It’s #GivingTuesday: Support local nonprofits

It's hard to believe 2016 is coming to an end. While it was a challenging year for many, we are all hopeful that out community's spirit of generosity will come together in support of area non-profits and the populations we serve. We hope that you will consider making a gift to a local non-profit today, #GivingTuesday.

After three days of shopping - Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday - #GivingTuesday is a day for giving back. In towns, cities, regions and states across the country, people are embracing this day as an opportunity to support local non-profits, schools and arts organizations. This support takes many forms: some raise money or host food and clothing drives; caregivers teach children about philanthropy while encouraging acts of kindness; and others collaborate with their neighbors and celebrate generosity.

In 2015, non-profits raised more than $117 million in online contributions on #GivingTuesday. Much more was generated offline and through donations of time and other resources. All of these gifts help make the world a better place. Last year, people in 71 different countries participated in #GivingTuesday activities. In 2016 participating countries will include Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Slovenia, Tanzania, the UK and many more.

While all giving is valuable, this year we encourage Linn County residents to give to local non-profits. These organizations perform essential work that touches all of our lives in some way. Whether providing food and shelter for disadvantaged populations, offering various arts programs and services, educating and caring for our children, or maintaining green spaces that we all enjoy - everyone's life is better through the efforts of our area non-profits.

Whatever your passion, there is likely a local non-profit working to advance that cause here, where you live. At the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, we are hoping area residents who value the importance of literacy in our community will consider supporting our Give the Gift of Literacy effort. I want to encourage all community members, regardless of your interests, to connect with an organization you believe in, and support it in some way today. Coming together now will help ensure a bright, generous start to the holiday season.

' Charity Tyler is executive director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation. Comments or more information: (319) 739-0411.