National Day of Giving encourages giving back. It takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

We've just spent the weekend shopping and searching for the best possible deals. National Day Of Giving reminds us to give to those in need. Whether we look to our favorite causes or charities, it is a great reminder to lift others up during a generous time of year. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

HOW TO OBSERVE #GivingTuesday

Quite simply, take advantage of all the holiday deals to add to your charitable giving. Combined with your family, friends, local and national organizations, and through the power of social media, Day of Giving can become a tradition worth passing on.

Try these ways to give: 

• Set up a collection for non-perishable food at work. Deliver the collection to a local food pantry.
• Donate gift cards to a shelter.
• Collect new toys and donate them to children spending the holidays in the hospital.
• Make blankets for those receiving cancer treatment.

Share your giving ideas and use #GivingTuesday to post on social media.

NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING HISTORY

In 2012, 92nd Street Y in New York City created Day of Giving to bring focus to the charitable season in the wake of the commercialized Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More commonly referred to as #GivingTuesday, National Day of Giving harnesses the power of social media to give back around the world and throughout the year.

Giving FAQ

Q. My budget is tight this year, but I still want to contribute. What are some great ways to give on a budget?
A. That's the spirit! Generous people look for ways to give, even when they cannot afford to do so. Here are some great ways to be giving when you're on a budget.

• Put your talent to work. Do you bake or create? Donate a class or an item to a fundraiser.
• Use your muscles. Help a neighbor rake leaves or fix a door.
• Run errands. Whether it's for a charity or someone in your neighborhood, your efforts will help.
• Can you give a $1? It may not seem like a big deal, but charities have figured out how to do a lot with a dollar. So if you can spare $1, give that.

Q. How do I choose where I give?
A. You want your donation to have the biggest impact. A couple of websites provide evaluations of charities to help you navigate the thousands upon thousands of charitable organizations. Some of them include:

• BBB Wise Giving Alliance
• Charity Navigator
• CharityWatch
• GuideStar

Another way to make sure your donation is used to its best advantage, give locally. The money you give goes to support local causes such as shelters, youth programs, and health programs.