Generosity is seen year-round

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as Giving Tuesday. As we all turn our attention to the Christmas holiday season and look at gift-buying options, our local non-profits ask that we consider non-traditional gift giving.

These agencies and projects help improve life in our region year-round. They are happy with any gift, large or small, that helps them continue in their missions.

We reguarly share their stories in the Daily American Republic throughout the year, like with the Polar Bear Gala happening Saturday, Dec. 2, in support of Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland, or an artile in today’s print edition about Crossroads Ministries.

Another need identified by Community Foundation of the Ozarks is the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence. They ask for donations of Hershey Kisses and Starburst for The Green Bear Project, new youth clothing, fidget items, coloring books and crayons and personal hygiene items. This child advocacy and rape crisis center provides support to children that have been physically or sexually abused and adults that have been sexually assaulted. Contact: Alix Gasser, agasser@semonasv.org or 573-332-1900.

CFO partners with more than 700 nonprofit agencies and others serving in Missouri.

Other partners who are always in need of donations inlcude:

• Haven House, which provides resources to women and children impacted by domestic violence. This includes a hotline and shelter. Donations of canned goods, paper products, personal hygiene items and household goods can help support their efforts. Go to www.havenhousepoplarbluff.org/donate to find out more.

• Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library, which supports special children’s reading programs throughout the year, as well as special projects like book clubs and author visits. More information can be found at www.poplarbluff.org/friends.

• Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri, which operates a no-kill animal shelter in Poplar Bluff. For more information, visit, awasemo.org.

Of course, not all ways of giving mean reaching out to a nonprofit or community organization. Sometimes it’s just seeing someone in need in your life, a neighbor, friend, co-worker, and reaching out with friendship or a helping hand.

This is the kind of generosity we see year-round in this region, but it becomes a little brighter and more special at this time of year.

Thank you to everyone helps make our world a better place.

Donna Farley is editor of the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at dfarley@darnews.com.