Have you heard about GivingTuesday? It’s hard not to hear about it with the internet spreading information like the flu through an elementary school. If you are new to the internet let me tell you a little about GivingTuesday and include you in on the secret about GivingTuesday.
According to givingtuesday.org “GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.”
Friends – listen closely… or rather – read slowly because this is where I tell you the secret about GivingTuesday.
You should be giving every. single. day. What?!? I know I know… You’re thinking “how in the hell am I suppose to GIVE EVERY DAY when I don’t have time to wash my hair every day??”.
Just a small list off the top of my head: spend time with your child, spouse, friend in need; walk dogs or snuggle cats at an animal shelter; open a door for a stranger; pay it forward at a drive thru; donate books to a library; donate a jar of peanut butter to a food bank; donate that shirt with the tags on it hanging in your closet you bought 8 months ago to a battered women’s shelter… the list of how to give daily is a long one and quite easy. Just be kind every day.
I am a firm believer that if you are fortunate enough to be able to donate funds to a charity that is close to your heart, then by all means please donate funds!! Of course I am biased. And if you have read my bio you know I want you to donate to my charity; however do your research and donate to a charity you trust and support. Some charities keep all funds local (like mine), some are nation wide or world wide. The larger charities have larger needs – most of the larger charities need help with research to find cures which is absolutely needed. Again, do your research and find a charity you’d like to give to. Even if you donate $20 you truly have helped make a small difference.
The best donation my charity has ever received was when I was setting up for an event and a lady with special needs walked over and asked what we were doing. I explained to her what the event was and why we were doing it. We chatted for a little bit and she walked away. A few minutes later she came back and said “I want to donate but this is all I have” and put money in my hand.
I held onto that all day like it was gold. When I got home I counted it. That donation was $0.84. Yes – you read that right! Eighty-four cents! I cried. This was the only money she had to give and she gave it to my charity. THAT is what GivingTuesday is about and what every day should be about.
Do your part – do something great – make a difference no matter how small you think it is. Plus your kids will see you doing it and this will make them think you are even more amazing.
Friends – the secret is that every little bit helps!!
