Every year, after the rush of Thanksgiving and all the consumerism of Black Friday, which I refuse to partake in for some years...there is actually something more powerful that happens. Some people all over the world choose to pause, reflect and choose to give. Giving Tuesday isn't just another day on the calendar- it's become a global movement that turns gratitude into action, and it could be for people in need, animal charities, nature or conservation groups or so many other charities too numerous to mention. That generosity is more than symbolic, it's essential. Giving Tuesday started in 2012 as a simple idea, a day to consciencely give to a charity. It has grown worldwide, Individuals, families, companies and nonprofits join forces to support causes in need of help and ones that matter. And it doesn't always have to be money related. Donations of many kinds are needed in every form. It is so sad to see the current condition of the US right now, with so many hurting, in need, with food, basic needs, and medical issues. The administration sure doesn't give a damn about anyone thats for certain. You can donate time to food banks or donate two grocery bags of food to a food bank. That was one reason I had two families in for Thanksgiving dinner. You can also fling open the closet doors and dresser drawers and donate all the swell clothing and cold weather items that just sit for a few years...and take them to a charity donation shop. It can also be as simple of making someone smile, helping a neighbor or strangers out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help.
I give to several different charities a few times a year. I sometimes wish I had more to give like MacKenzie Scott, but alas, I don't. So, I give to a couple donations to the charities I love and close to me, mostly animal and environmental related ones. But On Giving Tuesday I generally pick a new charity to give a donation too, instead of giving an extra donation to the several I give to during the year. Sort of like spreading the Love so to speak. This year with World AIDS Day, I'm making a donation to the Alder Heath Service a local service. And I'm also making a pledge to myself to take a full bag of groceries each weekend to a food pantry. Another way to give to a charity is to shop their site shop. The dearest cause to my heart, the Sheldrick Trust has a shop, where all proceeds go to the trust. A win win...the money goes to a good cause, and you get a few gifts or in my case, cards and stationery- elephant related!!!
Giving Tuesday- generosity goes a long way.
It's so very needed because of the rich right-wing idiots who cut funding on all fronts: From Arts to Sciences. They're a greedy bunch.
ReplyDeleteBe generous everyday.
ReplyDeleteWe give to local charities, like a Pet Rescue group here in Camden and the Harriet Hancock LGBTQ+ Center in Columbia as a lot of the smaller groups are often forgotten and really need the help!
ReplyDeleteI give to charities providing food for the body and the soul. Those who can afford it should help others affected by government cuts.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great day...and the best part is, you can continue giving throughout the year.
ReplyDeletePet charities! Some local, some as faraway as Pasadena.
ReplyDeleteThe same. I give to the Sheldrick Trust, The Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society and a local ASPCA and I still give the one in Bucks County. Last year my charity of choice to give to today was a donkey rescue. I also give a yearly donation or at least try to wrti our classical station.
DeleteLove this idea!
ReplyDeleteWe did this at work through the Foundation. I have an amount deducted every year from my paycheck. Like you, I despise the Black Fridays and the Cyber Mondays. Ugh. Small charities make big differences.
XOXO
Same...when I was at Bloomingdales I did the same through payroll reductions, and the money could go to as many charities as you wanted too. When I donate to the Sheldrick Trust, my current firm will match my donation there, and for my donation today at the Alder Health Center. I should have mentioned that in my post. Many companies do a match, which is nice...the charity gets even more money.
DeleteGreat idea(s)! I especially like the idea of giving to a new charity each year on Giving Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI usually do dog charities, but you have reminded me to sort my closets out and to take some of my unworn clothes to the charity shop. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSx
Me too. When I was at my last pied de terre....a gave to two dog shelters, in addition to volunteering to come in and walk dogs in the yard to give them exercise.
DeleteI wish I had a lot more to give. You’re a kind soul.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of it, to be honest. There are so many charities out there (and I have worked for a few), but it's those who have shops that will always get my money! Thus, I can count myself as a donor to Crisis (homelessness), Macmillan (cancer care), the British Red Cross, North London Hospice, Cancer Research and Oxfam... Jx
ReplyDeleteSo many worthwhile causes right? Pitiful there has to be so many.
DeleteI am with Jon on this one.
ReplyDeleteNever mind the widows mites when a lot of the financially blessed ignore their 'Noblesse oblige'
Oh that did sound a bit harsh. Of course we all have an obligation to help others.
DeleteI agree with you madam! These people that are obscenely rich, I just cannot understand why you wouldn't help more Charities out. And let's be honest half of them can't stand their families, and they sure can't take the money with them.
DeleteI like to donate to a local pet charity, First Coast No More Homeless Pets, and to the Salvation Army. My son received assistance from the Salvation Army at one point in his quest to give up drink and drugs. The people there were good to him. I'm with you on Black Friday. I've never gone shopping on that dreadful day and never will.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Same here Janie. Most of my quarterly donations are all animal related.
DeleteAn excellent reminder. We gave to two HIV charities we like here.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has just closed his business and rather than enrich the taxman further, gave a large donation to an organisation called "church on the street" which isn't a religious thing but they work on the philosophy that helping one another, especially homeless people is what is needed. They provide food, clothing, haircuts and a medical check up.
ReplyDelete