Be a Northside Partner in Giving

The annual Partners in Giving campaign started today for state and UW employees throughout the Northside. Last year the campaign raised almost $2.5 million for local, statewide, and national charities. If you're someone like me who prefers to direct your dollars to individual charities, there are a number of participating organizations who work right here in our neighborhood:

• Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (1115): Offers support to domestic violence survivors and their children through a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, shelter, support groups, crisis response, outreach, and community education.
• Friends of Madison School & Community Recreation (1183): Values Madison School & Community Recreation as a vital community resource. Friends support public recreation to enrich the lives of individuals and the community.
• Habitat for Humanity of Dane County (1196): Builds simple, decent homes with families of limited means. Volunteers, training, cash and in-kind contributions, sweat equity, and zero-interest mortgages make the American dream a reality.
• Kennedy Heights Neighborhood Association (1153): Provides a focal point for the low-income community of Kennedy Heights through social, recreational, and educational activities for all ages at no charge to community members.
• North/Eastside Senior Coalition (1156): Provides programs, advocacy, and resources to help senior adults remain independent, active, and influential in the community.
• The River Food Pantry (1232): Provides food, hot nutritious meals, and clothing to those in need. We treat those we serve with respect and build them up through hope and encouragement.
• Vera Court Neighborhood Center (1182): Provides programming for children, families, and the entire Vera Court community. Empowers community residents and responds to community needs as they develop. Programming reflects the strengths and diversity of the Vera Court community.
• VSA Wisconsin (506): Provides arts opportunities in music, dance, visual arts, drama, and creative writing for children and adults across the disability spectrum.

(The numbers in parentheses are codes to enter on your pledge form.)

Of course there are many other charities doing great work with our Northside neighbors, but these eight stood out to me. Have more ideas? Please share them in a comment!