We have all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, right? Well it’s that time of year again and I’ve already started receiving emails about who is having what deals and what time their sales will begin. It seems every retailer is trying to begin their sales earlier and earlier every year and what used to be Black Friday has now crept into Thanksgiving Thursday. I personally believe that Thanksgiving Day is for spending time with family and loved ones, watching the parade on television, and eating all the food. While I can honestly say I’ve never made the middle-of-the-night pilgrimage to get in an incredibly long line in freezing cold temperatures while it’s still dark outside (there’s not enough Starbucks to convince me this is a good idea), I’ve definitely taken advantage of sales on Cyber Monday. I like shopping on the internet, my wallet appreciates a great deal, and I really love getting packages in the mail, so that day brings me a whole lot of joy. I have nothing against anyone who chooses to take advantage of either of these days to kick off their holiday shopping. I understand that those huge sales can make it possible for some folks to afford holiday gifts for their loved ones. I do, however, have a wonderful idea for how you can spend some of that extra money you will save from shopping in stores on Black Friday or via the internet on Cyber Monday.
GivingTuesday is December 2, 2014
Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? It’s a global movement that started in 2012 and is a day dedicated to making charitable donations during the holiday season. This year Giving Tuesday will fall on December 2, which is the day after Cyber Monday, if that makes it easier for you to remember. The wonderful thing I love about giving is that it does not automatically require a monetary donation, but could be something as simple as 30 minutes of your time. Some of us simply cannot afford to give money in support of a charity, but we can almost always give a little of our time. I promise you that your donation of time is equally as appreciated as a hand written check and you will probably even walk away feeling much more fulfilled from the experience. Don’t get me wrong, if you prefer to give to a charity in the form of cold hard cash then by all means, go for it, but just know it’s also okay to think outside the box when considering a way to donate to a worthy cause.
WHAT IS #GIVINGTUESDAY?
We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity.
So what do you say? Are you ready to join me for Giving Tuesday? I’ll even help you come up with ideas if you need me to, but first head on over to the Giving Tuesday website to learn more and find out how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. Let’s do this!
I will definitely join you on Giving Tuesday. What a great idea.
Awesome,Robin! I love it, too, especially since there are so many ways to give that don’t involve money.
I remember reading posts about this last year – after the fact. I received an email just yesterday talking about it and I think it’s a great way to level out some of the commercialism of the holiday. We’re working on a few projects for giving back this holiday season. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
It’s amazing how much Giving Tuesday has grown in just two short years, Nicole! I love that you’ve got some projects planned and I agree, it’s a wonderful feeling to give back.
I just love the concept behind this! During the Season of Giving and Giving Thanks…it only seems appropriate to have a #GivingTuesday!
I agree! I wish someone had come up with the idea 5 or 10 years ago, but I’m glad it’s here now and getting so much support and participation.
We participated last year and will again this year. We provided a coffee break for all of the city workers with hot coffee and cookies.
Oh what a wonderful thing to do! They work so hard this time of year (and all year) and I bet they loved an appreciated the gesture.
I want to do the Angel Tree this year. We have done that several years and it always makes me feel good knowing that a child will get what they want for Christmas.
I love those, too, Dawn! Every child should have presents on Christmas and I’m so grateful there are people like you to fulfill their wishes!
Our church is has families to adopt for the holidays we do that this weekend I think but hopefully the drop off date is giving tuesday
Oh that sounds like perfect timing. I’m sure that family’s holiday will be so much brighter thanks to you and your entire church community.
I’ll be joining in on giving Tuesday as well! Thanks for the heads up!
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I’m so glad to hear it, Jennifer! I can’t wait to follow the hashtag and see what everyone comes up with to give back.
What a great idea, I was already thinking about what we can do to give back. Now I am really thinking. Thanks for raising awareness.
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Thank YOU for committing to give back. As much as I don’t want to rush the holiday season, I also can’t wait until December 2nd to see everyone come together and donate to others.
I love the whole idea of Giving Tuesday and have participated in the past. Such a great message.
I’m so glad to hear it, Lois! It truly is a great message and a wonderful reason to stop and think about what really matters and how to give/help others.
Sounds like a great program! I have not heard of this before.
I’m so glad I could introduce you to GivingTuesday! It truly is a wonderful way to show our generosity in big and small ways. 🙂
I love, love, love this idea… we often think of thanksgiving and about being thankful. I love the idea of thinking about giving…this holiday season. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy to hear you love the idea of Giving Tuesday. I have no doubt you’ll come up with a great way to give back. Happy holidays to you!
I have never heard of this!
Time to do a little digging and see what the kids and I can do here!
I’m so happy to be the one to share this wonderful campaign with you and I have no doubt you’ll come up with a special way for you and your kids to give back.
We give to the local food bank. Great cause.
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I couldn’t agree more that your local food bank is a great cause. Nobody, especially our neighbors, should ever go hungry and I’m glad yours are able to benefit from your generosity!
I think this is such a beautiful initiative and can’t wait to participate!
I’m so glad to hear you feel this way, Kristin! December 2nd is going to be such a wonderful day and I’m thrilled we’re in it together!
I’ve never heard of Giving Tueday but it’s an excellent concept!
I’m so pleased I could introduce you to Giving Tuesday and I hope you’ll join the movement and make a difference, no matter how big or small.
What a fabulous idea. It is so important to help out where we can!
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It truly is, Danielle. There really is no better feeling than doing something for others.
I love Giving Tuesday! It is so important to give back! I wish they would do this more then once a year!
I love it, too, and I hope that this one day will inspire all of us to do more throughout the entire year. 🙂
I just wrote it down in my calender to join you in giving on this day!
What an awesome campaign!
You have no idea how glad I am to hear that you’ve added Giving Tuesday to your calendar, Ronni! I can’t wait to make a difference together.
I’m thinking that every one of us can do something to give on this day. I totally love the idea!
I think you’re right, Liz! The ways to help or give are truly endless and I love it, too.
I love this. We try to give a lot back over the holidays.
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I had no idea that there was a day dedicated to this. I’ll have to try and remember so I can give on that day.
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