Local groups taking part in 'Giving Tuesday'

SANDPOINT — A number of nonprofit groups in the area are taking in the annual Giving Tuesday campaign today.

Held the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: To encourage people to do good. Since it started nine years ago, the day has grown into a global movement and inspired millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

"Giving Tuesday is a day for the local community to show their support for the amazing nonprofits and important services that support our kids, our neighbors, our environment and more," said Kate Mansur, board president for Creations, said. "It's also an important opportunity for local nonprofits to raise money and donations to most nonprofits are tax deductible."

As added incentive, Mansur said a $300 tax deduction per individual for charitable donations was extended through 2021. Information on the program can be found at bit.ly/3FWKnlk.

Among the groups taking part in this year's campaign are Creations, the Sandpoint Teen Center, and Unique Center for Athletes of All Needs.

Located on the Cedar Street Bridge, Arts Alliance, Inc. (Creations) provides educational and drop-in art, discovery play and STEAM learning. During Giving Tuesday Creations is raising money to bring more children's museum-style STEM activities to its discovery play area.

Donations may be made in person or online at creationsforsandpoint.org.

The Sandpoint Teen Center serves local teens in grades 7-12 daily after school with meals, movement and mentorship at 7B Bowling Lanes on Division Ave. During Giving Tuesday, the center is raising money for activities including bowling, pool, neft tag arena and art.

Donate by mail at PO Box 1066 Sandpoint, ID 83864 or online at sandpointteencenter.com.

The former Traders Building Supply site will soon be reopening as an adaptive fitness, sports and recreation facility for special needs children, teens and adults. Since local parks, schools and gyms have little or no equipment adapted for individuals with special needs, UCAN founder Kelli Bult saw a need in the community and took action. UCAN will feature fitness equipment like stationary arm pedal bicycles, playground equipment including a swing for children in wheelchairs, an adaptive climbing wall and more.

During Giving Tuesday UCAN is raising money toward the purchase of a LiteGait 300 — a treadmill harness system that helps children, teens and adults improve their walking gait, strengthen muscles for a variety of upright skills. It will be the first type of therapeutic equipment of its kind available in Bonner or Boundary counties.

Donate online at ucansandpoint.org.

For those who are interested in joining Innovia Foundation in the #GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.innovia.org/givingtuesday. For individuals who do not want to donate money, #GivingTuesday is also an opportunity to give back through random acts of kindness or volunteer time to organizations in the community.