Move over Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Area nonprofits are hoping that local residents opt to participate in #GivingTuesday, a national celebration of giving back.

Taking place on Dec. 2 - to capitalize on the kickoff to the holiday shopping season - #GivingTuesday aims to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back to the charities and causes they support, and help create a better world.

Area nonprofits are encouraging residents to forego the glitz and commercialism of the season, suggesting that donations to a variety of worthy organizations in the name of loved ones make wonderful gifts. Here are some examples:

The United Way of Southern Chester County (UWSCC) is seeking funds for Family Promise, a new traveling shelter program that hopes to reduce the growing problem of homeless families with children in the area.

Last year, the number of homeless children grew by 44 percent, according to a United Way press release. Statistics show that families typically need less than two months to stabilize their circumstances and find sustainable housing. UWSCC is working with key nonprofits and community advocates to develop Family Promise, which will combine the resources of area churches to host up to 15 homeless family members for a week at a time.

The congregations will provide a place to sleep in an individual family "bedroom" with cots, a communal dinner, breakfast, and a bagged lunch. Families will be transported daily to a center with laundry facilities, showers, computers for job searches, and social workers' support. School-age children will be transported to their schools each day so they experience no disruption in education. To contribute, go to http://www.unitedwayscc.org/give.aspx.

During #GivingTuesday, up to $15,000 in first-time and increased gifts will be matched by the board of directors at the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, an education foundation dedicated to addressing the needs of women and girls in the county. For more than 17 years, the fund has raised awareness about the critical needs of women and girls, and has awarded over $2 million to 60 nonprofit organizations. To learn more about the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, visit www.ccwomenandgirls.org.

As part of its #GivingTuesday initiative, the Tyler Arboretum is asking for donations to its annual fund, which will support the arboretum year-round - from green spaces to the Vegetable Garden (produce from which goes to the Media Food Bank) and with programs that connect children to nature or preserve rare ecosystems such as those found on Pink Hill.

For those unable to contribute monetarily this year, Tyler has a few volunteer opportunities on Dec. 2 for area residents to donate their time and talents.

Outdoor lovers can volunteer with the horticulture team from 8 a.m. until noon for general maintenance.  Tools will be provided; wear comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors. Those who prefer decorating can help prepare the hayride wagon from 9 a.m. until noon for Woodland Winter Wonderland.

Finally for those with design inclinations who would rather stay indoors, help is needed to set up for the children’s craft activities for Woodland Winter Wonderland from 10 a.m. to noon.  Comfortable dress is recommended. For more information or to sign-up for the volunteer projects, visit www.TylerArboretum.org/volunteer.

For links to other area nonprofit initiatives, go to http://www.givingtuesdaychester.org/why-give/participating-non-profits/.