Today is Give to the Max Day, a celebration of helping our friends and neighbors in need. Here are a few ways you can help kick off the holiday spirit by giving gifts of time and treasure to those less fortunate than ourselves or who have found themselves in difficult circumstances. All of us at 365 Twin Cities encourage generous stewardship, and a percentage of our daily deals go to charity. Be a part of this effort to strengthen the Twin Cities communities.

Donate through GiveMN.org and help a multitude of worthy causes including:

United Way’s Holiday Wishes program, in partnership with the Pioneer Press.

Your local school or school district probably has a foundation set up on GiveMN.org. Your dollars will be used locally to fund a wide variety of projects that bring learning and technology to all students, taking some of the sting out of student fees for music, arts, science, and educational field trips.

Help children who are abused and neglected by giving to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery.

Support your favorite animal causes, like Gemini Rottweiler and Pitbull Rescue, dedicated to providing homeless dogs a new chance at life.

Hurricane Sandy has left devastation in its wake on the East Coast, but The American Red Cross – Minnesota provides relief to Minnesota families every day who have been victims of disasters, such as floods and fires. They also provide training for lifesaving skills, blood, and support for military families.

Did you know that the CEO of  The Salvation Army draws a salary of only $13,000 per year? Donating is as easy as dropping spare change into their iconic red kettles, or through GiveMN.org.

The Children’s Cancer Research Fund, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, leads the way in finding innovative cures and treatments for all types of childhood cancers.

Habitat For Humanity helps low-income families break the cycle of poverty by providing refurbished housing, allowing them better opportunities to lead successful and healthy lives. A generous donor has agreed to match dollar for dollar every donation received on Give to the Max Day.

Promote conservation and environmental awareness by supporting causes like the Three Rivers Park District. Their foundation provides educational and recreational opportunities in its 27,000 acre natural resource system throughout the greater Twin Cities.

Whatever your passion, you can find a way to help advance it with your generosity. Let us know who you’re giving to today!