We’ve had Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, but now it’s time to change things up a bit with GivingTuesday, a day that simply encourages people to do good. Whether that’s helping a neighbor, showing up in support of an issue, getting involved in local community groups, or donating to causes we care about, GivingTuesday is an opportunity for all of us to use our individual power of generosity in support of our communities. In that spirit, we wanted to share some of the amazing causes we’ve supported this year here at Credico in the hopes that you’ll find ways to be generous this GivingTuesday (and throughout the rest of the year) as well.
Team Bright Side
Team Bright Side is a charity triathlon team that raises funds for essential pediatric cancer research. Since 2013, Team Bright Side has trained over 1,600 athletes to compete in triathlons from Chicago to the Ironman World Championships while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund research that will eradicate pediatric blood cancers, including the Pediatric Cancer Data Commons at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital.
Founded by a mom who was inspired to make a difference in the face of her son’s cancer, the name Team Bright Side comes from Ryan’s ability to always find the bright side through all the challenges of cancer treatment. From experienced athletes to people who can’t imagine themselves running down the block, parents, kids, cancer survivors, and their friends, Team Bright Side is committed to training everyone to be the best versions of themselves on race day… all while kicking cancer’s butt.
Credico has been training and fundraising with Team Bright Side since 2019 – you can donate to Team Bright Side here.
Nourishing Hope
Nourishing Hope provides neighbors throughout Chicago with healthy food and critical social services, envisioning “a city where all people have the resources needed for a dignified life.” Formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, this incredible organization has provided the city with over 50 years of community engagement, service, and action with a grassroots legacy. Beyond simply delivering the equivalent of 4.5 million meals each year, Nourishing Hope personalizes food distribution, matching people with the food they want and need via three pickup locations as well as home delivery and an online market. Acting as a hub for resources our neighbors need, they also offer mental wellness counseling, job and housing assistance, and other services that empower healthy lives. These free resources are no-strings-attached, and tailored to individuals and families navigating positive changes in their lives.
Credico has been volunteering with Nourishing Hope at El Mercadito since 2024 – you can donate to Nourishing Hope here.
Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons provides everyday essentials for children and families facing clothing insecurity – with dignity. Particularly in the cold winter months, kids without warm winter gear can’t play outside with their friends, and Cradles to Crayons fills a need that government programs simply don’t offer. Since launching in Boston in 2002, they have expanded to Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City, and even launched a national online donation program!
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth to age 12 with customized KidPacks – packages of new and nearly-new essentials that they need to thrive both at school and at play. These packs include coats, backpacks, shoes, and clothing all in their own size, and even toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. These basics ensure kids feel valued, like they can fit in, are prepared to learn, and ready to play. And since young children outgrow their clothes, toys, and books so quickly, this assistance helps alleviate the challenges parents and caregivers feel trying to provide for their families.
Credico has volunteered with Cradles to Crayons in their Giving Factory since 2023 – in fact, the team is going again this week! You can check out their fantastic annual initiatives, find out how you can contribute clothing or volunteer and donate directly to Cradles to Crayons here.
BrainUp
BrainUp is an organization dedicated to bringing awareness to brain cancer, reassuring patients and their families that they are not alone while involving the community through fundraising events. BrainUp seeks to give hope to those affected by brain cancer, seeking new treatments that increase life expectancy with quality of life – Ultimately, they seek to find a total cure! They fund research and clinical trials in the Chicago region in collaboration with NorthShore Hospital, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), the University of Chicago, Northwestern School of Medicine, and Rush University Medical Center, making huge strides with the Chicago Collaboration Group.
Credico has been participating in BrainUp’s annual Run/Walk since 2023, and you can donate to BrainUp here. 2025 celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event! This year also saw the launch of their Chicago Marathon Fundracing Team (yes, that’s fundRACING), bringing together passionate runners and dedicated fundraisers to make a lasting impact in the fight against brain tumors.
Centerstone Life;Story 5k
In 2025, Credico sponsored Centerstone’s Life;Story 5K, an annual walk/run held in three different US states to support people impacted by suicide and thoughts of suicide. Life;Story is held during Suicide Prevention Month (September) and is marked by a semicolon, indicating that there is more to come, rather than a period marking an end. Credico supported the 3rd annual Illinois event, which began with the morning’s clouds clearing before the race began! This kicked off an incredible day of hope, healing, and connection. Centerstone also holds an accompanying Community Health and Wellness Expo alongside each walk/run event, a free event where neighbors can explore locally-available resources and services related to mental health. Explore their services, learn more about their resources, and donate to Centerstone here.
PAWS Chicago
PAWS Chicago is the city’s largest no-kill humane organization, seeking to transform animal welfare, end the overpopulation of homeless animals, and build communities that are committed to helping homeless pets. Since 1998, they have been holding volunteer-run adoption events, organizing spay/neuter resources, and building public awareness and education about how we can help homeless pets. This has resulted in the reduction of euthanasia by 90.2%! Whether rescuing animals from natural disasters or fundraising at the annual Fur Ball gala, PAWS Chicago supports everything from treating kennel cough to performing emergency surgery, from their Community Cats program to finding forever homes.
Credico has been supporting PAWS Chicago since 2021 – learn more about how you can help homeless pets by volunteering, fostering, adopting, or donating to PAWS Chicago here.
We adore all of these causes – choose your favorite and give them a little boost!
Ever since the idea for GivingTuesday was created in 2012, it has expanded worldwide into a movement celebrating generosity and inspiring people to donate, volunteer, advocate, and help out in their neighborhoods. It’s an annual day that inspires us to make a positive change in the lives of others; every act of generosity counts!
Whether you choose to support one of the causes Credico has endorsed here or if you reach out to another organization or neighbor in your own community, we encourage you to consider GivingTuesday the beginning of an ongoing habit of generosity and giving back. Together, we can do extraordinary things!