Giving Tuesday in the United States

Date: Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States. It typically falls after the shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

History:

• Origin: Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and its partner, the United Nations Foundation.
• Purpose: The day was established as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). The idea was to create a day that was all about celebrating generosity and giving back.

Traditions:

• Donations: Individuals take part by donating money to their chosen charities and non-profit organizations.
• Volunteering: People also engage in volunteer work, offering their time and skills to local community services and initiatives.
• Social Media Campaigns: #GivingTuesday has become a popular hashtag on social media, where individuals encourage others to share acts of kindness and contributions.
• Corporate Support: Many businesses support the initiative by matching donations or running special campaigns that contribute a portion of sales to charitable causes.

What People Do: On Giving Tuesday, people across the United States engage in various acts of generosity. These can include:

• Making financial contributions to non-profits, charities, or community groups.
• Signing up for recurring donations or organizing fundraising events.
• Offering practical support like food drives, clothing collections, or blood donations.
• Spreading awareness about causes they are passionate about through social media or word of mouth.