Everyone has heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Millions of dollars (perhaps billions?) will be spent on everything from electronics to toys to clothes. But this year there is something new.
There is a new option to give money away instead of just spending it on more "stuff". This year #GivingTuesday will try to make people remember that the holidays are supposed to be about "good will to man" and not about a new Snuggie.
#GivingTuesday is aimed at offering the army of shoppers who are ready to use their credit cards in stores like Macy's an easy way to put some charitable generosity back in the season.
#Giving Tuesday is the brainchild of CARE, one of the largest private international humanitarian organizations in the world. Since 1945, they have helped people in poverty-stricken communities around the world improve their lives and triumph over the ills of poverty.
Starting as an organization focused on creating packages of food and supplies to send to Europe during World War II, it coined the term "CARE package".
The organization has a great tradition of generosity and now wants to create a national celebration of generosity on #GivingTuesday to support CARE's work empowering poor women, families and communities.
CARE has teamed up with charities, businesses and faith organizations across the country to spread the word about this new national holiday on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
They hope it will kick off the holiday “giving” season and inspire people to give to CARE or any philanthropic cause that speaks to them. CARE wants to share its mission which is to empower women and girls in the fight against poverty in 84 countries around the world.
In addition to the good feelings that come from charitable giving, CARE is also sponsoring a contest to help entice people to support this campaign.
They want people to challenge their friends on #GivingTuesday to raise money for CARE. The person who raises the most money for CARE by November 27 will earn a trip to travel to one of the 84 countries where CARE is working to see their poverty-fighting programs up close and personal.
CARE is encouraging everyone to join this national celebration of generosity. Consider making a donation to CARE (or another charity) on or before #GivingTuesday to help those in need around the world.
Sources:
Care.org. Web. "About".
http://www.care.org/about/index.asp
Care.org. Web. Giving Tuesday.
http://www.care.org/getinvolved/givingtuesday/index.asp?loc=home_CAR1
Reviewed November 22, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith