You are probably inundated with posts, emails, tweets, and other messaging about Giving Tuesday.
May I offer another way to think about it?
You surely have people on your holiday gift lists who need a gift from you, but who don’t actually need anything. Yes? I know I do. Instead of buying a tie, or a scented candle, or another well-meaning but banal gift, make a charitable contribution in their name.
- Your aunt likes dogs? Give to the local ASPCA.
- Your mother-in-law is a rabble-rouser? Try the Southern Poverty Law Center.
- Your father has a fondness for fishing? How about the Atlantic Salmon Federation?
- Your grandparents always take you to the ballet? Make a gift to Dance Theatre of Harlem.
- Your sister is a passionate advocate for women's health? The Fistula Foundation does great work.
- Your friend works for a non-profit? That's easy - donate there, in his/her honor.
One less mug out there in the world, one more pair of toe shoes for a ballerina. It's a win/win.
Incidentally, Giving Tuesday is a new phenomenon - it only began in 2012, the brainchild of the 92nd Street Y. The intent was, and remains, lofty: "a way to pivot back to the values of community and gratitude celebrated on Thanksgiving after Black Friday and Cyber Monday." So, even though you're feeling overwhelmed by the solicitations pouring into your in-box, think about how you can kill two birds with one stone: a charitable contribution can be your gift to someone on your list.
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