What is Giving Tuesday?

In 2012, New York City's 92nd Street Y partnered with the United Nations Foundation to advocate for a day of giving back to local nonprofit organizations amidst the holiday shopping craze. The result? #GivingTuesday. The simple idea has grown exponentially over the last eight years into a global movement that celebrates generosity and kindness.

"Whether it's making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give," says the GivingTuesday website. In 2019, the movement was officially transformed into the Giving Tuesday foundation, with a mission to "build a more just and generous world."

The idea behind Giving Tuesday is to inspire everyone around us to prioritize generosity. By creating a world where we are all inspired to give back, we can increase opportunity, dignity, and equity for people worldwide. Generosity promotes an increase in participation in other social and civic groups, including donating your time and talents to the issues you're passionate about.

Where to Donate on Giving Tuesday

Although many Giving Tuesday campaigns focus on raising money for nonprofit organizations, monetary donations aren't the sole focus of the event. You can celebrate Giving Tuesday by making a donation in any number of ways. If you're looking for inspiration, here are some of our favorite ways to spread kindness and generosity on Giving Tuesday that don't involve a monetary donation.

• Donate your time. Many organizations are just as thankful for a pair of helping hands as they are for a monetary gift. Reach out to local organizations such as local animal shelters, food banks or soup kitchens, the American Red Cross, or Habitat for Humanity - just a few examples of the thousands of organizations across the country that benefit from the support of volunteers.
• Donate a skill set. Maybe you are a great photographer, talented website designer, or former athlete. Organizations are always looking for volunteers that offer unconventional support methods — whether they realize it or not. If you have a specific skill set that you don't mind sharing, reaching out to a nonprofit that may need it is a great way to support its mission and spread generosity on Giving Tuesday.
• Donate resources. If you have old books sitting around that you've already read, clothing that doesn't fit you anymore, or blankets you could stand to part with, there are tons of organizations that can utilize items you no longer need to support meaningful causes. Donate books to a local library or school, clothing to a homeless shelter or domestic violence organization, or old blankets and towels to your local animal rescue.
• Donate your voice. Word of mouth advertising is free, fast, and effective and can make an incredible difference. One of the best ways to support an organization is by becoming an advocate for its mission. If you can't donate your time, money, or talents, maybe you have friends, family, or coworkers that can. Check out the organization's website or social media pages and then share or create a post about why you believe the work it's doing is important. You can also set up a collection for an organization with your employer, church, or group of friends. Who knows? Your employer may even be willing to match your contributions with one of its own.

What Happens After Giving Tuesday?

Once the dust has settled from the holiday weekend and life is beginning to return to normal, organizations across the country will be busy writing thank-you notes, sharing details of their Giving Tuesday campaigns with supporters, and getting ready for a new year. However, the end of Giving Tuesday doesn't mean organizations are no longer in need of support. In fact, the opposite is usually true.

Giving Tuesday is a great way to spread generosity in your community. Still, it's even better when used as an opportunity to create a meaningful, ongoing relationship with an organization that is important to you. No matter where you invest your time, money, or passions on Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to find something that you can do consistently. Whether you spend a few hours a month packaging boxes for a local food pantry or sign up to foster dogs or cats waiting for adoption with an animal organization, you can make an impact year-round, not just on Giving Tuesday.

WebEyeCare Donations

The Bristol Borough Community Action Group has been a dependable resource for those experiencing food insecurity in Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding communities. The nonprofit provides thousands of pounds of food each week to people in need from the local community. Items range from bread and pasta to canned fruit, fresh vegetables, and frozen meat. The organization relies on the donations it collects to purchase as much fresh produce and other perishables as possible, with local companies and individual donors donating other items throughout the week as well. The staff is small, and no one receives a paycheck, only the reward of knowing they're making a difference.

WebEyeCare, which is headquartered in Bristol, knows the importance of giving back to the community where it resides. Each year, the company hosts food drives to support the food pantry's mission, and this Giving Tuesday will be no different. No matter where you live or how you choose to give back, the WebEyeCare team hopes you join us in spreading generosity this year on Giving Tuesday and beyond.