Thank goodness we’ve all survived Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, (what, nothing for Sunday?), and Cyber Monday. Today, as you may or may not know, is Giving Tuesday.
Since its launch in 2012, Giving Tuesday has been designated as a day when we can make up for the excesses of the past few days (and those coming up) by putting “our money where our hearts are.” It focuses on shifting the emphasis of the holiday season from receiving gifts to giving them to charity. In just a few years, Giving Tuesday has turned into a global movement which unites communities around the world. Last year, more than 700,000 people across 70 countries raised more than $116 million, more than double from the year before.
Although Giving Tuesday is about encouraging giving in general, the movement harnesses the power of social media (it even has its own hashtag, #GivingTuesday), to provide a platform for those interested in donating time, resources, and talent to address local challenges. Givers are encouraged to use the #GivingTuesday hashtag to share their efforts and spread the word about the day on their social media accounts.
The Giving Tuesday website provides more information about the movement and a directory to guide people to organizations, charities, events, and more in their own community. Through the website, Giving Tuesday “brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners— nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals—to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness.”
Whether you go through the website or give on your own, there are lots of ways to join in on this day of giving:
Donate to charity. If you have some extra money in your budget, make a donation to a charity of your choice. Or, think about rearranging your budget a bit: instead of buying that one extra Christmas present, devote those funds to a wider cause. You can stay local by giving to your community’s homeless shelter or food bank, or go national by contributing to well-known organizations, such as the American Diabetes Assn. or the Red Cross. (Be sure to check if your employer offers matching funds.)
Give a nonmonetary gift. If you don’t have room in your budget, you can give in other ways. Donate your time by volunteering at a nearby animal shelter or food kitchen. Sign up to become an organ donor. Give blood. The possibilities for good deeds are endless.
Go beyond charities. Remember that giving doesn’t have to be limited to charitable organizations. Give extra care and attention to your friends, family members and neighbors. Spend time reading to a younger relative. Volunteer to finish off a project around the house.
Most important of all, let this day of philanthropy inspire more days of giving back.
I am so grateful for individuals and organizations that offer support to those who are struggling or who need resources to serve others. Giving Tuesday is a great way to find opportunities to give locally and/or globally. And, once you’ve given whatever money, time or talent you can, don’t forget to use the #GivingTuesday hashtag and help spread the word!
Retirementally Challenged 
I awoke this morning to discover it is Cyber Week. More emails. I will be sitting down this week and writing the rest of my donations for the year. Thirteen students were awarded scholarships this year from my endowment fund and I feel that I have been given back more than I gave. It’s a great feeling to know you have helped someone.
Cyber Week… oh for gosh sakes. I love the idea of having an endowment fund where you can actually see the direct results of your giving. The feeling I get from giving (money, time, etc.) is so much greater than receiving some item I most likely don’t need.
Personally, I avoid both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But I’m glad to hear about Giving Tuesday … a much better use of our time and resources. Thanks!
I go running for cover those days too. I’m so glad that Giving Tuesday is an idea that seems to have traction.
I’m glad to learn about Giving Tuesday. The other ones, I don’t care for and I didn’t participate in. I’ll start today by giving everybody I see a smile and focus on a positive attitude. 🙂
I really appreciate that Giving Tuesday also includes non-monetary giving. There is so much all of us can do on a daily basis.
Some charities also have generous business partners who are willing to match donations (with money or supplies) for today. Both the Humane Society and Best Friends, both animal advocacy groups, are doing that. There may be others too.
Good to know! The company I used to work for before I retired matched funds. I think that encouraged the employees to give even more when they could. The Humane Society is one of my favorite nonprofits, so I’m going to check that out.
Halo is donating food to HSUS for each donation.
Giving Tuesday–what a great antidote to the gluttony of the recent spend-focused days! Another idea for Giving Tuesday is to go through your cupboards/basement/garage/closets/etc.etc, and donate good quality items that you are no longer using. We have several local charities near by that accept material items of all kinds.
Thanks for writing on this important topic.
Donna
Absolutely! Many of us have way too much cluttering our drawers, cabinets, and closets. Also, local animal shelters often need towels (sometimes sheets too) for the daily care of the cats and dogs in their facilities. It’s a great place to donate used, clean linens.
Great reminder Janis, that this consumerism craziness can be balanced with giving to those in need to to support a favorite charity. I love giving via our church during Thanksgiving week to One Day to Feed the World.
I hadn’t heard about One Day, but it sounds like a fabulous idea! There are so many opportunities to give.
I think everyday should be Giving Tuesday 🙂
Yep. We can all give something every day… if only a smile to someone who needs one.