With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all in our review mirror, we're moving on to one of the most generous days of the year. It's not that shopping for gifts doesn't already have a certain level of thoughtfulness to it, but today we see a switch from worrying about what our friends and family members want to what organizations and individuals locally and around the world need.
The idea behind Giving Tuesday is simple - encourage people to do good. Since its inception in 2012, the global movement has inspired hundreds of millions around the world to give ... with their wallets, with their time, or simply with their hearts. In fact, in just seven years, the GivingTuesday movement has raised more than $1 billion online in the U.S. alone. While countless charities are selected by individuals wanting to strum up financial support for their favorite cause on social media networks like Facebook and Twitter, you don't have to dig deep into your pockets to celebrate what Giving Tuesday is truly about. Yes, thousands of organizations could greatly use your monetary help today, but if you're not in a position to do so, remember that sometimes even the smallest act of kindness can make more of an impact than you realize.
There are so many ways to give - volunteer at a food bank or pet shelter, share a smile, buy coffee for the person standing in line in front of you, offer to help a friend or neighbor with a chore, or maybe visit a shut-in. Sometimes you can't put a price on how you make people feel when you present them with an act of kindness. Even better, the feeling you get in return when you do.
So, how will YOU give on this Giving Tuesday? Please let us know. Feel free to share your thoughts and/or pictures below. #GivingTuesday
