We have ideas for changing the world, and it starts with you. After the turkey is eaten and the shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season. This is the time of year when many focus on the holidays and end-of-year giving. On Dec. 3, help a friend or stranger out, show up for someone you care about, or give some of what you have to those in need. Every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

Identify what gets you fired up and give back! Take advantage of the holiday deals to add to your charitable giving. Do you have a nonprofit you’re passionate about? Do you have clothes you need to donate? Do you have a free night to help serve warm meals? Giving back is easier than you think!

At Ochsner we strive to take care of our employees and our patients, but we don’t just stop there. Through innovation we use technology and data to create precision-focused, patient-centered solutions to keep patients healthier and providers more efficient. By using the best developers, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, doctors and scientists, we solve some of healthcare’s biggest problems. This would not be possible without our donors who generously give to our organization.

Donate

The Excellence Fundis supported entirely by the generosity of our donors. Since 2013, donors have helped support nearly 180 projects! In 2019 alone, 32 innovative projects were made possible. These projects create opportunities for improvements and innovations in patient care that are changing and saving lives every day. Donate to the Excellence Fund here.

Give the gift of life

Have you saved a life today? Blood is needed every five seconds – for babies, leukemia patients, burn victims, emergency surgeries, organ transplants, trauma patients and the list goes on. It may be needed for someone you know – even you. Few acts are as simple, and yet so generous, as donating blood. Donate blood at one of Ochsner’s convenient community blood collection centers, visit one of our donor centers or call us to schedule a mobile blood drive in your area. Visit Ochsner’s Blood Bank.

Give goods

Organizing a donation drive is a great way to rally a group around a cause you care about. Each year St. Charles Parish Hospital collects items for veterans through the holidays. From Nov. 4-Dec. 6, you may bring items such as pajamas, socks, toiletries, puzzles and blankets to the St. Charles Parish Hospital, 1057 Paul Maillard Rd. Luling, LA Suite 1900, for patients who are veterans with limited resources.

Donate while you shop! Through AmazonSmile, you can choose to support your favorite charitable organization – like Ochsner – every time you shop, at no cost to you. How easy!

Give time

By volunteering your time, you can give something back, make a difference, and develop new skills while learning about the issues in your community. Finding a volunteer opportunity that you’re passionate about can help reduce stress, make friends, and even advance you in your career. Our volunteers are an integral part of Ochsner’s Service Excellence initiative. Their time and talents are vital to the comfort and care of our patients and their families. Click here to volunteer at Ochsner.

Give dollars

Throughout our communities, we work tirelessly to make a difference. You can make a gift in your financial plans that will help Ochsner change and save lives for years to come. It is because of our generous donors that we can succeed in our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate. Your gift will provide cutting-edge, high quality care for our patients, their caregivers and their families for years to come. Thank you for being a critical part of our history and an integral part of our future. Learn more about Planned Giving.

Generosity is cultivated within the employees at Ochsner. Many employees choose to designate their gifts to the Employee Assistance Fund, which helps co-workers in times of personal need. With your friends, family, local and national organizations and with the help of social media, GivingTuesday can become a tradition in your community that’s worth passing on. Use #GivingTuesday on social media and let us know how you decide to give back not just on GivingTuesday, but every day.