CLEVELAND — Giving Tuesday is typically observed a few days after Thanksgiving. However, in the midst of a global pandemic, a special day of giving was planned. Two local girls came together to make sure the day was a success in Northeast Ohio.
“I feel like with a lot going on, we still need to be kind,” says 12-year-old Logan Williams. “We still need to support everyone.”
Logan is trying to do her part on this special giving Tuesday and 10-year-old Lauren Turos feels the same way.
“I was excited. We could be able to help people,” says Lauren.
The two girls came together to plan a day of giving challenges for other Northeast Ohio kids. They made videos with the challenges and registered kids posted videos or photos of them partaking in the days events to social media. The whole things was planned with the hope of promoting health, kindness and generosity, all the while raising money for local charities.
“The whole day is linked to Greater Cleveland Community Shares,” says Pam Turos, Lauren’s mom and member of Wish Cleveland. “That’s 40 non-profits that work together all year long. They’ve really been hit hard because non-profits are really based on events and being out in the community and doing good.”
The six challenges went from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and included everything from living a healthy lifestyle, like brushing your teeth and eating a balanced breakfast, to showing animals more love and helping your neighbors.
“I think that kids will have fun with this, so they’ll like do more of what we did today,” says Lauren.
Throughout the day, Lauren and Logan helped to raise about $10,000 for local charities and engaged over 100 kids to get involved and give back on this special giving Tuesday.
“Anybody can make a difference. You don’t have to do something fancy. This was a really simple plan,” says Pam.
“We’re really very excited to do out little part,” says Denyelle Rashid, Logan’s mother.
Logan adds, “Take whatever you learn today and just do it on a daily basis.”
If you’d like to contribute to Lauren and Logan’s fundraiser for the Greater Cleveland Community Shares, click here.