Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the U.S., and is a day dedicated to giving thanks, generosity, and kindness

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y, a nonprofit cultural center based in New York City, and the United Nations Foundation. The two organizations partnered to promote philanthropy during this annual global day of giving.

It was created to be a counterpoint to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the popular shopping holidays that occur the day after Thanksgiving. While many people enjoy these days of big deals on holiday gifts for their loved ones, Giving Tuesday encourages individuals to give back instead.

Since its inception, Giving Tuesday has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. The day brings together people from all backgrounds and occupations to celebrate generosity and make it easier for people to give back.

How To Celebrate Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is all about giving back. It is a great time to share and provide resources in whatever way you can. Here are some examples of what you can do on Giving Tuesday:

Donate to a cause you care about

You can donate money or other resources to help people and organizations in need. If your favorite charity does not have a Giving Tuesday event set up, consider donating this year's holiday bonus or another sum of money that will go all the way toward helping those who are less fortunate.

Become a volunteer for a cause that matters to you

Whether it's volunteering at your local food bank, helping out with cleanup efforts after a natural disaster, or something else entirely, there are many ways to give back during Giving Tuesday!

Participate in a local giving campaign

Look for opportunities to get involved with your community, such as donating blood or canned goods to local food banks and shelters. Be on the lookout for events that are taking place near you, as well as ways to support causes that matter to you.

Share your skills

In addition to donating money and volunteering your time, there are many ways to give back on Giving Tuesday. But if you're more of a doer than a giver, consider sharing your skills with an organization that needs help. Whether it's offering tech support for an after-school program or teaching financial literacy to students, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved and make a difference.

Beautify your neighborhood

Beautifying your community on Giving Tuesday is also a good way to make a difference. You can help clean up a park or beach, plant trees in an urban area that needs more green space or even organize a neighborhood cleanup event of your own.

Pay for someone's coffee

If you're feeling especially generous, you can also pay for the person behind you in line at your favorite coffee shop or fast-food restaurant. It sounds like a small gesture, but it will make someone's day and encourage them to pay it forward later on that day.

Host a virtual fundraiser

If you're not able to get out and volunteer on Giving Tuesday, you can still support your favorite charity by hosting a virtual fundraiser. You can organize an online event and encourage friends, family members, and coworkers to donate money or volunteer time. Even if the event is small in scale, it can have a big impact on your chosen organization.

Share a story of generosity

If you've been inspired by someone's generosity, it's time to share that story. Whether it's a friend or family member who gave their time or money to a cause they believe in, or an organization that does good work in your community, sharing the story can inspire others to get involved.

Why We Love To Participate in Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for everyone to do something, no matter how big or small. So, why do we love it?

It's a chance to get involved in your community

When you volunteer or donate on Giving Tuesday, you're helping to make your neighborhood better. You're giving back to the community that has given so much to you - the people who have supported you, and the organizations that have given you opportunities to learn and grow.

You get to be part of something bigger than yourself

Your small act of kindness can have a big impact on someone else's life. By volunteering or donating, you're showing that you care about the world around you - and that makes a difference.

You get to connect with like-minded people

When you volunteer or donate on Giving Tuesday, you get the chance to expand your social circle and meet new people who share your values. You'll build a stronger sense of community by getting together with friends or family members to volunteer - even if it's just for one day.

You’ll feel good about yourself

The feeling you get when you give your time and money to a cause that matters is priceless. Do you know that moment when you're doing something good for someone else? It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. You’re making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time.

You’ll be able to look back on your life with satisfaction

You take pride in knowing that you made a positive impact on the world when you volunteer or donate. You can feel proud of yourself and your contributions.

You’ll gain new skills and experiences

Taking part in volunteer and donor events can teach you new skills, including how to use technology or work effectively in a team. You may also meet new people who have different areas of expertise than you do—and they can help guide you on your path toward success.

You’ll learn about yourself

When you volunteer, you may find that it brings out the best in you. You might see that you have more patience or empathy than usual. This can help you become a better person overall—and that’s always a good thing!

Conclusion

Giving Tuesday is a chance to direct resources toward causes that matter most to you. Through volunteering and donating, you can make a difference in the world. You’ll feel proud of yourself and your contributions. And with the help of others, you can change lives for the better.