Giving Tuesday a refreshing break from ‘buy!’ push

Day of donating comes after post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy

With Thanksgiving week comes a new onslaught of pressure: a never-ending barrage of sales at retailers across the nation.

Black Friday. Small Business Saturday. Museum Store Sunday. Cyber Monday.

No matter where one looks, the message is buy, buy, buy.

That message can be bleak at times, feeling commercial, disconnected and impersonal. But today, there’s a chance to make a difference and give back.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as Giving Tuesday, “a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration,” organizers at GivingTuesday. org note.

The intention is to kick off the charitable season with a way to help others.

On the surface, one might think that means donating cash to an organization or group. But money isn’t the only way one can give.

Organizers note that possibilities include giving time through volunteering, giving donations, giving gifts, or using “the power of your voice in your local community.” One can help a nonprofit by designing a flier for an upcoming event, or by offering time spent manning a booth at an upcoming event.

In Yuma County, there is no shortage of nonprofit organizations that exist to help others within the community.

Hospice of Yuma, the Humane Society of Yuma, Amberly’s Place, Crossroads Mission, Adult Literacy Plus, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Assistance League, Catholic Community Services, Helping Hands, Saddles of Joy … these organizations are but the tip of the iceberg here.

However, for these organizations to meet their missions, they first need some help.

Giving Tuesday is intended to encourage us to step forward and offer that support, in whatever ways we can.

It’s a positive movement, and a refreshing way to move past the commercial craziness that has become ritual after Thanksgiving every year.

Join in, and help local nonprofits as they prepare to face the busy holidays.