LIFE

How you can support #GivingTuesday in Indy

Leslie Bailey, and Maureen C. Gilmer
IndyStar

Hoosiers can extend their Thanksgiving weekend beyond #BlackFriday, #SmallBusinessSaturday and #CyberMonday all the way to #GivingTuesday on Dec. 1.

The global campaign was launched in 2012 by New York City's 92nd Street YMCA, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, as an alternative to consumerism. The idea is to use the power of social media to promote giving back.

Last year, more than 27,000 organizations in 68 countries participated, resulting in more donations, volunteer hours and activities that brought change in communities worldwide.

The movement has more than 13,000 partners across the country, including Microsoft, CVS Health, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Toys R Us, Things Remembered and the American Red Cross. Here are nine in the Indianapolis area:

Dress for Success

Thursday May 8th, 2014, at  Dress for Success, 820 N. Meridian St., the organization dresses over 1400 woman a year, in providing professional clothing, shoes, makeup and beauty items.

Dress for Success is turning #Giving Tuesday into #GivingShoes Day. It encourages women to donate their professional shoes to the organization, which provides interview suits and career development services to economically disadvantaged women.

Last year, the Indianapolis group collected more than three times the shoes than any other affiliate. This year, Dress for Success has teamed up with ALDO to give something back to those who donate. The top 10 individual donors throughout the U.S. and Canada will receive $250 in gift cards. Donations of shoes can be dropped off at any Central Indiana TCU location, or at Dress for Success Indianapolis at 820 N. Meridian St. on Dec. 1. Info at: indydfs.org.

Junior Achievement of Central Indiana

Junior Achievement of Central Indiana dubs #GivingTuesday "JA Day." Sign up to teach a class and share your "#unselfie" experience on social media. JA will supply the materials, but volunteers are invited to bring school supplies for students. Info at: juniorachievement.org.

Indianapolis Opera 

On Giving Back to Opera Tuesday, all #GivingTuesday donations to Indianapolis Opera will be matched by the Indianapolis Opera Board of Directors. Supporters can watch a two-minute video of performances that inspire people to share what they love about opera and what moves them online. Info at: indyopera.org.

FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic

FACE has spayed or neutered 14,000 cats and dogs this year. They're asking supporters to make a #GivingTuesday donation and then snap a picture or a selfie with a smile on your best fur friend and post it to your social media channels. Info at: facespayneuter.org.

#GivingTuesday becomes #GivingSmiles at FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic.

United Way of Central Indiana

Gifts to United Way of Central Indiana on Tuesday are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match, supported by Lilly Endowment. This year, the focus is to support United Christmas Service, a program to assist families in need during the holiday season. Info at: uwci.org.

Jameson Camp

This year, for #GivingTuesday, Jameson Camp has a new opportunity for donors.  For all donations to Youth Leadership that are new or increased from last year, the Indianapolis Foundation, a C.I.C.F. affiliate, will match it dollar-for-dollar. Jameson Camp has served disadvantaged youth on the Westside for more than 85 years. Info at: jamesoncamp.org.

Riley Hospital for Children

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is serving as Riley's giving ambassador for The Gift of Hope Happens Here. He'll be among several celebrities participating in a live Q&A fundraiser on #GivingTuesday. Others include race car drivers John Andretti and Jeff Burton and musician Jon McLaughlin. Info at: rileykids.org/givingtuesday.

Horizon House

A #GivingTuesday breakfast hosted by Emmis Communications and Eli Lilly and Co. will benefit Horizon House day shelter, 1033 E. Washington St. The breakfast begins at 8 a.m. Dec. 1 at Lilly Corporate Center, McCarty and Delaware streets. Tickets are $50. Info at: horizonhouse.cc/givingtuesday.

College Mentors for Kids

On #GivingTuesday, College Mentors for Kids will launch its #GiveAMentor campaign, inviting people to pledge their support for mentoring. The local organization, with chapters in nine states, aims to raise $18,000 this year. Info at: collegementors.org/giving-tuesday.