Giving Back In Upper Macungie: 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 Upper Macungie 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.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) was founded in 1982 to provide food to those in need and reduce waste in the food industry. SHFB partners with over 200 agencies to distribute food and resources to individuals in six Pennsylvania counties. Volunteers are always needed for tasks like packaging food, sorting donations, leading nutrition education and supporting events. Community members can also organize food or fund drives or contribute through monetary donations and sponsorships to help fight hunger in the region.

Learn more: shfblv.org

ArtsQuest

ArtsQuest is dedicated to providing access to art, culture and educational programs for the diverse residents of the Lehigh Valley and beyond. With over 4,000 events annually, including Musikfest, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt, the organization relies on volunteers to help with admissions, ushering and keeping events running smoothly. Community members can also support ArtsQuest through memberships or donations.

Learn more: artsquest.org

Upper Macungie Fire Department

The Upper Macungie Fire Department, which includes the Upper Macungie Township Station, the Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company and the Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company, is dedicated to protecting lives, property and the environment through emergency response and fire prevention services. Volunteers receive training in areas such as firefighting, vehicle rescue, water rescue and hazardous materials. In addition to responding to emergencies, firefighters are actively involved in community fire safety education.

Learn more: umtfire.com

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley provides a safe refuge and confidential resources for all survivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse, as well as their children. Volunteers can offer both direct support to survivors—such as answering the helpline or assisting at the Safe House—and indirect help with outreach, event planning and group projects. Turning Point also offers the "My Turning Point Mentors" program, empowering survivors to share their experiences to inspire and support others.

Learn more: turningpointlv.org

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley addresses the region’s most critical challenges by investing in solutions focused on education, healthy aging and community stability. Each year, their efforts positively impact over 175,000 people in the community. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available with United Way, as well as the option to make monetary donations to support their programs.

Learn more: unitedwayglv.org

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