If you haven't already heard, today is Giving Tuesday. This movement was started seven years ago on social media to kick off the charitable season during the holidays. This is always celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving which makes total sense. With all the buzz of black Friday shopping and cyber Monday, it's a good reminder to also give back and support people, organizations and communities. Maybe what I love most about the mission of this day is that it doesn't have to just be monetary donations. You can donate your time or even just the power of your voice to raise awareness for issues that are important to you. This year alone, this movement has collected 2.5 million gifts and raised $300 million across 150 countries.
I've always realized the importance of charity but it wasn't until my early twenties that I really started to get involved. It was actually one of the mass shootings that happened a few years ago that made me stop and ask myself, "how can I help?" I immediately researched different organizations that I could support either through social media or through donations. Ever since then, I've made more of a conscious effort to support more and volunteer more. So with that being said, I'm sharing a list of some of my favorite organizations and even some simple ways you can contribute today.
First place to stop > Giving Tuesday website. You can learn more about the movement as well as filter to your location and support local organizations. There are some in my area I hadn't even heard about before and am excited to do more research on how I can help out.
https://www.givingtuesday.org/
Organizations > Donate Money
There are so many incredible organizations out there to donate your money too. Do some research, find ones you are passionate about, and donate however you feel most comfortable. Below are some of the top organizations I've supported through the years with links on how to donate directly to them
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-involved
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/participate/
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
GO FUND ME
***great place to find one-offs and donate directly to specific people who've been affected in some way
Organizations> Donate Time
With the holidays right around the corner, there are so many incredible organizations to donate your time to. There are a few on this list I am already planning on doing and some I'm hoping to be able to get to before Christmas.
SALVATION ARMY - TOY SHOP
https://salvationarmynorth.org/community-pages/toy-shop/
HUNGER TASK FORCE
https://www.hungertaskforce.org/volunteer/
MILWAUKEE WOMEN'S CENTER
https://communityadvocates.net/how-to-help/volunteer.html
HUMANE SOCIETY
https://www.wihumane.org/volunteer
Other Ways to Give Back
PIE BAKING PARTY - SALVATION ARMY
My cousins and some friends get together every year and bake Christmas goodies. I saw this suggestion online and am going to add it to my list. All you need to do is make some baked goods (mostly pies) and drop them off at the Salvation Army for their big holiday meals they serve. Contact the Salvation Army for more info.
There are also so many little ways to give back. Buy the coffee for the person behind you in line. Donate winter clothing (jackets, hats, scarves) to Goodwill. When going out to dinner, leave some room in your budget to generously tip your server during this busy season. The list goes on and on. There are so many ways you can give back.
I hope you found this list helpful & inspiring. Happy giving!