At this time of year you hear about "the season of giving," but it's usually in the context of commercials where luxury vehicles are wrapped with oversized red bows. But today is Giving Tuesday and it's actually meaningful.
The Giving Tuesday movement started over a decade ago at New York's 92nd Street Y to encourage people to donate their time, advocacy, money, or goods to causes that could use their help. It comes right after the nonstop shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and creates the perfect pause to remember the true spirit of the season, particularly during a pandemic when we can see how quickly the personal can become the global, for better or worse.
The path to creating a positive impact today and beyond has never been easier. Here are some sites and apps that let you do both. Many are matching gifts made today and have ways you can participate all year long.
Charity Miles
Put your money where your feet are with Charity Miles. Download the app (iOS, Android), choose from one of more than 60 participating charities, and every step, bike ride, and dance move gets your charity a donation from a sponsoring corporation.
The Humane Society of the United States
Animals are without a voice to defend themselves, but The Humane Society of the United States is dedicated to speaking up for them. The organization tackles large issues like legislation and saves small animals during natural disasters, all while battling a massive misinformation campaign about its operations. Each donation on Giving Tuesday goes twice as far, with gifts matched up to $150,000.
Be My Eyes
Independence is a gift, and you can make sure it's one that the blind or visually impaired receive with Be My Eyes. It's an app (iOS, Android) that connects those who need assistance with visual tasks with those who would like to take a few minutes of their time to provide it via a video chat.
RAICES
The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) helps refugees who are vulnerable and without resources for no cost or a very low cost. The work it is doing is challenging and challenged.
DonorsChoose
This one is personal to me. My mom was a NYC public school teacher, and every year she'd spend her own money on classroom supplies for the kids she taught. So I know firsthand that teachers who are woefully underpaid will make big sacrifices to ensure the children they teach have what they need to succeed. DonorsChoose lets teachers post their needs, so you can contribute toward happy classrooms and happy kids. One of the best parts of giving is the letters of thanks you're likely to receive from the class.
Girls Who Code
The gender gap in tech is wider than ever and Girls Who Code is working to end it. It hosts a variety of programs to introduce and support young women who are interested in entering the field and creates a network to help them once they embark on their careers.
No Kid Hungry
Food insecurity affects one out of every seven children in the United States. Those kids often depend on No Kid Hungry for school breakfasts, afterschool meals, and free breakfasts and lunches when school is not in session.
Amazon Smile
Women for Afghan Women
This is the time of year when a couple of billion people celebrate a happy event in the life of a refugee family. Right now Afghan refugee families are in dire situations and could use assistance to reach happier times. Women for Afghan Women is welcoming donations of money, furniture, and essential household items for families resettling in the United States.
First Book
A book is a gateway to a new world and the cost of entrance is not that expensive. Every dollar received by First Book is turned into one book received by a child in need, but this Giving Tuesday, each dollar will go twice as far.