Giving Thanks, Giving Back: Charitable Giving During the Holidays

Remember back in the day, when you had to physically go to the stores and camp out at midnight to get the “Black Friday” deals? Well, now, many have shifted their shopping savings to “Cyber Monday” or the “Pre-Cyber Monday” deals that happen even before Halloween! There’s a constant reminder that the year is flying by, and apparently, the main topic of the “-ber” months is dressing up for Halloween and going straight into buying presents. If you blink, you may miss Thanksgiving altogether.

What Is Giving Tuesday?

A movement called “Giving Tuesday” started back in 2012 and flipped holiday spending on its head. According to GivingTuesday.org, “It’s a simple idea: 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 contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.”

Ways to Get Involved This Year

Giving Tuesday will be on December 2nd, 2025! There are three ways you could choose to participate this year:

Financial Support

Non-profit organizations are constantly needing room in their budget to meet the needs of the community they serve. Research your favorite cause and send a donation or post a special donation link on your social media to amplify your financial giving!

Volunteer your time

Maybe funds are a little tight, or some have already given their financial support for the year. Why not set up a time with a local organization to stop by for half an hour or a few hours to help with projects and outreach?

Random acts of kindness

A random act of kindness could be as simple as buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line, dropping off school supplies to a local school, or sending a thank-you card to someone special in your life.

Gratitude That Goes Beyond Shopping

As leaves are falling, family and friends are gathering, pies are baking (not burning), and even Floridians are busting out their scarves and boots as we start this holiday season; Thanksgiving brings us together and reminds us that we have many reasons to be grateful, even if the ads on your TV or phone say otherwise.

November 2025