GIFT OF GIVE

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.