THE GIFT OF GIVING
An Alternative to Traditional Presents
That most wonderful time of year is upon us. No, I am not referring to Christmas Day. I am referring to that most wonderful time for charities when people across the globe give their hard-earned money to help with whatever the mission they are supporting. Aptly named Giving Tuesday, the largest single non-profit donation day of the year falls after right Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Yes, it is hard to believe that over three billion dollars will be donated to help organizations across the globe on this single day; especially after seeing the endless images of people climbing all over each other, often getting into fights, to get to the best Black Friday deals. That is why this year we have decided to put together a list of organizations that we work with whom we know are responsible and will use your donations for their mission statements rather than at a high administrative cost.
You can either donate to these organizations for their Giving Tuesday initiatives, or you can make a donation in someone else’s name as a gift to give them this holiday season. Sometimes the best gift you can give someone during the holiday season is the gift of giving. This is especially true for those Secret Santa gifts we all have challenges shopping for!
GREY2KUSA
Formed in 2001, GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest greyhound protection organization in the world. As a non-profit entity, we work to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels. We also promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe. Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane and should be prohibited. GREY2K USA was the first organization to successfully outlaw dog racing using the ballot initiative process. In November 2008, the citizens of Massachusetts chose compassion over cruelty and voted 56% - 44% to close Raynham and Wonderland Greyhound Parks. On November 6, 2018, Floridians voted 69% - 31% to phase out dog racing in the Sunshine State, ordering the closure of twelve historic tracks.
Since their formation, dozens of American dog tracks have closed for live racing, and dog racing is now illegal in 43 states. We also engage all around the globe to end the cruelty of commercial dog racing in the five other jurisdictions where it currently exists and have blocked the introduction of greyhound gambling to countries such as South Africa, Jamaica and the Philippines. Info: grey2kusa.org
BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill in 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to 415,000 last year. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 5,000 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®.
Info: bestfriends.org
LET’S BE S.M.A.R.T.
Let’s be S.M.A.R.T aims to educate about the importance of animals by raising the awareness level for their rights, well-being, and care. The organization focuses on bringing communities together to promote responsible care of animals through the organization of events for both children and adults. Let’s be S.M.A.R.T. hopes to foster the practice of understanding and compassion with animals. Let’s be S.M.A.R.T. believes in thinking globally while acting locally, and they strive to support special projects throughout the world as they arise. They are dedicated to working toward global animal welfare. Info: letsbesmart-greece.org
ANIMAL CARE CENTERS OF NYC
Founded in 1995, Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end animal homelessness in New York City. As the only open-admission shelter serving New York City, ACC provides a haven for thousands of homeless, abandoned, and neglected animals each year, regardless of age, breed, or medical condition.
With a team of compassionate staff and volunteers, ACC offers a comprehensive range of services, including adoption, fostering, veterinary care, behavior training, and community outreach. Founded on the principles of compassion, integrity, and respect for all living creatures, ACC strives to create a more compassionate and humane society by raising awareness about animal welfare issues and providing resources to support pet owners and communities. Info: nycacc.org
PETSMART CHARITIES
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. PetSmart Charities grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $600 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities.
Info: petsmartcharities.org
GATTO PUPS & FRIENDS
Gatto Pups and Friends is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit sanctuary and rescue for senior, disabled and unwanted animals, providing them with a loving home for however long they may have left.
Bessy and Joe Gatto’s (of Impractical Jokers fame) love for animals, especially senior dogs, has provided a home for those overlooked and unwanted. Supporters of many rescues and animal sanctuaries, they have dedicated their time and efforts into advocating for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
Info: GattoPupsandFriends.com
WILD BIRD FUND
The Wild Bird Fund is a state and federally licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.
Each year, we rehabilitate more than 9,500 animals. Rehabilitation includes x-rays, diagnostic testing, surgery, medication, bandaging, splinting, physical therapy and special diets. We treat more than 180 species, from common house sparrows, pigeons and Eastern gray squirrels to rarities such as Virginia rails and snowy owls. This work is funded by donations and accomplished by an animal care staff of about 30 wildlife rehabilitators, who are aided by many dozens of volunteers. Info: WildBirdFund.org
