We had Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and now — it’s Giving Tuesday.

The global movement focuses on spreading generosity in any way you can, whether it be through donating money, making a meal for a neighbor, or volunteering at a local organization.

If you need some ideas, here are several ways to make a difference in our community.

Give money

United Way of Greater Chattanooga | This nonprofit and its community partners help Chattanoogans dealing with food insecurity, housing instability, healthcare disruptions, and more. You can donate money online.
Chattanooga Area Food Bank | It provided 16.9 million meals to families last year, which wouldn’t have been possible without help from the community. You can donate money or volunteer to help sort, pack, and distribute food.
Salvation Army Chattanooga | The Salvation Army offers emergency help in the form of food boxes, utility payments, and medication payments for low-income Chattanoogans. You can donate money online.

Give things

Clothing, housewares, and more | The Chattanooga Free Store accepts dozens of items you might have lying around in your home. Once a week, Chattanoogans in need can shop there at no cost. You can donate items at the store or donate money online.
Blood | Blood Assurance is running low on donations and in critical need of O-negative blood and platelets. If you’d like to donate, you can schedule an appointment online.
Mini Christmas trees | If you’d like to help cheer up pediatric patients spending the holidays in the hospital, you can bring a small decorated tree (no larger than 3 ft tall) to the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger this Thursday, Dec. 4 or Friday, Dec. 5 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Teddy bears | Hits 96 is collecting new teddy bears + other stuffed animals that’ll also go to patients at the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. You can drop them off at the Hits 96 studio (2615 Broad St.) or The Book & Cover (1310 Hanover St.) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. until Friday, Dec. 5.

You can also spread generosity by giving your time. Check out our Volunteer Guide for 50+ ways to give back in Chattanooga.