Tuesday, December 2, 2014

It's Giving Tuesday


Today is Giving Tuesday, a movement started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post Thanksgiving season. Celebrated on the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving (and Black Friday, and Cyber Monday), it's an opportunity to channel the generosity of the holiday season to inspire action around charitable giving. If you are fortunate enough to be able to share financially this December, today is a good day.

Where will we give? The options are endless. Here are some ideas below:

Bob's school adopts a number of local families each December to sponsor for the season. Our LA department of Social Services also has an Adopt a Family program. Your community may have something similar.

Food pantries and homeless shelters can always use a boost, especially at this time of year. In Los Angeles, there is the Downtown Women's Center, The LA Mission, and Covenant House for homeless children and teens. LA's SOVA Pantry is the local food pantry from Jewish Family Services.

Make a donation, or join, renew or give a membership to a favorite place. Descanso Gardens in nearby La Canada/Flintridge is one of my favorite places on the planet. Our local children's museum Kidspace in Pasadena is terrific. Our local library can always use a boost. Think of a local spot you love that could use your money to spread the goodness.

The nearby Clare Foundation offers free alcohol and drug rehab services. Friendly House, the oldest women's recovery house in the US is a terrific place. MusiCares supports musicians with financial, medical, and personal emergencies.

Maybe animals are your thing? Or the environment? Or a Children's Hospital? Whatever is close to your heart, you can find a charitable organization to reflect it. Today is the day. Go give.





2 comments: