‘Tis the season of giving, and perhaps you’re wondering how you can help support farm families for this year’s #GivingTuesday.
There are so many different types of gifts, whether that’s through a monetary donation, advocacy, or volunteering. All of these options create wonderful opportunities to show your support for agriculture at a time when everyone could use a little boost.
Now I challenge you to ask yourself, how can you make an impact this year? We’ve pulled together six #GivingTuesday ideas to get you started on your search.
Think back to all the opportunities and support given to you as a student; now is the time to pass it forward. National Dairy Shrine provides over $40,000 in scholarships to student leaders pursuing careers in the dairy industry each year. Make a donation, or become a life-long member.
Along with $2 donated to dairy youth education for every copy purchased, these whimsical Christmas poems are sure to give someone a smile.
#3 | “Time” is one of the most precious gifts you can give. Become involved in a local ag chapter:
• 4-H
#4 | Offer to “farm-sit” for a neighboring farm
Taking care of your mental health is extremely important, and can become more difficult when faced with dwindling daylight hours and holiday stress. Give a farmer peace of mind with some time off.
Seven tips for finding a farm sitter by Farm Bureau Financial Services
#5 | The Great American Milk Drive
Fluid milk is reported as one of the top most requested items, but it is not often donated because of its perishable nature. I know we all want more milk to move off the shelves, but a monetary donation is the best way to efficiently distribute this nutrient-dense food throughout the year. They also hand out vouchers to help those in need purchase milk at convenient retail locations.
Make an impact with as little as $5, or create a lasting impact with a recurring monthly donation. If you’d like to donate fluid milk to a local pantry, please call ahead to see if they have enough refrigerator space.
#6 | Natural Disaster Relief
California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund
It’s always a good idea to vet a charity before donating. Charity Navigator helps by providing ratings on finances and transparency, as well as providing suggestions for charities that you may not have heard of before.
What ways are you giving back this year? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
The author is the special publications manager. Aisha is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Life Sciences Communication and Environmental Science. She is responsible for the Hoard’s Dairyman bookstore and creating educational resources for farmers, students, and dairy industry professionals.
