After all the excitement and rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we have the day where we look to support so many good causes in our communities and all over the world: Giving Tuesday. It’s the day set aside to look at your gift giving budget and spread some joy for the causes and organizations close to your heart. But the giving just doesn’t have to be today. It can be any day and giving a gift that supports others can make a fantastic Christmas gift.
All too often, we have that one special someone who can’t think of a thing they want as a gift for Christmas or birthdays. Or, the phrase “what do you get for the person who has everything” pops up. Instead of having them open a gift that may not necessarily be needed or wanted, consider giving a gift to a charity or organization important to this person.
And for those of you who are these difficult gift giving recipients, add a charity or two to your wish list.
Actually, we could all add an organization we love to support to our wish lists.
My favorite causes are those that support my children: one who is on the autism spectrum and the other who is a brave pediatric cancer survivor. For my cousin, it is the local pet food pantry where she volunteers much of her time. For my husband and one of his best friends, it’s the local youth center where they volunteer time to give kids in our community a safe place to hang out, be creative, and play music. For several veterans and their families, it’s organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the Honor Flight Network, or another local veterans association. And this time of year especially, my family loves to support Toys for Tots, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Feeding America. It’s one of the many ways we teach our children the joy of giving to others.
A gift that pays it forward is a gift that is joyfully appreciated. You will never go wrong when you give a gift that supports a person’s favorite cause.
So my challenge for all of you today is not only to support your favorite causes on this Giving Tuesday, but also add a charity or two to your own wish list. And spread the love to your family and ask them to do the same.
What’s your favorite cause awareness to support? Share it with us here and on Facebook.
