How to Live Every Day Like It’s #GivingTuesday
After we’ve given thanks and spent Black Friday through Cyber Monday looking for gifts to treat our friends and family, Giving Tuesday offers an opportunity to think about how we can give back to the community and our neighbors. It’s a time to count our blessings, pay it forward, and lead by example – showing our kids, friends and family how to LIVE UNITED. There are many ways you can participate in Giving Tuesday – from signing up for a volunteer opportunity to making a donation to help a family stay warm through the winter.
#GivingTuesday is more than a national day of giving; it’s a growing movement of nearly 7,000 partners that includes nonprofits, private companies, youth, parents and other members of the community who are committed to making a difference. On this day, you will have the opportunity to write a check to a worthy cause if you so wish, but you can also give your time, your voice, your talents and your expertise. -United Way Worldwide President Stacey Stewart writes in Huffington Post article Live Every Day Like It’s Giving Tuesday
Here are a few ways you can participate right now:
1 – Sign up for volunteer opportunities.
Your time is one of the most valuable things you can share. Sign up for an upcoming volunteer opportunity. Join United Way’s team at Mayor Menino’s Annual Homeless Census on Monday, December 16th at 9pm, sign up to help with Christmas in the City (email kausiello@unitedwaymassbay.org for more information), or pledge to volunteer as a mentor to youth.
2- Make a gift to our Family Fund
Did you know that homelessness in Massachusetts has reached record levels? United Way’s Family Fund reaches out to help struggling families with basic needs. Any gift can help a family get back on their feet, not just during the cold of winter, but with programs that work year-round to provide emergency food and shelter, homeless prevention, utilities assistance, and more.
3 – Talk to your kids and watch Our Tree
The holidays are a great time of year to talk to children about the value of community and giving back. Sit down with the kids for a few minutes and watch our short animated fable Our Tree that shows the importance of working together to build a thriving community.
4- Get Social
Use social media to spread the word to your friends and family about how you give back! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and share with your own networks! #GivingTuesday #unselfie #payitforward