GivingTuesday will be observed on December 3 in 2024 (Credit: GivingTuesday.org)

The days following Thanksgiving — Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday — are filled with deals to jump-start the holiday shopping season. However, GivingTuesday, which falls on December 3 this year, has a more altruistic purpose. The "Global Day of Giving" encourages individuals and businesses to give back in meaningful ways. This can include charitable donations, volunteer work, or simple acts of kindness.

GivingTuesday was started in 2012 by New York City nonprofit 92nd Street Y and the public charity United Nations Foundation. It was an instant success. Over $10 million was donated to charities worldwide in a single day. Things have only improved since. In 2023, an astounding $3.1 billion was raised for worthy causes in the US alone.

Simple acts like setting up a community fridge help those in need (Credit: GivingTuesday.org)

While giving money certainly helps, there are many other ways to participate in GivingTuesday. Simple acts, such as helping an elderly neighbor, donating your gently-used toys to local shelters, or planting a tree, all count. Even small gestures — like opening a door for a stranger or sharing a smile — can make a big difference. You can also ask your friends to help you with a service project that is close to your heart.

How will you make a positive difference in your community on GivingTuesday — and every other day? Let us know by adding your comments below!

Resources: GivingTuesday.org