“Giving is not just about making a donation.
It is about making a difference.” – Kathy Calvin
There are many ways to give. You can give of your time, your talents, your energy, and your financial support. I promise that the more you give of yourself, the more you GIVE to yourself.
Below are some ideas of giving today on GIVING TUESDAY and to incorporate into your daily life.
SHARING:
Share a smile, a kind word, or a hug with those you share your day with today. Remember, a hug is an invitation, not a request, so ask first.
VOLUNTEERING:
Share your time with people or organizations you believe in. Ask yourself what are you passionate about and look for organizations that align with your passion as you will find the volunteering experience even more rewarding. Is it people, animals, or the environment you are most passionate about? Each has great organizations that need your passionate help.
CHECKING IN:
Check-in on those you know may be going through a difficult time. Sometimes just a quick text, email, call, or visit could be just what they need today. Check-in on your elderly neighbors, especially if the weather is bad.
SUPPORTING FINANCIALLY:
Whether it’s $1, thousands of dollars, or something in between, here are some organizations that I believe in. (NOTE: please listen to your intuition and research to make sure they are aligned to your values.)
POSITIVE FOCUS: What would I be doing if I didn’t say the organization I founded. While we are a small volunteer organization, we are mighty with our passion and purpose of helping people focus on LOVE over fear.
Below are some national or international organizations I believe in and support. I also encourage you to check out local organizations in your community too as your donations to them are huge.
ACLU: The ACLU’s mission remains to realize the promise of the Bill of Rights for all and expanding the reach of its guarantees to new areas. Beyond one person, party, or side — the ACLU dares to create a more perfect union.
DO IT FOR THE LOVE: Hope – Healing – Music. We make live music experiences, by any artist, available to those who need the healing power of music the most. To date, we have made over 2000 musical wishes come true thanks to the love and support of our incredible community.
GARY SINISE FOUNDATION: At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
INTERNATIONAL RELIEF TEAMS: International Relief Teams alleviates the suffering caused by poverty and disaster — from the forgotten corners of the world to right here at home.
SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST: embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife and habitats. Working across Kenya, our projects include anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness, addressing animal welfare issues, providing veterinary assistance to animals in need, rescuing and hand rearing elephant and rhino orphans, along with other species that can ultimately enjoy a quality of life in wild terms when grown.
RESEARCH:
Please make sure whoever you give to, volunteer with, or support, you do it with an open heart and that you believe in the organization you are serving. Here is an article from Consumer Reports that rates some organizations (not all and certainly not smaller ones), but it has helpful tips.
