“ Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 16
Giving Tuesday is about COMMUNITY
On the tail-end of the Black Friday / Cyber Monday overspending to fund the corporate machine, a day was created to spread joy around our communities.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that inspires people to give back through donations, volunteering and acts of kindness. It channels the energy of the holiday season into helping others. Whether you’ re supporting local nonprofit organizations or contributing resources to those in need, Giving Tuesday was created as a way to encourage and uplift the people around you, if only for one day. This year Giving Tuesday falls on De. 1.
The“ give” doesn’ t have to be financial. There are so many ways to give back that are as simple as showing up for someone going through a hard time, volunteering with your favorite local organization such as Our Daily Bread, or even giving compliments to strangers for the entire day. Look around your neighborhood and see who needs help carrying in their groceries, picking up trash, walking their dog. No act of kindness is ever too small. It just needs to be genuine. 38.1 million adults in the U. S. alone participated in Giving Tuesday last year!
While many call on philanthropists and policymakers to repair broken systems,
Giving Tuesday recognizes that we each can drive an enormous amount of positive change by rooting our everyday actions, decisions, and behavior in generosity and acts of service. On this one day, millions of people all around the globe use the power of generosity to change the world. Get together with your family members, coworkers, or friends and make giving back a group project. Some employers will even match donations, so be sure to ask yours. Also, look for the Giving Tuesday logo or branding in businesses that day because many will donate a portion of their profits or sales.
If there is a local nonprofit organization you love, donate directly to them. Your gift can also be walking dogs at the Humane Society and / or purchasing an item from their wish list. The possibilities are endless when it comes to ideas for giving. Fill the Blessing Boxes or Free Little Libraries around town. Send someone a note or a“ thinking of you” message. It really is that simple. No good deed is ever too small or insignificant. And once you start, you just might want to make it a habit!
So please join me this Giving Tuesday and give your time, resources, or a hug to someone who needs it. For more ideas and other ways to get involved visit www. givingtuesday. org. SwOk
“ Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
~ Princess Diana
STORY BY: JENNIFER JALBERT Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine PHOTO by JENNIFER JALBERT
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 16