I realize it’s really late in the day to bring this up, but did you know that today is Giving Tuesday? It’s the one day of the year that is dedicated to giving and that’s why I love it so much. I mean, I like to give throughout the year, but I like that this special day in November is a good reminder of how important it is to give to others, whether that be writing a check or volunteering your time. No gift is too small or unappreciated. There’s a great deal of information on their website, but here’s a brief explanation:
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.
Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community. We’ve created a directory to help you find organizations, charities, events and more in your own community.
I think you’d agree with me that giving starts in our own communities and that’s exactly where I like to focus. One of my favorite organizations to support is our local Humane Society and I love how they’ve made it super easy by creating an Amazon Wish List of the items they need to care for the shelter animals in their facility. Wouldn’t it be great if every organization/non-profit created one of those lists? For example, we have a homeless shelter I’ve donated to in the past, but I’ve been meaning to suggest they create a wish list on Amazon as a way to potentially increase the donations they receive. I think I’ll write myself a note to call them about that tomorrow.
I’ve also been meaning to attend volunteer orientations for both the Humane Society and Homeless Shelter here in town so I can give my time on a regular basis. I love to donate items they both need whenever possible, but we’re a family on a budget and sometimes it isn’t possible and I know both organizations are very appreciative of their volunteers. The bottom line is that while Giving Tuesday is a day to kick off the season of giving, it’s a good reminder to give however we can throughout the year.
Do you have a favorite local organization or charity you support on a regular basis? Do you know if they have an Amazon Wish List?
What a great idea! I did not, in fact, know that yesterday was Giving Tuesday. But I need to make a point to try to remember. I usually try to pick up an Angel or two from the Angel Trees, and I shop at charity-run thrift stores literally all of the time. It’s not the same as volunteering and donating, but I figure, and hope, it helps. and I do donate as well. Still, though, I need to be doing a lot more.
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I think whatever you’re able to do is fine and I’d say shopping at a charity shop and buying gifts for kids in need is certainly a wonderful way to give to others.