Giving Back In Cumming: Local Causes To Support This Season

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to give back to their communities, typically through charitable donations, volunteer work or acts of kindness. It takes place annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the U.S., right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While it's celebrated widely, the real impact happens when we do good right at home by supporting local businesses, causes and organizations working to uplift our own communities.

We've rounded up a list of some great organizations, causes and initiatives in the Cumming area. Please keep in mind, this is by no means an exhaustive list — just a starting point for discovering amazing local opportunities to give back, not only on Giving Tuesday but year-round! Be sure to contact each organization directly to find out about their hours or the best ways you can contribute.

United Way of Forsyth County

United Way of Forsyth County addresses key community needs by focusing on education, health, financial stability and basic needs. Whether you can dedicate one hour or several days, United Way offers numerous volunteer opportunities, such as the Day of Caring, literacy kit assembly, snack pack creation and hygiene kit donations. Monetary donations are also welcomed to further support their mission of improving lives in Forsyth County.

Learn more: unitedwayforsyth.com

Hope by Design

Hope by Design aims to improve the living conditions of local individuals and families facing hardships by providing comfortable, functional furniture and home furnishings. The organization seeks donations of gently used family room, bedroom and kitchen furniture, as well as home goods and linens from the local community. You can support Hope by Design through furniture donations or by visiting their charitable resale shop in Cumming.

Learn more: hopebydesignga.org

Save the Horses Rescue

Save the Horses (Horse Rescue Relief and Retirement Fund, Inc.) was established in 1998 to rescue abused, abandoned and neglected horses and other animals. Dedicated to equine rescue and public education, the Cumming-area organization cares for over 100 horses and 30 other animals, relying solely on public donations and volunteer efforts. Volunteers work at the rescue to ensure the animals receive food, water and a clean environment.

Learn more: savethehorses.org

Next Generation Focus

Next Generation Focus (NGF) is dedicated to equipping future leaders by providing educational, relational and financial resources to children and youth. Through programs like SmarterMe®, NGF offers high-quality afterschool, Saturday, and summer educational services for Forsyth County students aged 3 to 18. There are volunteer opportunities for both teens and adults to mentor and tutor students in core subjects such as reading, writing and math.

Learn more: nextgenerationfocus.org

Cumming Home Ministries/HOPELinc

Cumming Home Ministries (CHM)/HOPELinc provides counseling and sponsorship for men and women entering long-term residential recovery centers for addiction and mental health treatment. Previously focused on housing and counseling local men experiencing homelessness, CHM now supports individuals through HOPELinc, using proceeds from The SHOP thrift store to fund counseling and therapy. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks such as cashiering, sorting donations and assisting with pickups.

Learn more: cumminghomeministries.org

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