This morning, NPR mentioned that it’s Giving Tuesday, which is starting to become a trend. I love the idea. I try to be as generous as possible, something I learned from my parents. I grew up squarely middle-class, but watched my parents donate their money and time.
My mom says she’s happy to donate because the money always comes back. The more she gives, the more she gets in return.
My dad is a member of the Knights of Columbus and after one of his brother knights passed away, my dad assisted his wife, shuttling her to and from church and doctors appointments. She recently died (in her nineties!) and made sure to include my dad in her will. The note that accompanied her very generous monetary gift brought me to tears.
One gesture that my parents have taken on is offering to pay whenever they see a priest at a restaurant. I saw four of our parish priests at a breakfast shop after church on Sunday and made a dash to hand my credit card to the cash registrant. She waved me off, “Someone has already covered them!” If you see a priest, rabbi, imam, or anyone who inspires you, tell them or show them appreciation.
I have some great Giving Tuesday options for you!
- I know you shop at Amazon. Here’s a tip. Go to http://smile.amazon.com/ instead. Bookmark it now. Same user experience, same products, same prices as the regular Amazon site. The difference? A portion of your purchase price will be donated to the charity of your choice. Mine is the ACLU.
- The ACLU will fight to defend the rights of all citizens, especially in a post-election world.
- I will forever be indebted to the San Francisco City Clinic whose doctors cared for me when I didn’t have a job and couldn’t afford health insurance. Similarly, you can support Planned Parenthood, to which I also donated post-election.
- My favorite and highly-rated international non-profit: International Rescue Committee
- Give to your church, alma mater, or your favorite charity.
- Volunteer your time.
What are you doing today for Giving Tuesday?
What great suggestions and paid for the person in back of me at Starbucks actually today as the person in front of me did for me, as well. But love the priest idea that your parents came up with, too 🙂
i love that! pay it forward and backward, especially the unexpectedness of it.
We have similar ideas, Catherine. I donated to Planned Parenthood and the ACLU today (they matched donations today), and I just earmarked Amazon Smiles for the ASPCA.
My favorite way to donate is when family or friends (or kids of friends) are raising funds for a cause that is passionate to them. There are so many races and walks in my area, and I try to support each person I know who is participating in one. Supporting a friend and a good cause – it’s a double win.
great minds think alike! similar to you, a friend of mine says she always donates if someone asks: charity, school raffle tickets, you name it. ask and you shall receive.