DETROIT — Today is Giving Tuesday — a global day dedicated to giving back — and businesses across the state are joining in with philanthropic deeds.
Charter One-Detroit, one of many Charter One branches across the U.S., is kicking off a social media campaign that will provide 100,000 meals to Americans who struggle to put food on their tables. One in six people in Michigan struggle with hunger, according to Feeding America.
“The holidays are a time of gathering together with family and friends, often enjoying a meal, but sadly, many aren’t able to participate in this time honored tradition,” says Rick Hampson, president of Charter One and Citizens Commercial Banking in Michigan. “You may not be able to invite all those who are hungry to your holiday table, but you can help by setting an extra plate for them, and feeding them virtually by participating in #AnExtraPlate.”
To participate in the program set a plate, snap a photo of it, and tweet it with #AnExtraPlate to @CharterOne throughout the holiday season or share the photo on Facebook and tag Charter One. For every plate shared, the banks will donate a meal to a local food bank, up to 100,000 meals.
On the west side of the state, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids is hosting a pop-up donation center in MoDiv — located on the corner of Monroe and Division in downtown Grand Rapids — for Giving Tuesday.
In addition to accepting household and clothing items for Goodwill, non-parishable food items will be collected and donated to Access of West Michigan and lunch bags will be available for decorating and donated to Kids Food Basket.
For more information on Giving Tuesday and what you can to do help, visit givingtuesday.org.
