This Tuesday, November 29 is no ordinary weekday โ itโs Giving Tuesday! Some may think the day is centered on monetary gifts to others or donations to non-profits, and while that helps, thatโs not what itโs all about. Giving Tuesday simply promotes acts of kindness, generosity, and kick-starts, well, the season of giving!
Take this week as an opportunity to slow down from the holiday shopping and to reset your focus on what really matters during the holidays. If youโre unsure what you can do to join in the Giving Tuesday spirit, here is 10 easy, low-cost things you can do:
- Set up a donation collection at your work: Be the coordinator for a donation drive at your work for a charity. Encourage employees (and even customers) to donate non-perishables, clothes, books, toys, etc. For those open to some friendly competition, boost interest by making it a challenge for what department can donate the most items (and maybe offer an extra day of PTO to the winning department).
- Bring baked goods to your local fire or police station: Making your delicious holiday cookies? Make some extra and run it over to your local fire or police station to brighten their day. If you canโt leave the house, your mailman would probably like a treat! Small gestures to recognize the services they provide go a long way.
- Donate blood: Taking 30-mins out of your day to donate blood may not be something that immediately comes to mind, but it is extremely important, helpful, easy, and always in need. Even better, organize a blood drive at your job or in your community to make a big impact. The best thing you can give is the ability to save someoneโs life.
- Nominate someone for an award: Do you an amazing boss or a coworker that goes above and beyond? Or is there a parent in your childโs class whose work in the community is making a big difference but not getting the recognition it deserves? Do some research and find an award you could nominate them for. Or, write a brief story in the newspaper or online about their impact.
- Donate books to your free library or local school: Everyone has several already-enjoyed books around the house. So why not give the gift of a great read to someone else? If youโd like to go the extra mile while youโre there, ask if you could pay someoneโs library fees.
- Send a handwritten letter to someone: Get a head start on your holiday cards this season by writing a letter to an old friend, family member you havenโt seen in a while, or a resident at a local nursing home. Tell them youโre thinking of them and give them well wishes. For the more modern givers, a text or phone call can do the job, too.
- Shop at a small business: Make a point to check out the small shop in your town that you drive by all the time. Whether itโs a thrift shop, book shop, or clothing boutique, you could discover your new favorite store!
- Keep a stock of warm clothes in your car: Collect your old scarves, hats, gloves, and coats and keep them in a bag in your car. If you notice someone on the street with nowhere to go this winter, giving them these items are sure to warm their body and their heart.
- Donate your credit card rewards: Didnโt realize how much you collected in cashback this year? Most credit card providers offer the option to donate all or a portion of your rewards to a charity. Check out if your credit card is offering a donation match to a charity on Giving Tuesday.
- Get involved online: Post what youโre doing for Giving Tuesday and encourage others to join you. Repost a blog with easy ways to join in the Giving Tuesday fun. Share the Amazon wishlist of a teacher friend thatโs looking to restock her classroom. The possibilities are endless.
Giving Tuesday gives the opportunity to slow down the holiday chaos and indulgence of shopping and shift our energy towards charity and kindness. Remember, we all have something to give. Have a wonderful Giving Tuesday!
