Tranter Banter

We know of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but how about #GivingTuesday? Tuesday, November 27, 2012 has been designated as #GivingTuesday.  Charities, families and individuals are coming together to give back.

The #GivingTuesday movement was started by a company known as 92Y.  92Y is a nonprofit cultural and community center in New York City that connects people to the worlds of education, the arts, health and wellness and Jewish life.  Since its founding in 1874, it has enthusiastically welcomed people of all backgrounds and perspectives. www.92y.orgving

#GivingTuesday began as a simple idea, a day for giving back.  The mission statement is simple. "#GivingTuesday is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations." They have received support from and partnered with such notable companies and organizations as the United Nations Foundation, LeMoyne College, Save the Children, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, American Lung Association, JC Penney and many more.

www.givingtuesday.org has plenty of ideas about how families and businesses can get involved.  Here are a few directly from their site:

     Commit a portion of company proceeds from Black Friday or Cyber Monday to your favorite cause.

     Give employees a paid day to volunteer.

     Honor the people in your community who keep everyone safe and healthy.  Prepare a meal and deliver it to their place of work.  Include placements and thank you notes.

     Have a home treasure hunt.  Look in your closets and collect items like extra dishes, sheets, school supplies and so on.  Collect the things that have not been used in a long time and donate to a program that sets up families in new homes.

    Host a coat or glove drive or can food drive.

#GivingTuesday is a great time to teach younger children of the real meaning of the holidays.  That it’s not just about presents and toys.  You might be surprised about how eager they are to get involved.  We can all start preparing now.   Think of the difference we can make.