Tuesday
OK, let's get to the list. 12 organizations, both local and national, that I will be giving my money to on this Giving Tuesday. I hope you'll pick a few and do the same. And, more importantly, I hope you'll take the Giving Tuesday spirit and carry it with you throughout the year. Once you get in the habit of giving a little bit a few times a year, good things start to happen.
Action for Boston Community Development
ABCD is part of the Community Action Network. The ABCD Winter Fund supports underserved people in Boston, Everett, Malden, and Medford with warm clothes, food, and toys for the holidays.
Boston Rescue Mission
The BRM offers resources to prevent and end homelessness. Help feed the homeless this holiday season.
Boys & Girls Club of America
BGC Woburn has been a home-away-from-home for my kids since before they were in school. And my oldest works for the Stoneham & Wakefield BGC. If you're lucky enough to have a Boys & Girls Club in your neighborhood, you are blessed indeed. Find yours or donate to one of mine!
The Greater Boston Food Bank
Everyone knows the GBFB; they do so much good. And they're matching donations, dollar for dollar, through midnight on Giving Tuesday.
Mass Audubon
I've been a Mass Audubon member for years and taken advantage of the many properties they protect and maintain. Consider a Gift Membership this holiday season.
Project Bread
Project Bread connects families in need with food, as well as advocating for policies that make food more accessible.
Northeast ARC
Northeast ARC does wonders for people with disabilities and their families. I'm a member of their Autism Dad's Group and can speak from experience about the amazing work they do.
Social Capital Inc.
Based in Woburn, SCI is focused on bringing people and organizations together to address community needs and work toward positive change.
Sierra Club
The Massachusetts Sierra Club has been knocking out of the park lately, advancing policy to protect the planet both locally and nationally.
The Story School
I can't even find the words to tell you how The Story School has changed my 14-yr-old's life. Story-based STEM education and the greatest summer camp ever.
Trust for Public Land
TPL isn't just protecting land from development in the far reaches of America. They're protecting land in our own backyards.
Council of Social Concern
Based in Woburn, the Council of Social Concern is a charitable, community-based agency, responding to the basic needs of people of all ages. They offer early childhood education and a food pantry.
