Giving Tuesday

I was financially compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Giving Tuesday

When I was first asked to share with my readers my take on Giving Tuesday I wasn’t 100% sure what it was. I could make an assumption, but I still had doubts and questions.

The team at GiveForward did a fantastic job of explaining what it is for those of us still in the dark after too much shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The basic idea is that while it’s fun to shop for our loved ones they expect it. The true act of giving is voluntary and without compensation. That’s the opposite of what the holidays look like in most households, isn’t it?!

My anniversary is next week and I plan to give to my husband and fully expect that he will give to me in return. That probably sounds bad, but it’s just how it works. Giving Tuesday wants to change this and we can help. 

How can I take part in #givingtuesday?

I am amazed how timely this is. Just the other day a single mom with 2 little ones posted about not knowing how she was going to put presents under the tree for their first Christmas. I immediately told myself I was going to take the boys to the store to pick out 4 (2 each) gifts for her boys but I’m still trying to figure out how I could do it anonymously. I might have to involve one of her co-workers. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t read my blog so I think I’m safe mentioning it. That’s not important. I will still be giving to her because I care and expect absolutely nothing in return. Okay. That’s not true. I fully expect baby snuggles.

So how can you help? You can adopt a family for the holidays or you can find an angel tree at the mall. You could also buy coffee for the car behind you or rake your neighbors yard. The possibilities are endless.

You could also read this post by one of the GiveForward staff members about the “bystander effect”, there is far more there than I could ever explain here. Have you ever heard of it or suffered from it?!

If you still need help on Giving Tuesday you can scroll through the endless list of GiveForward recipients and do whatever you can to help one (or more) them get closer to their goal.