Most of you know the devastation my family went through almost 2 years ago with my Jemma. We were hit so suddenly with an illness that prevented my working and I was living at the children’s hospital for over a month. Without any means to make dinner, I purchased meals from the hospital. All the while, hospital bills were adding up and we were forced to deal with a loss of insurance. I thought it was like kicking someone when they are down… my little girl was on a ventilator in a PICU and I was trying to figure out how to pay bills. It was horrible.
That is until some very dear friends started up a fund to help my family and help it did. We received money from people we had never met but that cared enough about our situation to help us. My husband was able to pay for the gas to and from the hospital on a daily basis. I was able to eat in the hospital cafeteria. That act of kindness and giving made all the difference in our lives at that moment and something I will remember my whole life.
I have been asked to share this very special day with you. All thoughts and opinions are my own and something I am very happy to share with you. Compensation is received.
Tuesday, December 2nd is Giving Tuesday. What is that? It is a day for true giving. “Giving Tuesday’s goal is to boost humanity rather than the economy.” There are many ways you can participate in Giving Tuesday and it isn’t all about giving monetarily. I know, for us, that is just not possible right now. But, I do give back in more ways.
On Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, December 2nd, 2014), give time or money to a cause or person you care about. Buy a trailing customer’s morning coffee to warm and brighten her winter day. Rake your grandparents’ residual leaves before snow blankets their yard. Contribute cash to a non-profit that researches and increases awareness for a disease affecting a loved one.
I try to teach my children the importance of giving back to others everyday. I offer my time to my church, my family, and my friends. Recently, I have taken over the craft bazaar at my kids’ school. This is a time consuming volunteer position but it helps their private school function and be able to help those that can’t afford the tuition. I spent time with a friend at the book fair, helping her to get things organized and helping the customers that came through. Each year I offer my time to our church at the parish picnic and other times that I can. I have even present for my parents as they have dealt with a rough recovery for my dad’s surgery. I did it because I care for them. I did it because I wanted to. Giving back to others does not have to cost you a thing. It can be your time that you offer. I do give to my church each month to help with our growth and needs. It isn’t much but it helps. Every little bit helps.
I encourage you to give now though. Don’t think about how there are so many people that can do the job, who can donate. Yes, there are a good number of people who may, but will they? It is up to each of us to give our time, our money, and ourselves to each other. Don’t be part of the bystander effect where you stand by and don’t do anything because there are so many who can. Be the one that stands away from the crowd and gives yourself.
Tuesday is the day to do that. Make a point of doing something special to give back on Tuesday… and maybe every other day will be easier to do. If you feel inclined to help someone monetarily, you will find several individuals to choose from on GiveForward. Acts of true giving take place every day on GiveForward, but Giving Tuesday is a wonderful time to reflect on how both small and large gifts make great impacts.
Connect with GiveForward on Twitter. You can also follow the hashtags #GiveForward and #GivingTuesday.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
I really like that the focus on a Tuesday is thinking about how we can give back to others. i hope more people support this day and cause.
Amanda Love says
I give as much as I can and not just on giving Tuesday but whenever. I think that this shouldn’t just have one day but many days.
Lisa Rios says
I love the idea. Giving back is very important, feels so great to give to others during the holidays. I love helping others. I try to help the homeless by giving warm cloths & you can see how priceless their smiles are!
Annie says
Well it’s passed Tuesday, but I can always apply it to next week. Giving back is always amazing & it truly brings a smile to the other person 🙂
Ann Bacciaglia says
We spend a lot of time donating and volunteering at our local food bank. It is important to help out in any way that you can.
celebbabylaundry says
Giving back is so important, it feels so good doing so during the holidays!
Sarah Bailey says
Ooo I had no idea about Giving Tuesday – can I make it giving Wednesday as I missed it 🙂 x
Paula schuck says
I have been incredibly motivated this year to give back ever since I traveled with World Vision Canada to Colombia. I agree 1000% giving back compassion and tolerance and empathy are all incredibly important characteristics I nurture in my entire family. Giving Tuesday is a wonderful opportunity to remember that it’s important to give and to identify a charity within your family that will be important to you as something you support going forward.
Amanda says
This is a great program. I love that it is promoting helping each other.
Our Family World says
It always feels so great to give to others, their smiles are priceless!
Jennifer Williams says
I did not actually give back on Giving Tuesday. I did however start a program to help raise money and gifts for an orphanage – it just will not actually be given until later in December.
Tess says
I haven’t heard of giving Tuesday. We r going to pay off a Christmas layaway this year.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
I’m currently participating in a campaign that raises money for a school that caters to low-income Latino students. It’s a great way to give back to the community.
Lois Alter Mark says
I love the whole idea of Giving Tuesday. If we could all just do one little thing for someone every day, imagine what a better place the world would be!
coolchillmom says
We took all of our can drive cans to the food bank today with the kids! Love giving Tuesday 🙂
Theresa says
We adopted children from the angel tree and will be taking our gifts to them. I love the idea of giving back, not just on a Tuesday, but every time the opportunity arises!
Heather says
This is the first year I have heard about giving Tuesday. We will be giving to our favorite charity, St. Jude and today I bought all of the presents for our parish’s giving tree.
LifeAsAConvert says
My family was working on a project last night to “give”. I’ve also been in the boat with medical issues and scraping by .
Jeanine says
I give back as much as I can when I can! Lately not as much as I would use to though but hopefully again soon!
Terry says
I try to help the homeless by giving warm clothing and boots for their feet. You can only do so much, but I think every little bit helps.
Liz Mays says
I wish everyone would be willing to just help each other. There’s always antagonizing and pointing fingers. Kindness should be shown to everyone!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Great campaign! I think too many people get stuck on giving one way and don’t realize that there are so many ways to give!
maria says
This is great! I hope more of us can give back now that more know about the campaign!
Rena McDaniel says
We are actually beginning work with Meals on Wheels soon and I am really excited about that. We have been fundraising for Alzheimer’s research for most of the year but I am focusing on a few others that are important to us. Wounded Warrior Project is also on my list but I have yet to donate.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
We donated food to our local food pantry a few weekends ago, but I don’t think I will have time to do anything today. Week days are just too busy for us when the kids are in school.
Lesley A Stevens says
I didn’t know about this day. I guess I better think of something to do!
Stefany says
Haha! It doesn’t take much to give back. 🙂
connie says
I don’t know what I’ll do tomorrow but I will give back. I received some help today and I am going to pay it forward.
Stefany says
That is so nice. It is a great feeling to get and give I think.