On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

What is #GivingTuesday™?

#GivingTuesday™ is a national movement to encourage philanthropic activities that support nonprofit organizations.

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday™, a global day dedicated to giving back. The goal of #GivingTuesday™ is to inspire personal philanthropy, volunteerism and to encourage bigger, better and smarter charitable giving during the holiday season, showing that the world truly gives as good as it gets.

Who can participate?

Everyone! #GivingTuesday™ is a public movement and we encourage everyone to get involved.

It is a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. After you make a gift, encourage friends, family and colleagues to donate as well by using the #GivingTuesday hashtag in your social networks. Be part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity.

Do I have to wait to give?

#GivingTuesday™ is just “the opening day of the giving season.” Giving is a lifelong commitment, and a giving day is a special celebration, a reminder to all of us to think of others and our communities as well as ourselves. We encourage giving back throughout the year, whether through donations, volunteering or in whatever other ways we can. #GivingTuesday™ is more than a moment, it’s a movement.

Can I give to the Y?

Of course, and there is no other nonprofit quite like the Y. That’s because, in DeKalb County, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change.

The Kishwaukee Family YMCA is mission driven to develop strong children, families and communities across DeKalb County through academic readiness, character development, fitness and healthy living. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

Support the Y online with your gift at here.

 

Looking for other opportunities to give back. Please consider some of these options.

#GivingTuesday is just “the opening day of the giving season.” Giving is a lifelong commitment, and a giving day is a special celebration, a reminder to all of us to think of others and our community at large. We encourage giving back throughout the year, whether through donations or volunteering.

1. Donating an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl in one of the Toys for Tots drop off bins located at the Y.

2. Volunteer to help make a difference in the community through the Y.

3. Make a donations of canned goods to help the hungry in the community.

4. Assist in the DeKalb County Health Department’s community wide effort to “go green” by recycling old holiday lights, drop off bins are located at the Y.

5. Give blood.