'Tis the season for gratitude, so those of us who are feeling it, it's time to pay it forward. There are so many wonderful organizations doing important work, but here some that really jumped out at us this year.

GiveMKE
This new, online contribution platform is now live and accepting monetary donations for a variety of City of Milwaukee-sponsored events and initiatives including Juneteenth Day, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Black History Month Celebration, Bronzeville Week and more. Go here to find out more and to donate.

Ignite The Spirit
Ignite the Spirit is a non-profit organization of the Milwaukee Fire Department that will soon provide "comfort bags" to give to children during a traumatic event. These bags will be stored on the fire trucks and filled with age-appropriate items like books, games, fidget spinners and more that will, hopefully, temporarily distract them from the incident. Help OnMilwaukee fill these bags by clicking here.

Partner Pick

Say nOPE To Hunger This Holiday Season Join comedian Charlie Berens and Say nOPE To Hunger this holiday season by making a donation to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Hunger does not discriminate—it plagues families in our cities, in our suburbs, and in our rural areas. They are our neighbors. For these families living paycheck to paycheck, any disruption to work, school, health, or an increased cost of living can be the difference between stability and hunger. When the problem of finding that next meal is solved, families can move toward a healthier, happier life. And you can help! This holiday season, we ask that you consider wrapping a different kind of present by giving the gift of a warm meal to your neighbors in need. Be like Charlie Berens and show your Midwest nice with a donation to the Food for the Holidays campaign. Donate today

Wisconsin Humane Society
Even the smallest donations add up to healthier, happier days for the thousands of animals who come through WHS’s doors. Donations can be made  here.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
This locally-based organization is on a mission to end hunger. In eastern Wisconsin, the organization provides 33.3 million pounds of food annually to those who need it. This holiday, every dollar you give can help provide at least 10 meals to families in need. Please donate here.

CORE El Centro
The Walker’s Point-based CORE El Centro provides access to alternative medicine to people who have limited health care due to income or cultural barriers. About 75 percent of their clientele is Latino. For the past two decades, the organization has empowered people through yoga, dance, acupuncture, massage and more. You can find out more about this organization and donate through theirwebsite or Facebook.

Partner Pick

Greendale Tree Lighting Ceremony & A Dickens of a Village On Friday, November 29, bring your family to the annual Greendale holiday tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Greendale. Enjoy holiday music, sweets, fun activities and gingerbread cookies sponsored by Harbour Village (while they last!) in the Village leading up to Santa's big arrival! Children may get a photo with Santa outside Village Hall. Then, don't miss Historic Downtown Greendale's transformation into a scene from a Dickens novel on Friday, December 6. Over 100,000 twinkling lights & merchants dressed in Dickens era costumes. Reminisce to holiday entertainment by strolling carolers, bell and chamber choirs, string instruments and a 12-minute version of A Christmas Carol, plus more themed holiday treats, entertainment and more. Learn more

Milwaukee Diaper Mission
Milwaukee Diaper Mission is in need of help to provide more women and new families with essential items like diapers, baby wipes and period products. Go here for more information on how to help.

Milwaukee Parks Foundation
Love our parks? Milwaukee Parks Foundation provides support to Milwaukee County Parks to ensure they are lush, well cared for and full of opportunities for Milwaukeeans. Go here for more information and to donate.