What Is The National Day of Giving? 

As the holiday season slowly starts to ramp up, it’s easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in traveling and spending. Between spending holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday and life obligations, you can forget the reason for the season.

Sure, Thanksgiving offers time to slow down and share appreciation, but you’d like to make a positive impact. Giving thanks is one thing, but giving back is even better. Introducing the National Day of Giving.

A yearly post-Thanksgiving holiday, the National Day of Giving is a day to spread generosity and charity in our communities. The National Day of Giving, also called Giving Tuesday, takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to “unleash the power of radical generosity” for those in need. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to encourage others to look outside of themselves, show kindness, and do good. 

The timing of Giving Tuesday is not a coincidence. We spend time celebrating what we are personally thankful for, and then we move on to Black Friday and Cyber Monday and spend lots of money on other (and ourselves). After we have participated in the excessive spending, we can then take a day to give to others. In 2021, Giving Tuesday participants raised 2.7 billion dollars in the U.S. alone. If you want to participate in The National Day of Giving this year, here are some ideas of how you can get involved. 

5 Ways to Observe The National Day of Giving

1. Donate Money to Charity

If you are looking for the simplest option, giving money to a charity that has meaning to you is best. Find a non-profit that speaks to you and pulls at your heart.

If you don’t have one in mind, research some charitable organizations and look into what work they are doing. Then, you can choose to donate what is appropriate for you. 

2. Collect Non-Perishable Food Items

Collecting food for food banks to feed communities is a great way to observe the National Day of Giving. Every community has food banks that are in need of non-perishable food items.

Many people that do not have enough food and do not qualify for national programs offering extra support. According to Feeding America, 34 million people in the United States are food insecure. This includes 9 million children.

To increase your donation, you can organize a food drive at work or at school. Encourage others to donate food and collect the donations. You can then take a large donation all at once. 

3. Serve Your Neighbors

Sometimes the best place to look for those in need is right in your backyard. Find a way to serve your neighbors this Giving Tuesday.

This could be doing yard work to lighten their load, taking them a meal or treat, or just giving them a smile and wave when you see them. Small actions can go a long way to serving those around you.

4. Buy Toys for Children in Need

Plan ahead for the National Day of Giving by taking advantage of the amazing deals you can find on toys during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, then donate them as gifts to kids in need. There are always children in every community who need gifts to open on Christmas Day.

Buy a few extra toys while you are out and about to donate on Giving Tuesday. You can also organize a toy drive to spread awareness and put together a healthy donation.

5. Raise Money

While it is great to use your means to donate to the charity or nonprofit of your choice, you can also organize a Giving Tuesday campaign to raise money to give to that charity or nonprofit.

Fundraising is an incredible way to celebrate the National Day of Giving. Reach out and find others who are looking to participate in Giving Tuesday by giving money.

Here are some tips for running an effective Giving Tuesday campaign to raise money for the National Day of Giving.  

• Start Early: Plan ahead. Come up with a clear game plan and give yourself plenty of time to raise a lot of money. You should also look for a local charity or nonprofit that is actively seeking donors. 
• Set a Goal: We all work better when we set clear goals. Set a goal for your fundraising efforts, and share them with others.  
• Plan Communication Techniques: Plan ahead of time on how you will reach out to others. It can be email, text, social media, signs, etc. 
• Show Gratitude: Be sure to thank your donors for their Giving Tuesday donation. 

Get Giving!

The National Day of Giving, or Giving Tuesday, is such a great opportunity to express our gratitude this Thanksgiving season by giving to others.

There is no right or wrong way to give. Whether it is giving money to a local charity, raising money, donating food or toys, or serving your neighbor, you cannot go wrong. There is no such thing as too small of an act of service as well. If we all work together to build up our communities, small acts will make a big social impact.

Start planning how you want to celebrate Giving Tuesday now and get giving!