In the Rochester and Finger Lakes area, we celebrate Giving Tuesday with a “24-hour, online giving extravaganza” called ROC the Day and powered by United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. This year’s event begins at midnight on December 3rd. Here are five of my tips for donors to make the most of this year’s ROC The Day!

It’s “Back to School” time! There are many organizations in our area that are collecting backpacks and school supplies for children in need! If you’d like to support another family, here is a list of organizations and businesse collecting backpacks and school supplies, with links for more information.

“Day of Caring is our community’s single largest volunteer effort, helping local nonprofit organizations with projects, or ‘Needs’, that they may not otherwise have resources and volunteers for. Day of Caring Needs include painting, raking, cleaning up parks, planting community gardens, and more!” - United Way ROCFLX

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. For the past 9 years, a group of volunteers has partnered with the nonprofit organization, Turn the Towns Teal, to tie teal ribbons in Brighton and Pittsford, NY. Teal ribbons are the symbol of Ovarian Cancer, and the ribbons contain important information about the organization and where people can learn more about the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.

We’re so glad you are considering volunteering! Whether you volunteer on a committee or board of directors, for a special event, or for a one-time task, you will make a difference in your community. Volunteering can also be beneficial in career development and for your mental health. Here are five tips for volunteering that are applicable to many different roles:

Did you know that September is Hunger Action Month? According to Foodlink, our local food bank, this is “a nationwide campaign driven by Feeding America and its network of 200 food banks to inspire people to take action and raise awareness about food insecurity and its root causes in the United States.”

The second in this series of blog posts introduces Volunteer United powered by the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

The first in this series of blog posts introduces the Community Wishbook - “Rochester’s Charity Giving Guide.”