Today is #GivingTuesday.
The hashtag refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving where we are urged to give back following the festivities of Turkey Day, and the excessive spending exercised on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Here are five things to know about it:
- The charitable day began four years ago as a way of encouraging people to spend money for a good cause.
- When it started in 2012, the organizers — the 92Y in New York City and the U.N. Foundation — were hoping 50 nonprofits would participate. They suggested retailers and charities use the hashtag #GivingTuesday.
- 35,000 charities, civic groups, celebrities and for-profit companies had joined by 2014.
- The average online gift is $100.
- #GivingTuesday garnered an encouraging $46 million in charitable donations last year–a 63% increase from 2013.
This is an incredible opportunity to give back and help out those who really need it so please give.
Happy holidays!
