There was Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now today is Giving Tuesday, a day to raise money for local charities.
The global movement was founded in 2012, with the goal of giving back. "When this started out a couple years ago we were pretty skeptical about it," admitted Colleen Finn-Ridenhour, Senior Vice President of Development for Habitat for Humanity. But by 2015, Giving Tuesday had spread to 98 countries and raised approximately $177 million, according to the campaign's official website.
To take part in Giving Tuesday, all you need to do is pick a charity you trust and visit their website to donate. Many organizations are including the hashtag #GivingTuesday in their recent social media posts as a reminder.
Local charities are hoping people will take the time to donate online, volunteer their time, or just spread the word about #GivingTuesday.
Some local groups in need include Greater Lansing Food Bank, St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and the Capital Area Humane Society.
Volunteers are also wanted to help out at food banks, homeless shelters, and pack meals for elderly adults in the tri-county area. The Tri-County Office on Aging is in need of 20-30 volunteers every day this week to prepare the meals. To volunteer, call Casey Cooper: (517) 887-1377.
