MANKATO — It’s time to get a head start on holiday giving per the Greater Mankato Area United Way.
On Friday, the United Way kicks off its Grateful Giving Calendar whereby participants are prompted each day to make a small donation to prevent hunger and homelessness.
The calendar walks you through November donations, with prompts that include “Deposit 25 cents if you sleep in your own bed” to “Deposit $1 if you have a working furnace in your home.”
At the end of November, participants are asked to donate their collected money to a local organization of their choice. A list of suggested area organizations is included with the calendar.
The calendar is viewed as a connecting point for families, coworkers and friends.
“We’ve heard people enjoy this,” said Laura Murray, chief operating officer of the Greater Mankato Area United Way. “It’s a learning tool for kids and gets conversations started.”
The United Way has promoted the Grateful Giving Calendar for several years, said Sarah Buesing, United Way’s community impact director. Since donations go directly to nonprofits, the United Way staff has no way of knowing how much has been raised or how many people participated.
Greater Mankato Area United Way is hosting the activity in collaboration with organizations that participate in Regional Homeless Response Teams.
“Grateful Giving is a simple but powerful activity to encourage gratitude while also helping community members in need through regional organizations,” Buesing said.
To participate in Grateful Giving, go to mankatounitedway.org/grateful-giving.