Local nonprofits are hoping for help during the statewide Give to the Max Day on Thursday.

Charities and schools across Minnesota all benefit from Give to the Max Day, which emphasizes mobile giving online at givemn.org.

United Way of Freeborn County Executive Director Ann Austin said that many people prefer to donate with credit cards instead of cash or checks, and Give to the Max Day is an opportunity for people to donate in another format.

“It’s kind of the way of the future,” Austin said. “It’s definitely been a great fundraiser.”

Austin said the United Way has participated in Give to the Max Day for a few years. The Arc of Freeborn County, the Freeborn-Mower chapter of the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of Freeborn County all participate in Give to the Max Day, along with several other local organizations.

“It’s a great way for smaller organizations to get recognized and get donations when they have limited marketing budgets or don’t have their own website,” Austin said.

Dee Amberg, a volunteer for the local Humane Society, said donations will go to general operating costs like veterinary expenses, medicines, litter, special food and other supplies. Or donors can give directly to an initiative that helps with spaying and neutering pets. Amberg said she hopes the community can support homeless cats and dogs.

“This is a great way to help the Humane Society without having to leave the comfort of your home or office,” Amberg said.

To donate, go to www.givemn.org and type in Freeborn County or Albert Lea to find a list of local organizations participating in Give to the Max Day on Thursday.

In 2012, Give to the Max Day inspired more than 53,000 generous donors from Minnesota and beyond to give $16.3 million, shattering previous records. Donations last year reached nearly 4,400 organizations across the state, including K-12 public schools — a first-time category in Give to the Max Day history. GiveMN has raised more than $75 million dollars since it began four years ago, according to the organization’s website.

“Give to the Max Day has truly become a tradition for many people across the state and an invaluable resource for thousands of organizations,” said Dana Nelson, executive director of GiveMN. “It’s a fun way to make a huge difference for Minnesota’s nonprofits and schools.”