Today has been designated “Giving Tuesday” around the globe and there are ways to be involved right here in our neck of the woods.

 

The Salvation Army red kettle project is in full swing and bell ringers are stationed at the doors of several area retailers. Money collected through the effort is used to assist individuals in need during the holiday season. Read the history of the project HERE. 

 

Inside Meadowbrook Mall, shoppers will find the Angel Tree from which they can choose an area child for whom to purchase gifts, thereby making his or her Christmas special.

 

The Salvation Army is one of 21 United Way agencies which welcome help this time of year – and throughout the year. United Way Executive Director Marie Battles made some specific suggestions about how to help through those agencies and others:

 

“(Individuals) can provide personal care items for women in the domestic violence shelter, the Homeless Coalition or homeless shelter,” she said. “They can offer tutoring services through Gorilla Youth and Literacy Volunteers. Other youth programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H all need volunteers either on an individual project basis or ongoing basis. They can purchase items from Empowerment through Employment, helping people with ‘other” abilities have meaningful work.”

 

See a full list of Harrison County United Way member agencies with contact information HERE.

 

A blanket fundraiser to benefit all member agencies, United Way is hosting its annual gift wrap station at Meadowbrook Mall.

 

“We opened the day after Thanksgiving and will be there through Christmas Eve,” Battles said. “We need boxes, ribbon, bows and can always use volunteers – especially close to Christmas and Christmas Eve.”

 

Suggested donation for the gift wrap service is $2 per box.

 

On a personal level, Battles suggested reaching out to an elderly neighbor who may be alone this holiday season.

 

Those with a soft spot for pets may want to assist with one of the Harrison County Humane Society’s ongoing projects. Through the newly-formed Bridgeport High School Humane Society Club, “The Pound for Pound Challenge” starts today.

 

“For every pound of dry Purina pet food (Dog Chow, Puppy Chow and Cat Chow) donated by the general public through Dec. 31, Roger Lehosit of MCM Business Systems, Inc. will match – pound for pound,” said Frankie Michelle Dennison, Harrison County Humane Society executive director.

 

Pet food can be dropped off at the Humane Society on Saltwell Road, the HCHS Thrift Store on Milford Street, Clarksburg, at MCM Business Systems, Inc. in Nutter Fort or at WDTV, located just off Lodgeville Road.

 

The Humane Society can always use help on site too, Dennison said.

 

“We can always use volunteers to help clean and especially bathe animals – especially with the wet weather we are having right now,” she said.

 

To make arrangements to work at the shelter, call 304-592-1600.

 

Battles said she realizes that “Giving Tuesday” is a good catalyst and an eye-opener for existing needs, but she reminds community members that it’s good to find some way to give back throughout the year. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo of United Way gift wrap station was taken in 2014.