With Thanksgiving right around the corner, people are already thinking about getting great deals on all kinds of items on Black Friday, as well as getting presents for friends and loved ones during the Holiday Season. But there’s another big event around this time. Charities in Austin to support Giving Tuesday 2022 will be here before we know it.
What is Giving Tuesday?
If you aren’t familiar with Giving Tuesday – it is a global generosity movement that takes place annually on the Tuesday after thanksgiving and encourages giving back to nonprofits through donations or volunteering. Originally launching in 2012, last year alone $900 million was raised for thousands of organizations around the world.
In Austin, we have thousands of nonprofits that support many different aspects of our community and could use our generosity on Giving Tuesday. In this article, we at Assisting Hands Home Care at West Austin are highlighting just some of the great local nonprofits that serve seniors.
Alzheimer’s Association
Currently, more than six million Americans are living with Alzeheimer’s and it is estimated that nearly 500,000 people are diagnosed each year. Serving Central Texas for over 30 years, the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter supports diagnosed individuals, their families, caregivers, and the professionals who care for them. By donating just $20 you can support one hour of home health care from a provider.
Meals on Wheels
Serving the Austin area community since 1972, Meals on Wheels Central Texas seeks to nourish and enrich the lives of the homebound and other people in need through programs that promote dignity and independent living. Through their meals program seniors are provided hot, nutritious lunchtime meals at no cost. They also offer in-home care, assistance with caring for pets, a home repair program, and more.
Drive A Senior
Drive a Senior-ATX works to enrich the lives of senior citizens by offering free transportation and other support services to home-bound seniors. Not only is Drive a Senior-ATX looking for donations, but volunteering your time is a great and easy way to support this organization. Volunteers with vehicles can schedule to drive local seniors depending on their schedule. Learn more about becoming a driver.
AGE of Central Texas
Did you know the National Institute on Aging reports that social isolation and loneliness result in a higher risk for a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and even death? AGE of Central Texas wants to end social isolation and loneliness in seniors by offering adult day health care, caregiver education and resources, early memory loss support, health equipment lending and even peer based computer classes for seniors.
We’ve written about this in our blog as well, so feel free to read more about depression in seniors here.
Hill Country Senior Center
The Hill County Senior Center creates a community that serves seniors by providing delicious meals, socializing and recreational activities, and much more. Open five days a week, seniors are able to visit the center for art classes, shopping at the thrift store, using the exercise room, enjoying a hot lunch, and even sign up for a field trip.
Assisting Hands Supports Seniors In Their Homes and In The Community
While we only highlighted nonprofits that serve seniors in this article, we highly encourage you to research other nonprofits in central Texas that you connect with on a personal level and give to them as well this Giving Tuesday.
While we are always happy to help seniors in their own homes–providing great home care is what we do, after all–we are also thrilled to support any other organization that helps seniors as well.
Have a great Thanksgiving, and a great Giving Tuesday!
