Kick off the start of the charitable season with #GivingTuesday.  Once a small team dedicated to bringing people together and appreciating the value of giving back.  Now, celebrated in over 150 countries, #GivingTuesday's one purpose is to do good.

Nationally recognized on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday wants to celebrate and encourage philanthropy.  On November 27th, 2018, you can participate in the movement, whether by providing your time, your voice, a donation, or a gift, you can be involved.  #GivingTuesday can start as small as a family, to a company, to an organization, to an entire community.  The idea of #GivingTuesday focuses on the potential of social media and engages the generosity of people around the world to bring about change in communities.

Created by a team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, this organization has been bringing people together around the ideas of giving back and service since 1874.  #GivingTuesday was officially founded and had its "inaugural" year in 2012, following Belfer Center's partnership with the United Nations Foundation.  Entering its seventh year, #GivingTuesday has only grown.  Just this year alone, there are already over 2.5 million gifts and 300 million dollars raised.

#GivingTuesday is not the only way to give back or show your charitable side, but it is a start.  It all starts will an individual but can grow to corporations.  Big companies like Amazon are recognized for giving back through their Amazon Smile service, which allows customers to donate 0.5% of every purchase to charitable organizations.  Communities In Schools of Jacksonville is dedicated to giving to our students and ensuring their bright future.  Giving back is extremely important to bringing about a change, whether in your community or the world.  Giving is a great way to make sure an impact is being made and other are being helped.

#GivingTuesday provides people with a global day fueled by kindness and collaboration.  Although #GivingTuesday may only be recognized one day a year, the giving, unity, events, and results are year-round.

There are many ways to give, and countless reasons why.  Show your generosity on #GivingTuesday.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday and to find organizations, charities, events, and more in your community, click here.

Share your stories of giving on social media with #GivingTuesday.