Kids are Leading the Way on Giving Tuesday

Many parents have struggled to explain the tragedy of COVID-19 to our children and to keep them busy at home while we do our best to “flatten the curve.”  Fortunately, Greater Cleveland Community Shares and WISH Cleveland are eager to help by co-hosting a day-long virtual event “Together at Home with Cleveland Kids.” 

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, children from all over Northeast Ohio will have a chance to join the global #GivingTuesdayNow effort and connect with the COVID-19 crisis in a way that is meaningful to them. Quarantine days may seem never ending, and the fear and grief that are always present can be heavy. During #GivingTuesdayNow, though, families can participate in a series of  enjoyable challenges designed to uplift their spirits. 

Logan Williams (Cleveland, 12) and Lauren Turos (Euclid, 10) will lead the “Together at Home” campaign, which will take place entirely online. The two will lead a group of children, with parental permission, to post and share challenge photos on social media platforms. According to Logan, it’s important for children to be participate in #GivingTuesdayNow because “we are the next in line to take over, and we can really make this world a better place if we just help out. It starts with us.” Lauren adds, “I hope we get 216 kids or MORE to help!” To commemorate Cleveland, the young changemakers decided to use Cuyahoga County’s area code as inspiration for their campaign goal of 216 participants. If they surpass that goal, then ‘440’ will be the next benchmark. 

The challenges are fun and relevant to the issues we face as a global family. For example, to promote healthy living, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., participants are asked to take photos or videos while brushing their teeth, wearing face masks, preparing a healthy breakfast, or making hygiene kits to donate. Throughout the day, kids will be challenged to show themselves helping neighbors, caring for pets/animals, and enjoying arts or music. “Together at Home” provides 6 challenges in total. Kids can participate in one or all of them and earn a custom wristband for each challenge completed.

While donations are not required to participate, matching funds have been promised by event sponsors Good Cause Creative and WISH Cleveland, so any donations made on May 5 will be matched up to $3000 to benefit Greater Cleveland Community Shares and their 40 non-profit member organizations whose work will be highlighted throughout the day. The volunteer-led planning group is still seeking additional matching funds. 

 Difficult times often result in unexpected opportunities to grow and learn. “Together at Home with Cleveland Kids” is one such opportunity. We already know that kids are eager and equipped to lead us into a more hopeful future. What better time than now to let them lead the way! If you would like your children to be involved in Lauren’s and Logan’s efforts, visit “Together at Home with Cleveland Kids” to learn more and register your family.