The holiday shopping season is in full swing: “Black Friday” has wrapped up, “Cyber Monday” arrives today (Mon), and tomorrow (Tue) brings “Giving Tuesday” — a chance for shoppers to give back after a weekend of spending. For example, the United Way of North Central Iowa is highlighting a simple but powerful opportunity to make a difference for young readers. Organizers say a $31 donation provides a local child with monthly books for an entire year through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which delivers high-quality titles to children ages 0–5 at no cost to families. For many, these become the first books in their home. More information on that can be found at UnitedWayNCI.org.
This “Giving Tuesday” also follows a winter storm that blanketed much of the Midwest with 10–15 inches of snow, cutting into “Small Business Saturday” foot traffic. However, many local retailers — including groups like the Hampton Specialty Shops and individual businesses in our community’s main streets — are encouraging a “redo” of Small Business Saturday on Dec. 6 to help regain momentum.
