In 2012, a YMCA in New York City and the United Nations Foundation created a new opportunity to boost fundraising efforts with what they labeled Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is today, Dec. 1, this year.

It is an ideal opportunity to take some time and give consideration to a local nonprofit that is near and dear to your heart this year. To no one's surprise, most non-profits are suffering with the rest of us as pretty much how the economy goes so does charitable giving.

It will be a bigger challenge than normal for the Salvation Army to man and collect donations with the traditional Red Kettle campaign. You know, social distancing and all that stuff.

The local community meals are not serving in the same manner as last year, but the need to feed the homeless and the less fortunate is still just as large or maybe worse.

Tuesday's weather prediction is a stark reminder that the cold and snow of winter is due to arrive right now. If there is no snow out your window Tuesday or Wednesday, you aren't living in Butler County.

So, heat up a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa and consider whatever size gift would work in your budget this Giving Tuesday.

Maybe you could help provide toys for the Butler County Alliance for Children or help pay some bills at the Butler Arts Center. There are always needs financially for children's memberships at the Butler County Family YMCA or to cover the expenses of a less-blessed neighbor at the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center or Lifesteps.

There is really no end to the variety of ways and places that you could direct your Giving Tuesday donations. Don't forget our four-legged friends at the Butler County Humane Society and more specialized needs with agencies like VOICe (Victims Outreach Intervention Center) or the Gaiser Addiction Center.

You can find any of them listed on their web pages, and if you can't send a donation electronically, you can give them a call, make a pledge and they will send you an invoice with a note of appreciation.

Giving Tuesday is a bit of a wrap-up of Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday and Cyber Monday. The other days are reporting record spending, so lets make Giving Tuesday a bigger success than all the others.

Thanks for caring, thanks for giving and wear your mask.

— RV