Giving Tuesday: Ways to Give Back in Reston

Goodbye, Cyber Monday. Hello, Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is Dec. 1. This day of donation to good causes was founded four years ago by New York City’s 92nd Street Y. It combines charitable giving and social media — and kicks off the giving season to help others who are less fortunate during this season of excess.

The Giving Tuesday website has links to plenty of national charities where you can make a donation. Here are a couple of ideas if you want to keep your donation local:

Fairfax County has links to local groups, such as the Fairfax County Library Foundation, Collect For Kids and Adopt a Family for the Holidays.

Cornerstones — Reston-based nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness or other financial and housing emergencies.

Reston Historic Trust and Museum — is currently on a Go Fund Me campaign hoping to raise $100,000. The RHT is asking Restonians to donate $1 for every year they have lived in Reston.

Friends of the Reston Regional Library — Nonprofit that raises money for local library programs and extra supplies and equipment.

Friends of Reston — Nonprofit that helps raise money for Reston Association programs such as the Walker Nature Education Center, RA Camp Scholarships and special installations and amenities on RA properties.

Greater Reston Arts Center — Reston’s arts center, which also offers educational programs for all ages.

Initiative for Public Art Reston — Nonprofit that brings sculpture, murals and other art to Reston’s public spaces.

Helping Hungry Kids — Reston-based group that provides weekend food packs for needy children.

Kids R First — Local group that helps 25,000 area children in need get outfitted with school supplies.

Herndon-Reston FISH — FISH (Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help) offers emergency bill paying and other assistance to people in need.

Of course, there are many more worthy causes in and around Reston. Feel free to suggest your favorite in the comments.