Giving Hearts Day: Join the Movement

What It Is

An annual day of giving that supports hundreds of local nonprofits working across nearly every area of community life. From food pantries and shelters to arts organizations, schools, health services, animal rescues, and more, Giving Hearts Day connects people to causes that matter close to home.

Since its start in 2008, Giving Hearts Day has raised more than $200 million for nonprofits across the region. That support fuels programs, fills gaps, and helps organizations continue their work long after the day itself has passed.

But it’s about more than dollars raised.

It’s about participation. It’s about shared momentum. It’s about creating a moment when generosity feels possible, accessible, and meaningful for everyone.

$200 Million

Since its start in 2008, Giving Hearts Day has raised more than $200 million for nonprofits across the region.

Why It Matters

Local nonprofits do essential work every day. They provide food, care, shelter, creativity, education, and connection. Often, they do it quietly—meeting needs most people never see.

Giving Hearts Day helps make that work visible. It gives nonprofits a platform to tell their stories, connect with supporters, and receive the resources they need to keep showing up for their communities.

It also matters because of how it brings people together. When thousands of people give on the same day, something shifts. Giving becomes contagious. Conversations start. Pride grows. People are reminded that even small actions—when taken together—can create real change.

Generosity grows when we practice it together.

A Day Built for Everyone

You don’t have to give in a single, specific way. Instead, there are many entry points— so everyone can participate in a way that fits their life.

Some people give financially. Others volunteer their time. Many host goods drives, spread the word, or encourage their workplace or school to get involved. All of it matters.

You don’t need to give a lot. There is no wrong way to participate. What matters most is choosing to take part.

How to Participate

Give

Donating is one of the most direct ways to participate. Individuals can support one nonprofit or several, depending on what resonates with them. Some give in honor of someone they love. Others involve their children and turn the decision into a family conversation.

Businesses often choose to match employee donations or provide Giving Hearts Day gift cards, empowering team members to support causes that matter personally to them.

Volunteer

Many nonprofits welcome volunteers around Giving Hearts Day. Volunteering offers a hands-on way to connect with a cause and see impact firsthand. Even a short time commitment can make a meaningful difference.

Host a Goods Drive

Goods drives turn generosity into something tangible. Schools, businesses, and community groups collect items nonprofits have specifically requested—like hygiene products, winter gear, school supplies, or food. These drives help meet immediate needs while bringing people together around a shared goal.

Spread the Word

Sharing Giving Hearts Day is powerful. A post, a conversation, or an invitation can spark participation from someone who may not have known about the day otherwise. Awareness builds momentum, and momentum builds impact.

Giving as a Family, a School, a Workplace

Giving looks different depending on where it shows up—and that’s part of what makes it work.

For families, it often becomes a tradition. Parents involve their kids in choosing causes, talking about values, and learning what it means to care for others. These moments help shape how young people understand generosity and community.

In schools, students lead. Goods drives, fundraising challenges, and service projects give students a chance to see that their actions matter. Giving Hearts Day becomes a lesson in empathy, leadership, and collective impact.

In workplaces, Giving Hearts Day builds culture. When businesses participate, they show employees that generosity is part of who they are—not just what they do. Teams connect around shared purpose, and employees feel pride in supporting both their workplace and their community.

Strong communities are built when families, schools, and businesses all take part.

More Than One Day

While the day happens annually on the second Thursday of February, its impact reaches far beyond a single date.

The funds raised help nonprofits plan, grow, and respond to needs throughout the year. The relationships built between donors, volunteers, and organizations continue. The conversations sparked around generosity don’t end when the day does.

It’s a movement. A reminder of what’s possible when people choose to give together.

What’s Ahead

The purpose remains clear: to strengthen communities through generosity.

The movement continues to be shaped by the people who show up—by families making giving part of their story, by students leading with heart, by businesses investing locally, and by nonprofits serving with dedication.

Each year adds to the impact. Each participant adds to the momentum.

Kindness isn’t a moment. It’s a movement.

And Giving Hearts Day is one way that movement comes to life.

Join the Movement

Whether this is your first Giving Hearts Day or one of many, there’s a place for you.

Give if you’re able. Volunteer if you can. Bring one item. Invite one person. Choose one cause that matters to you.

When we give together, the impact multiplies.

To explore participating nonprofits, find ways to get involved, or learn more, visit:

givingheartsday.org
Facebook | /givingheartsday
Instagram | @givingheartsday