Today is Giving Tuesday, celebrated nationwide each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving to encourage acts of generosity during the holidays.

United Way for Cortland County encourages residents who are able to give the gift of a better tomorrow for community members in need.

Give today and your gift will endure to support over a dozen programs right here in Cortland County.

Many other local and state agencies are also asking for donations:

• Access to Independence of Cortland County
• Cortland Repertory Theatre
• Cultural Council of Cortland County
• Finger Lakes Land Trust
• Guthrie
• Hospicare & Palliative Care Services
• NYS Parks & Trails
• Tops Friendly Markets

When making a financial contribution, always do so directly with the organization you wish to support.

A recent report done annually by the NYS Attorney General’s Office found nearly one-third of charitable donations ended up in the pockets of professional fundraisers last year.