“Shop ’til you drop!” Although there is no connection between this familiar idiom and the annual holiday shopping ritual, you wouldn’t know it by observing consumer behavior. Ever since the 1960’s, we’ve designated days to acknowledge and encourage increased shopping during the holiday season. First, it was Black Friday (originating in Philadelphia). Then, the advent of e-commerce paved the way for Cyber Monday. Soon after this the “buy local” movement and American Express gave us Small Business Saturday.
However, this period is not only known for online and in-store sales. Did you know that from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day nearly a quarter of all household charitable giving occurs? In 2012, nonprofits designated #GivingTuesday to attract resources for their cause. #GivingTuesday was started by 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation to promote and celebrate giving rather than consumerism. Over 2,500 nonprofits and partners sparked $10 million in donations during the first year. Last year, 8,300 nonprofits and partners combined to surpass $27 million in giving. #GivingTuesday is now a global movement of giving.
Whether you can give a little or a lot, you can participate in #GivingTuesday. Here are a few ways to take a small step toward having great impact on your favorite cause:
- Create an annual giving tradition by using VolunteerMatch to identify volunteer opportunities in your area for the whole family.
- Start an #unselfie campaign. Post an #unselfie (a photo of you stating support for your favorite cause) on social media using the hashtag #GivingTuesday or #GivingTuesdaySJ for South Jersey. Announce the cause you plan to support then challenge your friends, followers, and connections to declare support for their favorite cause by doing the same. It’s like the Ice Bucket Challenge without getting wet.
- Visit the Proven and Promising section of the Community Foundation of South Jersey website to find giver-nominated effective programs in South Jersey to support.
- Make your mark by joining with friends or creating your own charitable fund to grow your giving over time.
Let 2014 be the year you create a new giving tradition during the holiday season. Give ’til you drop then pass it on!