In November, after celebrating Thanksgiving, we recognize Black Friday (on November 26) and then Cyber Monday (on November 29). In 2012, we added Giving Tuesday to the calendar as a day to encourage people to “do good.” It has evolved a lot over the years, becoming a nonprofit organization as well as a global movement in 75 countries and inspiring millions of people to give back to their communities. In 2020, $503 million was given online in the United States alone!
What ways do you give back? Maybe you want to help but are not sure where to start. First, decide what type of cause is the most important to you. Is it the homeless, education, animals, the arts or the environment? Then start researching local nonprofit organizations in your area. Visit their website or call them to learn what kind of help they need and decide what you can give. You can choose to give of your time and talents by volunteering. But, if you do not have the time now to volunteer, you can make a monetary donation to them. Always make sure you give to organizations that appear legitimate and you can trust. Be sure to investigate any new organizations before donating to them.
You could also start a collection drive. Maybe the organization you selected collects food, personal care items, school supplies or baby products. Start the drive at your office, church or school asking people to donate. Remember, there are lots of charitable organizations that need your help and many ways you can do so!
You can also “do good” and acknowledge Giving Tuesday in other ways by offering to help a neighbor, paying for the car behind you in the drive-thru or reaching out to a friend or family member you have not spoken to in a while.
This year in recognition of Giving Tuesday, Sterling Financial Management will run a “Vote for your Favorite Nonprofit Contest” for one week, starting on Tuesday, November 30. We ask that you submit the name of your favorite nonprofit located in Hagerstown, Frederick or Waynesboro by midnight on Tuesday, December 7 using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MJT33BJ. We will then select the nonprofit with the most votes to receive a $500 donation. Come join us and help us give back!
For more information on Giving Tuesday and how you can help, visit www.givingtuesday.org. Be sure to check out their yearly calendar for more ideas and ways to give back too: https://www.givingtuesday.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GivingTuesday-Radical-Generosity-Calendar-2021.pdf