With Giving Tuesday already under our belts, many Evansville nonprofits and organizations are making it easy to keep the charitable spirit alive during the holiday season. Donating time, money, or even a bit of extra Christmas cheer is all it takes to make a difference this December. Here are a few ways you can give back locally.
Vanderburgh Humane Society Pet Food Assistance
At noon on the third Monday of every month, the VHS distributes free cat and dog food (limit one person per household) to pet owners in need with a valid ID and proof of address in VHS’ rear lobby. So, how can you help? Each package of food is donated to VHS by members of the community. Donations are accepted throughout each month from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in the main lobby.
While you’re making your donations, knock two items off your to-do list with a little Christmas shopping at Happy Tails Resale Shop (attached to the Humane Society). The shop sells donated items for humans and pets from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
www.vhslifesaver.org/get-help/foodassistance
Share the Warmth Inc.
Founded by CenterPoint Energy, Share the Warmth Inc. is a public charity that allows income-eligible customers in Indiana and Ohio to receive assistance with their heating needs and winter energy bills. The program is run on community donations, which allow Share the Warmth to improve efficiency or add essential measures that reduce household energy usage and lower bills. Those who wish to donate can round up their CenterPoint Energy bill when paying online or make donations on the company’s website. The website is also where customers in need can request assistance.
https://midwest.centerpointenergy.com/web/holding/discover/share/index.jsp
Evansville Rescue Mission
Volunteers are the backbone of the Evansville Rescue Mission, a local organization focused on serving homeless, hungry, and impoverished residents of Indiana. At its Residence Center on the main campus at 500 E. Walnut St., the Rescue Mission serves three hot meals a day, seven days a week to homeless guests and the general public. Volunteers are needed daily to help prepare and serve food. Volunteers are also needed for the mission’s administrative offices, thrift stores, special events, and donation center at 709 E. Sycamore St., where non-food items, from furniture and books to clothes and games, can be donated by the public from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
https://www.evansvillerescuemission.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/
Tri-State Food Bank
Targeting food insecurity in the Tri-State, the Tri-State Food Bank faces a yearlong struggle that intensifies during the holiday season’s focus on food-based gatherings. In terms of donations, the food bank has some of the most diverse giving options for all levels of participation. Shop its virtual food drive and donate some of its most-needed items from the comfort of your computer screen, or make a monetary donation to the Lynch Road Expansion Project as part of the End Hunger Now Campaign. The Food Bank also accepts volunteers and community-hosted food drives to help the organization provide food to its 140-plus agency partners and programs.
