Kick Off Your 2019 Charitable Season With #GivingTuesday On December 3

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Giving Tuesday is observed annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (Credit: GivingTuesday.com)

Celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the popular shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is designed to kick off the season of generosity. Now in its eighth year, the charitable event uses the power of social media to encourage organizations and individuals to donate funds or resources towards worthy causes. Established in 2012 by New York City nonprofit 92nd Street Y, #GivingTuesday is now observed worldwide, with millions of people coming together each year to bring positive change to their communities.

Though dedicating just one day to such a worthy cause may seem insufficient, #GivingTuesday makes a surprisingly significant impact. In 2018, the global campaign raised an astounding $1 billion — $400 million just in the United States — to benefit a broad range of causes. Many educational institutions also use the occasion to reach out to alumni for donations. In 2018, the University of Michigan, which calls it BlueDay, received 12,000 gifts totaling $3.5 million during the 24 hours!

#GivingTuesday can be observed by people of all ages (Credit: Lilladuexchange.com)

While monetary donations certainly help, that is not the only way to show your generosity. You can also donate your time. In 2018, members of the a capella group at Pennsylvania's Lafayette College treated residents of the Glendale Nursing Home to a special concert on the evening of #GivingTuesday. In San Diego, CA, community members participated in a California Wildfire Relief Telethon and helped raise $107,800 for the victims and first responders of the destructive fires in that region. In Nairobi, Kenya, volunteers encouraged people of all ages to paint messages of goodwill and kindness on rocks and distribute them to those in need of a little cheer.

In the Hurricane Maria-ravaged Puerto Rico, volunteers spent the day cleaning up beaches and repairing homes, while in Caracas, Venezuela, doctors gave free treatments to young patients in need of medical care.

#GivingTuesday can be observed in numerous ways (Credit: Givingtuesday.com)

You can also give back by volunteering at a nearby nonprofit or food bank. Social media experts can contribute by sharing information about the day and inspiring their peers to participate in this worthwhile endeavor. Another great way to celebrate #GivingTuesday is by assisting a family member with chores or helping a neighbor with yard work. Even small, easy gestures such as opening a door for a stranger, or smiling at one, qualify. What are you going to do to make a positive difference in your community on #GivingTuesday? Let us know by adding your comments below!

Resources: Givingtuesday.org

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45 Comments
  • hamster111111
    hamster111111almost 4 years
    Same!
    • bsc
      bscalmost 4 years
      Nice! I'll try to donate some money at the grocery store when I go with my mom.
      • elf_ofgreenleaf
        elf_ofgreenleafabout 4 years
        This is so nice! for an assignment in class i have to do a study on a charity. maybe i'll choose one of these!
        • boonyang
          boonyangover 4 years
          SHARING IS CARING AS BETTER SAY DONATING IS CARING
          • dragonfiz123
            dragonfiz123almost 5 years
            I love giving to others. Because, everynight, we get to go to sleep in a nice cozy warm bed. And some people sleep on the streets. I love that you guys are sharing and giving. Because somewhere, that warms someone's heart.
            • hamster111111
              hamster111111almost 4 years
              Yes! Every night before I go to bed I think about how lucky I am and when I wake up I think how can I help someone. Especially now.
            • noosharda
              nooshardaalmost 5 years
              I really like this article💕😊 if you like this article give this comment thumbs up 👍😍
              • am-olm1
                am-olm1almost 5 years
                I donated a lot of my toys
              • am-olm1
                am-olm1almost 5 years
                It is very kind
                • ash137
                  ash137almost 5 years
                  That's kind😌🌺
                  • lovepup1
                    lovepup1almost 5 years
                    this world is made for giving!