Honoring Giving Tuesday and supporting local youth | PEMCO

Most people are familiar with the hustle and bustle that surround big shopping days like “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.” But how many of us also choose to lean into the days dedicated to giving back? This year, PEMCO is honoring “Giving Tuesday” and encouraging our network (including you!) to do the same. 
 
We’re committed to being a force for good in the communities we serve. Through year-round volunteerism and giving opportunities, we support local nonprofits in three focus areas – Youth & Education, Environment, and Safety. 

As we approach the holiday season, we know this impact is even more critical to youth in need. This time of year can be difficult, especially for those who find themselves facing some of life's hardest challenges. 
 
For Giving Tuesday and PEMCO's Season of Giving, we’re leading a holiday gift drive benefiting three employee-championed nonprofits whose missions inspire us: YouthCare, Vanessa Behan, and ALSO.  

As a part of this effort, we’re inviting employees, members, and community partners to join us in providing much-needed toys and items to help these organizations deliver on their critical missions.  

We encourage you to create a moment of joy for our region’s youth by making an online donation now through Dec. 8. You can donate here. 

What is Giving Tuesday? 

Giving Tuesday is a "global generosity movement." Founded in 2012 as a direct response to near-constant shopping many of us engage in throughout the holidays, it's an opportunity to do good and think beyond ourselves. 
We’re honored to support three local nonprofits that are doing great work for our local youth that need it most through our Season of Giving effort.   

• Meet YouthCare: YouthCare is a leading Northwest organization devoted to ending youth homelessness and ensuring they're empowered to reach their full potential. YouthCare builds confidence and self-sufficiency for homeless youth by providing a continuum of care that includes outreach, basic services, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education, and employment training.  

• Meet Vanessa Behan: Vanessa Behan was founded after the death of a local infant so that parents in crisis would have a safe place to bring their children for childcare and somewhere to turn to for education, counseling, and resources to find help. Their primary services include: 24-hour childcare for infants and children under the age of seven, parent education, crisis counseling, and referrals other community agencies. Learn more about Vanessa Behan’s resources for parents.   

• Meet ALSO: ALSO supports people with disabilities through inclusion that continues to build strong communities across Oregon. They’re committed to the premise that all children, despite their circumstances, yearn for a connection to family and important people. Through their New Children’s Home Program, ALSO dedicates themselves to being a pathway to reconnection, a balanced life experience, and a loving place for growth for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

How can I be a part of the Season of Giving? 

As we close out the year and celebrate Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in providing much-needed donations to help these organizations deliver not only life-changing care and support, but also smiles and moments of joy for kids who need them most. 

From Nov. 20 through Dec. 8, you can be a part of our Season of Giving by donating through the secure YouGiveGoods platform. Each nonprofit has a unique shopping cart to fit the needs of the youth they're serving. Gifts include clothing, games, toys and more. 

As we reflect on what we’re grateful for, we’re proud to have such a strong community to help us make an impact in our Northwest communities. We’re better together.