The holiday season is right around the corner, and even though many of us look forward to receiving presents every year, it’s important to remember that it’s also a time to giveback. That’s why you, yes you, should get involved with #GivingTuesday on December 1st.
Right after Thanksgiving, we all look forward to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But this year, you have #GivingTuesday to look forward to as well. #GivingTuesday was started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York, and has become a yearly global event since then.
The purpose behind the movement is to engage people worldwide to give back this holiday season. Their website reads that the goal behind #GivingTuesday is to “be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity.”
The #GivingTuesday campaign urges participants to use social media and the #GivingTuesday hashtag to promote the charity or non-profit their supporting this holiday season. The goal is to create a “global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.”
Whether or not you choose to show your support on social media, we can all agree that the concept behind #GivingTuesday is great. Your philanthropy can extend beyond the first of December, and you can get involved all year round.
Since we’re in D.C. and the holidays are slowly creeping up on us, here are some D.C. charities and non-profits you can donate to and support this holiday season.
The Movember Washington D.C. City Network
Grow out your mustache for 30 days in support of men’s health, then track your progress on the Movember D.C. City Network page. They’ve already raised over $200,000. So let it grow, let it grow, let it grow.
Dig through your closet, find your ugliest sweater, and head on down to the National Harbor in Maryland on December 12. Stretch a little bit and start running in support of Save the Children.
Extend a helping hand or donate to the nation’s leading organization in combating hunger.
Donate a few dollars to this D.C. based non-profit that empowers women across the globe to help them combat poverty, inequality, and violence.
Donate your time or money to Jumpstart D.C. to help and inspire children to build their literacy and language skills.
Get involved with D.C. based non-profit Brainfood, which promotes a health lifestyle for children across the District.
Provide a safe space for child abuse victims in D.C. and help prevent further abuse by donating to Safe Shores this holiday season.
