Giving Back In Eureka-Wildwood: 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 Eureka-Wildwood 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.

Wyman Center

Wyman Center in Eureka aims to empower local teens through high-quality programs that develop life, leadership and academic skills. With over 126 years of experience, Wyman also equips adults to support teens and fosters partnerships that create more equitable opportunities for youth. Volunteers can get involved through activities like camp clean-ups, joining the Young Professionals Network or helping at events.

Learn more: wymancenter.org

World Pediatrics

World Pediatrics is a global nonprofit with roots in nine local communities, including St. Louis. The organization delivers much-needed surgical and specialty care to children in need, while leveraging partnerships and leadership support to eliminate barriers to advanced medical care access.

Learn more: worldpediatrics.org

Endangered Wolf Center

The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka is dedicated to preserving and protecting Mexican wolves, red wolves and other wild canid species through programs and education initiatives. The Center has achieved numerous milestones in wolf conservation, including pioneering managed breeding programs and contributing to the reintroduction of wolves into the wild. Volunteers are needed to help with education, grounds maintenance and special events.

Learn more: endangeredwolfcenter.org

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, is dedicated to promoting conservation and education through its exhibits, including a free-flight house with over 1,200 butterflies and a native habitat garden. Visitors can support the Butterfly House in various ways, such as dedicating a personalized paving stone, making a commemorative tribute gift, adopting a butterfly or making a monetary donation.

Learn more: missouribotanicalgarden.org/plan-your-visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house

Make-A-Wish® Missouri & Kansas

Make-A-Wish® Missouri & Kansas relies on a community of volunteers to bring strength and hope to local children facing critical illnesses. Volunteers help this chapter of the nationwide organization make wishes come true, using their time and talents to create life-changing experiences for wish kids. If you’d prefer to make a monetary donation, Make-A-Wish® ensures that 72% of every dollar goes directly toward granting wishes, with the rest going to fundraising and administrative/management costs.

Learn more: wish.org/mokan

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.