Happy Giving Tuesday!
I love that this day exists because it’s a great reminder of what the season is all about. Giving, of course, but giving solely to give, not to get anything in return. Let’s be honest — sometimes that gets lost in the crazy shuffle that is holiday gatherings, shopping, Santa letters and buy, buy, buy. (Anyone else have a moment of hearing N*Sync in their heads right there? Ha!) It’s easy to forget the true meaning of this season, and that there are a lot of really incredible charities to donate to that could really use support!
Doug and I were talking last night about how, when it comes down to it, there’s not much we actually need.
With that in mind, sometimes this time of year seems overdone with all the buying and wish lists. (I’m so guilty of getting caught up in the madness!) The truth is that we are very lucky. For a lot of reasons, but one of them is that we’re lucky for having what we need. For our wish lists being filled with things that, sure, are great to have, but aren’t really necessary. Others are not as fortunate, and I believe this recognition is very important.
Our Family’s Favorite Charitable Tradition
We want to make sure that during this time of year, we’re of course celebrating and enjoying all that comes with the season, but that we’re also embracing the notion of giving in its purest sense.
That we’re teaching our kids what this season means, and that we’re teaching about giving to help others and not just ourselves or those immediately around us.
I’m proud that, for the past few years, we’ve started a family holiday tradition of charitable giving as one of our presents.
Basically, we replace a present we would have bought with a donation to a charity. Doug picks a charity and makes a donation on my honor, and I do the same for him. We are both picking charities for our girls as one of their presents, too. Among the presents that are opened on Christmas day, we each open little wrapped boxes, containing a piece of paper with the charity name that was donated to on our behalf and why.
One year, Doug’s grandma passed away from Alzheimers, so that year I donated to the Alzheimers Association in his name. Last year, Grace and Joey got donations to NextGen Climate. They don’t really “get” what it all means yet, but I think that the consistency of this tradition year over year will definitely add up to teaching our girls in an impactful way!
This is my formal invite for you to join us in adopting this fun little charitable tradition!
It’s super easy to do, and imagine the wave of difference we can make if even a few of our families do this every year. With all this in mind, I thought I’d share a list of charities to donate to for you to consider!
A Short List Of Amazing Charities To Donate To
ACLU
An organization all about protecting the freedoms and rights granted by the Constitution. They help to stand for a robust list of issues including immigrants rights, women’s and LGBT rights.
Alzheimer’s Association
A cause near and dear to both Doug and I, as both our grandparents suffer or have suffered from this disease. Donations help to fund research and support programs.
American Cancer Society
Another one dear to me, as my mom currently works for this amazing organization. Their mission is to free the world of cancer. ACS funds and conducts research, supports patients in needs, and spreads the word about cancer prevention.
American Red Cross
Disaster relief and lifesaving blood. When a tragedy sweeps an area, they’re some of the first responders helping those in need.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Offers programs and support for children when they’re not in school.
Center for Reproductive Rights
A legal advocate for securing women’s access to quality reproductive health care.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
Law and policy center focused on advancing the rights of people with disabilities through advocacy, education and public policy.
Earth Justice
The nation’s largest non-profit environmental law organization. Leverages their expertise and commitment to fight for justice and advance the promise of a healthy world for all.
Human Rights Campaign
Advocates for LGBT equality.
National Resources Defense Council
Works to safeguard the earth – its people, plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends.
NextGen Climate
Dedicated to fighting climate change.
Oceana
Dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
Planned Parenthood
Delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.
Robin Hood
Poverty-fighting organization that helps to give money & services to places like soup kitchens, homeless shelters, schools and job-training programs.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Provides places to stay for families who have children going through an illness like cancer. Helps to ensure that these families, and their kids, have access to the care they need (and each other) to get better.
My list of charities to donate to only scratches the surface — there are so many organizations doing amazing things! If you’re interested in finding more organizations doing good, check out Togetherlist!
2 comments
This is quite interesting. Great idea on giving!
amakamedia.com
This is such a great idea Emily!! A few years ago my Dad asked everyone to donate $50 to his favorite charity instead of giving him a birthday gift! These are great organizations to donate to!
xo, Sarah