It’s Giving Tuesday — here’s a guide to donating in Columbia

Giving Tuesday is all about giving back to your local community. We’re providing resources so you can find a local nonprofit to donate to, and if you don’t have the budget for monetary donations, we’re giving you five ways to lend a hand that doesn’t involve large monetary giving.

IMG_0004 - 970x545px

United Way of the Midlands is seeking volunteer tutors for this year’s Midlands Reading Consortium | Photo provided

Table of Contents

Today is Giving Tuesday — the globally celebrated day for giving back to your community through gifts + monetary donations.

Last year, Giving Tuesday brought in an estimated $3.1 Billion in twenty-four hours in the US alone. That’s a 15% increase over the prior year + a 25% increase since 2020.

There are hundreds of Midlands nonprofits that you can give to today. You might already have one in mind, but if you’re not sure where to start:

The Blood Connection’s brand new donation center

The Blood Connection’s donation at 5141 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington | Photo provided

5 ways to participate in Giving Tuesday that don’t involve a monetary donation.

Pay it forward
While you’re already grabbing a local cup of Joe, go ahead + buy one extra coffee and pay for the person behind you.

Volunteer
We just updated our Volunteer guide. Donate your time, talents, or knowledge to a local nonprofit.

Donate items
Explore dozens of local food pantries and donate food for those experiencing food insecurity.

Use your platform
Giving Tuesday offers a social media toolkit, including graphics, posting ideas, and sample captions for several platforms.

Give blood
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, one donation of blood can save up to three lives. Find a Blood Connection nearest to you and donate blood.

If all else fails and you find yourself busy today, don’t underestimate the power of a compliment or picking up the phone to connect with someone. A few nice words can help a person more than you think.

More from COLAtoday
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Block parties, early ball drops, free games — whatever your vibe, there’s a Columbia-area New Year’s Eve for you.
South Carolina is reshaping its offense with coordinator Kendal Briles and longtime assistants Stan Drayton and Randy Clements joining Shane Beamer’s staff.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns with new Tastemakers memberships and a USC hospitality scholarship added to its five-day lineup.
Registration is open for MAI’s spring Audio Engineering Certificate, a six-month program led by Jam Room’s Jay Matheson.
The $80 million LOCAL Columbia development will add new apartments, retail space, parking, and streetscape improvements just one block from the State House.
CF Evans has started building 2222 Main View, a 320-unit luxury apartment project coming to Main Street by 2027.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news.
A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.