I just had the best morning of 2020. As I sat at my computer, making donations to all of the wonderful charities that Affect team members chose to support this Giving Tuesday, it warmed my heart to read about our team’s personal connections and passions for so many wonderful organizations.
Thirteen charities received a direct donation from Affect today as part of our Give Back for the Holidays initiative. I have always believed that “charity starts at work,” and I am so honored to be able to lead this process at Affect. Since our mission is to “affect positive change on the people, businesses and communities that we work with” this is a testament to our commitment to that mission.
Below is the list of those organizations and a few words from team members as to why they feel connected to these causes. Explore their causes and make a charitable donation, if you are able.
Happy Holidays!
-Sandra
- CURE Epilepsy – This organization is on a mission to find a cure for epilepsy. (Brittany)
- Environmental Defense Fund – Bringing bold climate action. “Supporting this nonprofit is important to me because I strongly believe that as humans, we have taken our planet for granted. As the clock approaches the time where the human impact on the planet will no longer be reversible, I am both shocked and saddened to not see the human race taking larger steps to make a change so that we can preserve Earth and our resources.” – Melissa
- Foster America – Foster America’s goal is to transform the child welfare system. I’ve seen first-hand the impact that a loving and supportive foster home can have on children. But sadly, too many children don’t get the support and opportunity they deserve in the current foster system. This is an organization that is working to make real change for the benefit of children and families across the country.” – Jen
- Love Linda Inc. – a blood cancer charity. “…started by a few of my friends because their mom died of blood cancer about 5 years ago. They are a 501c3 organization and do great work with hospitals and people in the area to provide support for care / daily life due to a family member being sick. They also give scholarships to local athletes and host fundraising events.” – Geena
- Table to Table – delivering food to those in need. “This would help give back to my own community near where I live in NJ and support an organization that is trying to solve the food scarcity problem in the area. I think the fact that food from supermarkets and distributors would otherwise go to waste and this organization is using that to help feed the hungry with healthy options is really important today.” – Nicole
- National Alliance to End Homelessness – a nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the U.S. “I think home is one of the most important aspects of the human condition, and everyone deserves a place to feel safe and secure.” – Deanna
- Penn State THON – a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign with the goal of conquering childhood cancer. “During my time as a student at Penn State, I supported THON with my organization, Penn State PRSSA, and have become incredibly passionate about the fight against pediatric cancer and continue to support them today…THON’s support ensures that Four Diamonds families never have to see a bill, no matter the diagnosis or treatment they are facing. These efforts are also underwriting innovative research to discover new treatment options and push the boundaries of what’s possible.” – Morisa
- The Community League of the Heights – a multi-service, community development organization dedicated to supporting and empowering the economically disadvantaged residents of Washington Heights. “This organization empowers economically disadvantaged residents in my neighborhood; Washington Heights. They advance equity for all by providing services to the community that include health & wellness, youth education, a health clinic, housing support, job readiness, adult education and, blessedly, a food pantry.” – Jody
- The Trevor Project – this organization provides suicide prevention and 24/7 crisis services and support for LGBTQ youth. “It’s important to remember that acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals still isn’t universal – and there are so many children and teens struggling to find support. The Trevor Project is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the human experience and providing a safe space for all.”
- Movember – the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. “Growing up, ‘No Shave November’ was always fun to participate in, but a few years ago I came across the Movember initiative and that changed my outlook on the month. It really opened my eyes to some of the men’s health issues, whether it’s prostate or testicular cancer, or even suicide prevention, and I fell in love with the mission behind Movember. In a sense, Movember changed the stigma and encouraged men to open up about their health issues rather than keep them bundled up inside of them.” – Eddie
- #HashtagLunchBag – a service movement dedicated to empowering and inspiring humanity to reap the benefits of giving through the use of social media. (Aisha)
- Women In Need (WIN) – the largest provider of family shelters and supportive housing in NYC. “We were able to see first hand how WIN is providing invaluable services to women and children in crisis in our own backyard. Having the opportunity to volunteer at WIN for the past 8 years with the Affect team has been one of the most rewarding and treasured traditions.” – Sandra
- HavServe – supporting community-led development initiatives in Haiti, specifically focused on education, food security and economic opportunities for children and families in rural Haiti. “One of the closet neighbors to the U.S. is also the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti has been battling systemic poverty, natural disasters, climate issues and political unrest for decades. Volunteering with HavServe gave me an opportunity to see the life-changing programs that are providing dignity, hope and opportunity to one of the most impoverished regions in Haiti. It is an honor for me to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of this volunteer-led organization.” – Sandra
