Mississippians are known for their generosity and charitable giving, despite being one of the poorest states financially in the nation. We will all get an opportunity once again to show the rest of the nation just how giving we are in a couple of weeks.

Nearly 400 nonprofits in 61 different counties already have registered to participate in the Mississippi Day of Giving that will take place on Oct. 24.

During the Day of Giving, Mississippians across the state and around the country will have the opportunity to donate to the causes they care about during a 24-hour period.

“The response to the Day of Giving has been incredible,” said Stacy Andrews, director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for Volunteer Mississippi. “Every day, we see more nonprofits sign up to participate because the Day of Giving is a great way to tap into a surge of Mississippi’s giving spirit.”

Mississippi Day of Giving was established by a 2015 Governor’s Proclamation to celebrate the spirit of philanthropy in our state. The purpose of this powerful giving experience is to unite Mississippians around causes where they truly believe in and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.

Engage Mississippi, a new effort spearheaded by Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Center for Nonprofits and Volunteer Mississippi, is focused on aligning the state’s resources toward a common goal and facilitating collaboration to solve community problems.

By developing a strategy for effectively channeling change, Engage Mississippi seeks to ensure the creative and charitable economy in Mississippi has the tools to continue playing a critical role in the economic health of communities in the state.

Nonprofit organizations can register to participate in the Day of Giving by visiting www.msdayofgiving.org.

Local nonprofits are encouraged to register for Day of Giving. Among those who have already registered is the Oxford Film Festival, which is trying to raise $5,000 for its nonprofit organization.

By making a $50 or more donation during the Day of Giving, contributors to OFF will receive a VIP pass to the 13th annual festival scheduled for Feb. 17-21, 2016.

We encourage each of you to please consider giving what you can to the nonprofit of your choice on Oct. 24.