As the air grows colder and the nights stretch on, I feel that quiet nudge from the universe, asking me to reflect on what it truly means to give. Giving Tuesday always feels like a deep breath to me—coming right after the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s an invitation to pause, to ground, and to ask, “How can I share what I have to make someone else’s day, or even their world, a little brighter?”
In our community, giving isn’t just about money, though that can make a big difference. It’s about showing up. It’s about offering what you can—your time, your kindness, your presence. It’s about energy exchange. Giving can be as simple as holding the door open when your hands are full, smiling at someone who looks like they’ve had a hard day, or just sitting quietly with a friend who needs you. These moments may seem small, but they carry so much weight. They remind us we’re connected, that we’re not alone.
When we give, we share our energy, and that’s sacred. It’s an act of magic to put intention into the world, to weave love and kindness into the lives of others. And it’s not just about big gestures. It’s the little things—the ones that might go unnoticed but mean everything to the person on the receiving end.
There are also people and organizations doing incredible work, and I want to share some that hold a special place in my heart and some that have been shared by members of our community! These are groups out there every day, making life better for others, creating ripples of good that reach further than we can imagine.
But I want to remind you that giving doesn’t have to be grand. You don’t need a lot of money to give. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that don’t cost a thing: time, patience, love. Maybe it’s checking in on your neighbor, offering a hand to someone struggling, or simply being kind. That’s where real magic lives—in the everyday exchanges that make us whole, that remind us we’re all connected.
This Giving Tuesday, I invite you to share whatever you can in whatever way feels right to you. Whether it’s supporting a cause, holding space for a friend, or just choosing to put a little more kindness into the world, know that it matters. Your light, your energy, your love—they’re all gifts.
Wes Strong Foundation
“This is the nonprofit my son and I started 14 years ago to support local pediatric cancer families after he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. He passed away in 2018 at just 12 years old, but we carry on in his memory. We’ve also expanded our mission to support wildlife rehabbers, as he was a passionate environmentalist.”
Krista’s story is a reminder of how love and loss can inspire incredible acts of kindness and dedication. Her work not only honors her son’s legacy but also continues to bring hope and healing to both families and the natural world he cared so deeply about.
Learn More Here.
Til Valhalla Project
Recommended by Marilyn, a veteran herself and monthly donor, the Til Valhalla Project carries a deeply personal and meaningful mission. This organization bridges the gap between honoring the memory of fallen service members and providing critical support to veterans who continue to carry the weight of their service. Through their heartfelt work, including creating memorial plaques for Gold Star families and funding mental health resources for veterans, the Til Valhalla Project offers both tangible help and emotional healing.
For those who have served or loved someone who has, this mission is a powerful reminder that our care and gratitude should extend beyond the battlefield. It’s about a lifelong commitment to honoring sacrifice, supporting those who protect us, and ensuring no one is forgotten. Whether through donating, spreading awareness, or simply holding space for a veteran in your life, we can all play a part in their mission of remembrance and healing. Click Here to Learn More.
“Valhalla” refers to “the hall of the Fallen” in Norse mythology – essentially, a wonderful afterlife for warriors. Many in the service say, “Til Valhalla, brother” or “Til Valhalla, sister” – essentially saying, “Until we meet again in Valhalla.”
Poquoson Animal Welfare Sanctuary (P.A.W.S.)
Our neighbor in the heart of Poquoson, Poquoson Animal Welfare Sanctuary (P.A.W.S.) is a home for abandoned, abused, and neglected cats. This sanctuary provides food, shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation for vulnerable felines while working tirelessly to find them loving forever homes. P.A.W.S. also prioritizes spaying and neutering to help control pet overpopulation.
Their mission is driven by love, care, and community support. Volunteers and donations form the backbone of this sanctuary, ensuring every cat has a chance at a brighter future. Your contribution to P.A.W.S. can make a life-changing difference for these animals. Learn more about P.A.W.S. and donate here.
Special mention to other organizations shared by our community members! : Feral Affairs Network, Willow Woods Equine Sanctuary, Peninsula Pet Pantry, Heritage Humane Society, and Light Shine Canine.
At its core, Living the Dream is about opportunity. They invest in young people, providing mentorship, education, and resources to help them dream big and achieve even bigger. Their programs focus on empowerment, showing kids that no matter where they come from, their future can be bright. This isn’t just about handing out resources; it’s about building relationships, creating a community, and giving young people the tools to thrive. It’s an investment in the future, and one that ripples out to impact families and communities as well. Click Here to Learn More.
What is a #DREAMDAY?
A #DREAMDAY is a rich and rewarding experience for a child or young adult living with a life-threatening illness to promote the powerful message of ‘Living The Dream’ each day, regardless of their affliction. They can include meet n’ greets with their heroes, VIP access to concerts and special events, hospital visits, surprise gifts and beyond
Representation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is about more than fairness—it’s about creating a future shaped by the perspectives and innovations of all communities. The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is breaking down barriers to ensure that underrepresented voices not only participate in STEM but thrive as leaders. Through mentorship, scholarships, and professional development, SACNAS empowers individuals while fostering a richer, more inclusive future where science reflects the diversity of the world.
You can support SACNAS by donating to fund scholarships and mentorship programs, sharing their mission to raise awareness, volunteering as a mentor, or advocating for diversity in STEM within your own community or workplace. Every contribution, whether monetary, time, or advocacy, helps build a future where everyone has a seat at the table and the opportunity to shape the world through science and innovation. Click Here to Learn More.
Monetary Investment for
Lactation Consultant Certification
Parenthood is a universal experience, yet the journey is not the same for everyone. For many families, especially those from diverse or underserved communities, access to culturally competent and supportive care is essential—and often lacking. Lactation consultants bridge that gap, offering personalized guidance and creating safe, affirming spaces for families of all backgrounds to thrive. They aren’t just helping mothers feed their babies; they’re empowering families, honoring cultural differences, and ensuring that no one feels unseen or unsupported.
This work lifts up families, strengthens bonds, and sends a clear message: Compassionate, inclusive support is not the exception—it’s the standard. Click Here to Learn More.
Giving is the thread that ties us together as a community, and it’s something we can all do in ways big or small. At The Wandering Witch, we cherish these connections and love creating space for that energy to grow. If you’re looking for a way to give in person, join us at one of our upcoming events, like the Hearth and Holly Fest, where we’ll celebrate community and offer opportunities to support some of these incredible causes.
Even if you’re unable to give financially or with your time, you can still help by sharing this post or a link to one of the organizations we’ve highlighted. Every share spreads awareness and helps these causes reach the hearts and hands of those who can support them.
However you choose to give—whether it’s a donation, a smile, or a helping hand—know that your kindness matters.
With love,
The Wandering Witch Team
