There’s a lot of negativity in the world today… Wars, inflation, food shortages… With Giving Tuesday next week, this is the perfect opportunity to focus on the positive.
So, what is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday in its 12th Year
The Giving Tuesday initiative was launched in 2012. It was started by a non-profit organization called – fittingly enough – GivingTuesday.
Acts of “radical generosity” are encouraged on this day. More than 85 countries around the globe participate.
It’s estimated that in a recent year some $2.7 billion was donated by people in the U.S. on Giving Tuesday.
Asha Curran is the CEO and co-founder of GivingTuesday. She said every act of generosity counts. Whether it’s donating money, volunteering, or simply smiling at someone.
‘See What Speaks to You’
GivingTuesday provides a list of recommended organizations for monetary gifts and volunteering.
But the initiative is not officially linked to a group of causes. They also provide suggestions for ways to give back without donating money.
The organizers suggest thinking about causes near and dear to your heart. Plenty of worthy organizations and causes can also be found on sites such as Charity Navigator and Volunteer Match.
“See what speaks to you,” Curran said. “Think about whether it feels more meaningful for you to give back locally – maybe on your block – or globally.”
Providing Tornado Relief
One place where volunteers have made a huge impact is western Kentucky. That’s where the area’s worst tornado disaster on record occurred in late 2021. The cost was 57 lives, more than 500 injuries, and 4,000 structures.
The Mayfield, Kentucky community has come together over the past 18 months. They’ve rebuilt much of what was lost in the tragedy.
Building a new multimillion dollar manufacturing facility, for example, is helping create 80 new jobs.
Kathy O’Nan is the Mayfield mayor. She said, “Our people have been so resilient and have hung in there and worked for the past 18 months. It’s inspiring for us.”
Rebuilding From the Fires
Many folks are also volunteering to rebuild in Lahaina, Hawaii. People there suffered from devastating wildfires last summer.
You’ve probably heard of the “tiny house” movement. Tiny homes are being built for some who lost their homes in the fires.
Construction workers are volunteering their time. And people around the world are sending money to cover costs.
Here’s how the Goodnews Network website describes it. “What started as a few guys coming together to support their neighbor… has turned into a bold grassroots effort to raise money to build small, long-term homes for displaced residents. And pay locals who lost their jobs in the fires to do it.”
A New Home for Grandma
Franklin Graham’s Samaritan Purse provided another example of helping the helpless.
A grandmother named Earnestine Reese lost her Alabama home due to a tornado. Samaritan’s Purse built her a new home featuring her first-ever dishwasher.
It was one of 13 new homes built in the area by some 1,400 volunteers. The organization also helped 110 families clear debris from their damaged homes following the storm.
When Graham visited her, she said this. “Thank you for making a way. It’s a blessing just to have you here in our yard.”
Now It’s Your Turn
How about you? Do you have any inspiring stories you’d like to let us and our readers know about?
If so, I hope you will share them in the comments section on the blog.
Maybe someone did something nice for you that made you feel good. Or perhaps you did something nice for someone that made you feel better.
Maybe you can’t think of anything you’d care to mention. If so, feel free to give a thank you. Thank a veteran for their service. Thank a loved one for brightening your day. Appreciation goes a long way.
Thanks in advance for participating!
