5 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

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With Thanksgiving marking the unofficial start of the holiday season, the excitement (and chaos) of the holidays is underway. Between the gift shopping, cookie baking, and memory making, it can be hard to find time to slow down and reflect on how lucky we truly are. Many organizations and families need our help more than ever, so make giving back part of your family’s holiday tradition.   

Here are a few ways you can help:  

Make a difference during Giving Tuesday  

Tuesday, November 28 / Around Fishers
Make a difference in your community during Giving Tuesday on November 28. As part of the Shop Fishers: Holiday Series, local small businesses will partner with nonprofits that serve the Fishers community to give back during this global giving movement. Participating businesses across Fishers will donate percentage of their sales or host a donation drive in conjunction with the Giving Tuesday event.  

Shop and dine local while supporting local nonprofits like Best Buddies Indiana, HamCo Love, Hamilton County Coats for Kids, Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation, HopeAnchor&Crew, Humane Society for Hamilton County, Fishers Parks Foundation, Indiana Women in Need, Nickel Plate Arts, Second Helpings, The Cooper House, The O’Connor House, Fishers Youth Assistance Program, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter, and Youth Mentoring Initiative.  

food on shelf

Donate to a local food pantry 

During this busy season, our local food pantries are experiencing an increase in demand, and a decrease in supply. Food and personal hygiene items top the list of needs, so pick up a few extra items during your holiday dinner grocery run to make the season a little brighter for a local family.  

Find a list of requested items and addresses of local food pantries here. 

Volunteer your time

Donate a couple of hours of your time this holiday season to support a local nonprofit or community event. Mentor a student in HSE Schools through Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI), or help Fishers Parks’ host their festive Cookies with a Character event in December. 

Find a full list of local volunteer opportunities at VolunteerFishers.com.  

Donate to the Indiana Diaper Bank

 The Indiana Diaper Bank is currently hosting a #ShareTheLove Diaper Drive. The goal is to raise 150,000 diapers to help over 5,000 families in need. From now through December 31, they are asking to either donate diapers in person at our City Services Building (1 Municipal Drive) or donate online. Learn more by visiting their website here.

season of giving november 1 - december 31

Celebrate the Season of Giving  

Join the Hamilton East Public Library for their Season of Giving initiative, now through the end of December. Make handmade holiday gifts for loved ones through hands-on classes and workshops, join a guided mediation on giving happiness to others presented by the Kadampa Meditation Center Indianapolis, and more. Get the full lineup here.  

Get involved

Aside from the nonprofits participating in Giving Tuesday, there are many other organizations that serve Fishers and need support from community members like you. Check out the list below to see which interests you, then reach out and see how you can get involved.