‘Tis the season to feast with family, hit the malls, and surf the sales. It’s also time to open our hearts and support worthy causes and others who may not be as fortunate. Here are a few ways you can give back in the #CLE this “Giving Tuesday.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland (BGCC)
Now here's a hot tip: teens in the BGCC farm program have created their very own hot sauce called Local Hotness in conjunction with Pope's Kitchen. Bottles are available at Saucisson in Slavic Village and Zagara's Marketplace in Cleveland Heights, and all proceeds benefit CLUB Crops (BGCC's farm program). Now that's one caliente cause!  

LakewoodAlive 
LakewoodAlive’s Housing Outreach Program lends a helping hand to neighbors in need, having completed 48 volunteer housing projects to date. This Giving Tuesday, board members and staff will rake leaves and do yard work for an elderly woman who has lived in her childhood home on Delaware Avenue for 60 years. While they don’t need volunteers that day, you can make more projects like this possible by donating to the organization. As part of Giving Tuesday, Facebook will match all donations at 100 percent, as long as donations are made here.

Koinonia Homes
What would you do if you couldn’t drive, but needed to see your doctor or go to work? That’s a daily reality for hundreds of Clevelanders with developmental disabilities. Fortunately, Koinonia Homes is able to provide them with thousands of rides each year. Now, they’re looking to expand their services with a new 18-passenger bus equipped with an electric wheelchair lift.

“On the surface, buying a new bus might seem simple,” says Diane Beastrom, president and CEO of Koinonia Homes. “But when wheelchair accessibility and other special accommodations are required, this basic step remains underfunded.” Help them reach their $65,000 goal by texting “BUCKS” to 56512 or clicking here to donate.
 
Get The Lead Out
Thousands of children in the greater Cleveland area struggle with the permanent and debilitating effects of lead poisoning. But, in 2017, this is a completely avoidable tragedy. On Giving Tuesday, you can help Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland provide outreach, prevention, and education services to “Get the Lead Out, Cleveland!” Join the fight to protect our city’s most precious resource here.

Solar United Neighbors
To date, Solar United Neighbors has helped 2,500 families and small businesses go solar—accounting for almost 20,000 kilowatts of solar power. The company has also created over 500 jobs and is working to help implement the Solar for All program (which will use solar to lower electric bills for 100,000 low-income households). Join over 30,000 solar supporters and make a tax-deductible donation to further the efforts of Solar United Neighbors by clicking here.

CLE Clothing Company
If your holiday gift list includes hats, socks, or hoodies, head on over to a hometown favorite to pick up a feel-good BOGO. For every item purchased during the store's "Season of Giving" (Dec 1-23), CLE Clothing Company will donate another one to local shelters and non-profit organizations serving those in need. Plus, stop by one of their stores with a donation of canned goods or non-perishable food items, and they’ll take 20% off every purchase of $25 or more. Now that’s a win-win. 

FrontLine Service and Geiger's
Help make the holidays a bit brighter (and warmer) for recently homeless families by donating gently used coats and brand-new toys and gifts to FrontLine Service's "Twinkle Shop" drive. Toys will be distributed to 70 families with more than 200 children that receive support through FrontLine's programs for the homeless. Geiger's locations in Lakewood, Chagrin Falls, and downtown are serving as collection points until December 10, and everyone who donates a coat will receive a $25 Geiger's gift card.

Lit Cleveland
Cleveland boasts a vibrant literary arts scene and Lit Cleveland is a strong support system for those unique voices. From journalists to novelists, and poets to playwrights, your tax-deductible donation will go to programs that help local writers across the creative spectrum. For Giving Tuesday, Lit Cleveland's Board of Directors will match the first $2,500 in donations dollar-for-dollar, and if more than 37 donations are made, the board will also donate an extra $250. People who donate $50 or more will receive a free January 2018-March 2019 membership to Lit Cleveland. Support the cause here.

A Christmas Story Lego House 
If you love that the real “Christmas Story” house is in Cleveland as much as we do, you’ll be excited to hear “Ralphie’s House” has a chance to become the newest Lego kit. That means thousands of movie fans can recreate a part of the holiday classic in their living room, and it won’t cost you anything to support the project. Oh, ffffudge! That’s just cool. Cast your vote for the project here to see the dream come true.