By Kimberly Paulk, SHARECharlotte.com, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Based on the number of catalogs stuffed into my mailbox each day, it’s that time of year again. Holiday shopping season is close at hand, and in fact both of my youngest nieces have already given me their holiday wish lists. This is actually incredibly helpful, since I have a boy and I tend to be pretty clueless about what’s in style for 10 year old girls right now, or what games 3 year olds like to play (although apparently anything Elsa-related is a safe bet). 
But this year, as I’m scanning for sales and looking for the perfect princess-shoes, I’m also planning for a special day you might not have heard about- Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday, which will fall on December 2nd, is a global day dedicated to giving back. Launched by New York’s 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation and now in its third year, Giving Tuesday happens right after the hyper-consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a simple idea – a day for all of us to celebrate generosity. Find a way – any way – to give back to an organization you love. That could be your church, community center, or a nonprofit that touches your heart.
If you need some ideas, over 60 nonprofit organizations here in Charlotte have joined forces to make it easy to learn more about them and get involved in a way that works for you – through a financial donation or volunteering. Visit GivingTuesdayCLT.org right now to learn more about the day, and explore the many ways to give and get involved in Charlotte.
But don’t just check out the website. There’s more fun to be had! Follow the campaign on social media using #GivingTuesdayCLT. Check out the mysterious purple Gifting Boxes turning up all over Charlotte. Join in the conversation by posting a picture of your family’s plan to celebrate GivingTuesdayCLT this year (and if you’re into hashtags, tag it as an #unselfie).
And thanks – because in the end, every small action we take will add up to a better Charlotte.
