International Day of Charity in the United States

Date: September 5th

History: The International Day of Charity was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The day was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work to overcome poverty and distress. While not a public holiday in the United States, it is recognized by many as a day to focus on charitable acts.

Traditions:

• Volunteering: Individuals and groups often volunteer their time at local shelters, food banks, and other nonprofit organizations.
• Donations: Many people choose this day to make financial contributions to their chosen charities or start fundraising campaigns.
• Awareness Campaigns: Charities and nonprofits use this day to raise awareness about their causes through various events and social media campaigns.
• Corporate Giving: Businesses may engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives, including matching employee donations or organizing community service projects.

What People Do:

• Participate in community service or organize charity events.
• Encourage friends and family to donate to causes they care about.
• Share information about charities and their work on social media platforms.
• Reflect on the importance of charitable acts and how they can contribute year-round.